Bill Cosby gives first interview in more than two years

Embattled comedian Bill Cosby has given his first interview in more than two years, just weeks ahead of his sexual assault trial.

The 79-year-old told Sirius XM that he doesn't plan on testifying in court because of what might happen during the cross-examination.

"What people want to say, want you to say, and how they manoeuvre - yes, I do have lawyers to protect me, 'objections,' 'sustained' - but I just don't want to sit there and have to figure out what I believe is a truthful answer as to whether or not I'm opening a can of something that ... my lawyers are scrambling," he said.

More than 50 women have accused Cosby of misconduct, with many alleging he drugged and assaulted them.

However, during the interview, the former TV star claimed that the "piling on" of accusations was "an impressive way to get public opinion" to turn against him.

After the host asked him whether he was saying the women had all lied, Cosby cryptically replied "you know better than that".

"I won't, and I cannot answer that," Cosby said. "It's really not fair, and you know that because all I have to do is say something similar to that and the next thing I know the postman is carrying a big bag, or whoever it is, it's saying 'defamation, defamation, defamation'."

Following statements from Cosby's daughters which pointed to racism as a motivating factor behind the accusations, the radio host asked the comedian whether he agreed.

"Could be. Could be," Cosby replied. "I can't say anything, but there are certain things that I look at and I apply to the situation, and there are so many tentacles."

He also hinted that he may want to return to performing in the future.

"I still feel that I have an awful lot to offer in terms of my writing, in terms of my performance," he said.

At the end of the interview, Cosby thanked the host, before adding: "I just hope I'm not in trouble now, man."

His trial is set to begin on June 5.