PHILADELPHIA — Bill Cosby's lawyers are suggesting for the first time that the sex assault case against him is racially motivated.

Cosby's lawyers are taking aim at celebrity attorney Gloria Allred, who represents some of the accusers who could testify against him.

The defense says Allred is behind a campaign against the 79-year-old comedian that "builds on racial bias and prejudice."

Allred calls the attack "desperate."

Cosby has long chastised poor blacks for blaming their problems on racism, and has instead preached to them about personal responsibility.

Legal experts say defense attorneys may be trying to sway potential jurors before Cosby goes on trial next June.

Cosby's lawyers have not raised any bias claims in court.

(Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed)

More From New Jersey 101.5 FM