Hugh Hefner: Bill Cosby allegations saddening; but would never tolerate this kind of behaviour, regardless of who was involved

Los Angeles: Hugh Hefner says he "would never tolerate" the kind of abusive behavior Bill Cosby is being accused of.

The Playboy magazine mogul said in a statement Saturday that he considers Cosby a good friend and "the mere thought of these allegations is truly saddening."

Cosby has faced a flurry of allegations in recent weeks that he sexually assaulted more than a dozen women. One of the accusers, Judy Huth, filed a lawsuit last week claiming the comedian forced her into a sex act at the Playboy mansion when she was 15 years old.

Hefner, who lives at the mansion, said: "I would never tolerate this kind of behavior, regardless of who was involved."