Kanye West tweets support for Bill Cosby, says actor is ‘innocent’

Rapper Kanye West has taken to Twitter to lend his support to actor and comedian Bill Cosby, who is facing sexual assault charges.

Cosby is accused of drugging and sexually assaulting Andrea Constand at his home in Cheltenham, Philadelphia, in 2004.

“BILL COSBY INNOCENT !!!!!!!!!!” West tweeted earlier today, without any elaboration.

Fellow comedian Sarah Silverman was quick to respond to the tweet, reminding West that Cosby has been accused of sexual assault or misconduct by more than 50 women - allegations he and his legal team have consistently denied.

Silverman was not the only person angered by West’s statement as Twitter blew up with responses to the tweet.

In a deposition made during a civil lawsuit last year, Cosby admitted to giving Constand three quaaludes but insisted the sexual contact was consensual.

A US judge ruled on February 4 the sexual assault charges against Cosby may proceed after the actor tried to have them dismissed.

The case will reconvene on March 8 with a preliminary hearing to determine if prosecutors have enough evidence to move forward.