The 77-year-old comedian has denied claims made against him.
Rock likened the damage to Cosby’s reputation to the deaths of comedians Robin Williams and Joan Rivers, who both passed away this year.
“What do you say? I hope it’s not true,” Rock toldVulture of the Cosby allegations.
“That’s all you can say. I really do. I grew up on Cosby. I love Cosby, and I just hope it’s not true. It’s a weird year for comedy. We lost Robin, we lost Joan, and we kind of lost Cosby.”
Rock admitted that Cosby was disdainful of him in the early stages of his career, although “he turned pretty quick”.
Cosby has defended himself, saying that, “People need to fact check” before coming to any decisions. His lawyers have strongly denied all claims.
“I know people are tired of me not saying anything, but a guy doesn’t have to answer to innuendos,” Cosby told Florida Today.
“People should fact check. People shouldn’t have to go through that and shouldn’t answer to innuendos.”
A fortnight ago he was given standing ovation when he performed at Melbourne, Florida.
In 2006, Andrea Constand claimed that Cosby had drugged and assaulted her in his Philadelphia mansion in 2004 - allegations firmly denied by his lawyers. Over 13 alleged victims were proposing to testify but the civil case with Constand settled in 2006. The terms of the settlement remain undisclosed.
Cosby has never been arrested or charged with any offence arising from the allegations.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies