27 Bill Cosby Accusers Speak Out on Special Edition of NBC's DATELINE Tonight

For the first time, 27 of Bill Cosby's accusers joined together in the same room for an exclusive group interview to share their harrowing - and many strikingly similar - stories. In a powerful new special airing Friday at 9pm/8c on NBC's Dateline, NBC News National Correspondent Kate Snow sat down with nearly half of Cosby's alleged victims who have come forward publicly, ranging in age from 46 to 80, for an unprecedented conversation about their personal recollections of assault, betrayal, and emotional distress.

During the special hour, Cosby's accusers respond to questions and skepticism regarding their allegations, and the denial of their claims from Cosby and his legal team. Though their stories span five decades, many begin the same way, involving offers of mentorship from Cosby before they were allegedly drugged and mistreated by him. Cosby has never been charged with a crime and continues to maintain that he did not drug or sexually assault anyone.

Snow also sat down separately with a small group of women known as "Jane Does," who came forward in 2005 and agreed to tell their stories of being sexually assaulted by Cosby under oath anonymously, although they did not get the chance. Additionally, Snow spoke with attorney Gloria Allred, who represents many of Cosby's accusers.

Dateline's "The Cosby Accusers Speak" airs tonight, October 9 at 9pm/8c on NBC. Excerpts from "The Cosby Accusers Speak" follow. If used, mandatory credit NBC's Dateline with air date. More details of each woman's story will be available after it airs at: www.nbcnews.com/dateline.

Photo courtesy of NBC News