Why Bill Cosby's Interview With the AP Was Released

— -- The Associated Press reporter who asked Bill Cosby about sex assault allegations against him by various women is defending the release of his interview despite Cosby's request that it not be used.

Brett Zongker told ABC News that, in light of the recent news, the AP found more significance to his Nov. 6 conversation with the comedian.

"In reviewing the full video of our interview, it seemed even more relevant now to show how he responded to being questioned about these allegations," Zongker said. "It’s not only about two more women coming forward. The news that drove our story yesterday [Wednesday] was also NBC cutting ties, Netflix had postponed a project with Cosby and TV Land has also stopped airing 'The Cosby Show,' so media companies cutting ties with Mr. Cosby has been an important part of this story in recent days [as well]."

In Zongker's Nov. 6 interview, Cosby, 77, said "there's no response," and, "I don't talk about it," when asked about the allegations. He also asked the AP reporter that his on-camera refusal to comment about the allegations not be used, saying, "I would appreciate it if it was scuttled."

Zongker told ABC News that the interview was scheduled through the Smithsonian Institute and was meant to focus on Cosby's contribution to an African Art exhibit at the National Mall. Toward the end of the interview, the AP changed the subject to the sexual assault allegations, and said that Cosby "cut me off right away."

"I kind of thought to myself, 'I would have no integrity if I didn’t ask these questions because these are serious allegations,'" Zongker said.