LAPD investigating alleged Bill Cosby sexual assault claim

Los Angeles police department are investigating a sexual assault claim against comedian Bill Cosby, a police spokeswoman said.

The woman is a "possible victim" of sexual assault by Cosby, Officer Jane Kim said, adding it is an open case but declining further comment.

Cosby is coming under increasing scrutiny as more and more women accuse him of sexual misconduct. At least 21 women have made claims against him in recent weeks, reported CNN.

The 77-year-old comedian and actor has vehemently denied most of the accusations that he drugged and sexually assaulted young women. He has never been charged with a crime.

One of the latest accusations comes from former Playboy bunny PJ Masten, who says there are 12 more ex-bunnies with similar stories who don't want to come forward.

Masten said that Cosby sexually molested her at the Playboy Mansion when she was 15. She said she told her supervisor soon afterwards and was told no one would believe her because Cosby and Playboy founder Hugh Hefner were good friends.

Hefner responded to the allegations in a statement, saying "Bill Cosby has been a good friend for many years and the mere thought of these allegations is truly saddening. I would never tolerate this kind of behaviour, regardless of who was involved."

The new accusations could further harm the reputation of Cosby -- the man behind children's programming like 'Fat Albert' and 'Little Bill,' and whose eponymous No 1 sitcom, 'The Cosby Show,' cast him as a wisecracking, doting family man.