Bill Cosby’s lawyers accuse prosecution of racism after they tried to block black woman from joining jury

THE final jury for the Bill Cosby sexual assault trial will include two black people among its 12 members after his legal team claimed "prosecutors were being racist in their selection".

The comedian's lawyers argued that the prosecution was trying to keep black people from the jury after two women were blocked - but this was rejected by the judge.

The 79-year-old, who is best known for his portrayal of Dr. Cliff Huxtable on "The Cosby Show," is charged with drugging and molesting a women's basketball team manager at his home near Philadelphia in 2004.

He is accused of plying the woman with pills and wine before assaulting her.

Dozens of other women have made similar accusations against Cosby but Judge Steven T. O'Neill is allowing only one of them to testify.

He has been present during the jury selection this week at the Allegheny County Courthouse in Pittsburgh, USA.

Jurors were selected 300 miles from away from Norristown, Philadelphia, where the trial is set to begin on June 5, because the judge feared extensive coverage could impact the process.

The judge found that prosecutors had valid reasons to prevent the two females from being among the dozen jurors, as it emerged one had been previously accused of "making false statements".

Six alternate jurors were chosen today including the two black members.

Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele said: "It is a terrific jury made up of people of all demographics."

The jury makeup of 17 percent is higher than the 13 percent black population in Allegheny County.

Cosby, who was 66 and married at the time of the alleged offence, has pleaded not guilty and claims the incident was consensual.

Cosby was arrested in December 2015, just days before the 12-year statute of limitations expired.

The US comic, who is registered blind, remains free on a $1 million bail.

After the hearing Cosby spoke briefly to reporters, thanking "all of the people who have come to see my shows".

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