Bill Cosby Speaks Out, Says He's ''Very Appreciative'' of Eddie Murphy for Not Mocking Him on SNL

Bill Cosby spoke out today amid the ongoing sexual assault allegations, thanking Eddie Murphy for not using his personal life as comedy fodder. 

The 53-year-old comedian appeared on the Saturday Night Live 40th Anniversary Special over the weekend, where it was later revealed by Norm McDonald that Murphy had planned to perform a Bill Cosby sketch. 

McDonald explained via Twitter that Murphy grew uncomfortable with the material and ultimately opted out the sketch because "he will not kick a man when he's down." 

And apparently, Cosby got wind of the news, as he has since released a statement thanking the Coming to America star.

"I am very appreciative of Eddie and I applaud his actions," the 77-year-old beleaguered comedian said, per NBC. 

Cosby did not address the controversial claims that continue to plague his legacy. To date, more than 20 women have accused the actor of sexual assault, although Cosby's lawyers have vehemently denied the various allegations.

While Cosby, who poked fun at the claims during a stand-up routine in Canada last month, has failed to address the shocking accusations, he has spoken out in the past after receiving support from fellow celebs, including Jill Scott and Whoopi Goldberg. 

"Thank you @MissJillScott, from the Cosby Family," the actor posted in December, later adding, "Thank you @WhoopiGoldberg." 

Both Scott and Goldberg have publically defended Cosby--the soul singer called the accusations against the comedian "insane" while Whoopi butted heads with her View co-stars when they previously debated the Cosby case. "It seems now you're guilty no matter what, even if you're innocent, you're guilty because once somebody accuses you of this, that's what you are," she said. 

Meanwhile, former Hollywood executive Cindra Ladd, the wife of Oscar-winning producer and former MGM Chair Alan Ladd Jr., is the latest woman to come forward, claiming Cosby raped her 36 years ago when she first began working in the industry.