The U.S. Navy is revoking Bill Cosby’s honorary title of chief petty officer, the service announced Thursday.
“The Navy is taking this action because allegations against Mr. Cosby are very serious and are in conflict with the Navy’s core values of honor, courage and commitment,” Navy Secretary Ray Mabus and Master Chief Petty Officer Michael Stevens said in a joint statement.
The Navy’s action marks the latest chapter in the public backlash against Cosby that has included NBC canceling his planned sitcom “America’s TV Dad” last month.
{mosads}Cosby was given the honorary military rank in 2011. He originally enlisted in the service in 1956 and served for four years as a hospital corpsman before being honorably discharged in 1960 as a 3rd class petty officer, according to the statement.
The famed comedian has come under fire in recent weeks as past allegations by several women that he drugged and raped them have resurfaced.
Several more women have come forward accusing the 77-year-old TV legend of sexual misconduct. Cosby has repeatedly denied the allegations, none of which have gone to court.
Cosby has also been bestowed the Presidential Medal of Freedom, though a former White House aid predicted President Obama would not revoke that honor.