Famed comedian Bill Cosby continues to avoid responding to allegations from several women that he sexually abused and raped them.

During an interview with National Public Radio, "Weekend Edition" anchor Scott Simon three times asked Cosby to respond to the charges. Each time the normally talkative comedian uttered nary a word, as the host -- this was radio, after all -- each time said "You're shaking your head, no."

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Questions were posed tastefully with Simon saying this was a news program adding, "This question gives me no pleasure, Mr. Cosby. But there have been serious allegations raised about you in recent days." Cut to silence for several seconds each time, each time Simon finally saying, "You're shaking your head, no."

Cosby's Mr. Nice Guy image took a severe beating this week as allegations continued to mount, with accusations that he has raped as many as 13 women over the years.

The rape allegations are nothing new and have played out in the media for more than a decade with several women going public. Each time, their charges were reported in the media and each time the issue seemed to fade away. Cosby has settled at least two potential rape lawsuits with out-of-court settlements muzzling the accuser in exchange for money.

Cosby has spoken very publicly over the years about a perceived lack of ethics and bad behavior by African-American men. He also has occupied a very public platform in American comedy and show business with numerous hit shows and top billings.

What set off this round of accusations was the persistent airing of the issue by cutting edge comedian Hannibal Buress who has included acidic remarks about Cosby's behavior in his act. His "You're a rapist" routine calling out Cosby seems to have resonated across social media platforms.

This was followed by a column in The Washington Post by former actress and current artist Barbara Bowman who said Cosby drugged and raped her numerous times in the mid-1980s. That's when he was at the peak of his show biz power playing the likable father figure Dr. Cliff Huxtable on the number one rated "Cosby Show."

Cosby has ducked the public glare in recent weeks. He cancelled several appearances including an upcoming David Letterman Show interview. However, Cosby surfaced Saturday on NPR, not clearing up much with his refusal even to speak, merely shaking his head -  on radio no less - when politely confronted with the sexual abuse charges.

TagsBill Cosby, Rape, hannibal buress, comedy, show business, NPR, cosby show, David Letterman, Sexual Abuse