Cosby Says Allegations Won't Stop Activism

NEW YORK – Bill Cosby (search) doesn't believe allegations of infidelity prevent him from speaking out about moral issues.

In an interview that aired Wednesday on ABC's "Good Morning America (search)," Cosby said he should be able to teach others to learn from his mistakes. He likened his mistakes to hitting a pothole while driving on a rainy road and trying to warn others to avoid the same fate.

Cosby, 67, best known as a warm, wisecracking TV dad, sparked debate last year with blunt remarks on personal responsibility aimed at the black community. In 1997, the long-married Cosby acknowledged a brief affair with the mother of Autumn Jackson (search), a young woman convicted of extorting him.

The entire ABC interview was set to air Wednesday on "Nightline."

Cosby was asked if his own failures of judgment disqualify him from speaking about others.

"No," he replied. "I couldn't care less what you think of me as long as you begin to execute that which will save your children."

Cosby faces a civil lawsuit filed by a former Temple University employee who alleges that he drugged and fondled her at his home in suburban Philadelphia. The woman, who now lives in her native Ontario, Canada, sued Cosby in March. She went to Canadian authorities on Jan. 13, about a year after her alleged encounter with the comedian.

When asked in the interview whether those allegations would hurt his standing on moral issues, Cosby said, "If they are not true, what happens if they are not true?"

Lawyers for Cosby, a Temple University alumnus and booster, have said Cosby considered himself a friend and mentor to the woman. Cosby denied the assault allegation but acknowledged giving her over-the-counter medication after she complained she was stressed and couldn't sleep.