Journalists who have followed and covered comedian Bill Cosby for over 40 years are now issuing mea culpas, admitting that they are to blame for not following up on the allegations of rape and sexual assault involving Cosby throughout his career.

Mark Whitaker, Cosby's official biographer, states that it was wrong of him not to address the said allegations. The said confession follows the admission of New York Times columnist David Carr that he, as well as some of his writers, disregarded the claims.

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Carr said that he and his colleagues had their own reasons for turning a blind eye to the allegations, but by doing so, they had failed to protect and give a voice to the women who were strong and brave enough to stand up to a powerful figure such as Cosby.

Aside from taking blame, Carr also pointed a finger at Whitaker for not raising the question of sexual assault.

"Mr. Whitaker has said he didn't want to put anything in the book, which he wrote with Mr. Cosby's cooperation, that wasn't confirmed - which of course raises the question of why he wouldn't have done the work to knock down the accusations or make them stand up," Carr penned in his column.

In response to what Carr had written, Whitaker took to social media to tweet that he was wrong for not dealing with the charges, and for not pursuing the issue "more aggressively".

"@carr2n I am following new developments and will address them at the appropriate time. If true the stories are shocking and horrible," Whitaker tweeted.

Since 1969, the 77-year old has so far been accused by at least 18 women of rape and sexual assault. Cosby's lawyers continue to insist that the comedian is innocent, and that the women are opportunists who simply want their 15 minutes of fame.

The comedian has so far refused to address the allegations, and instead has said "I know people are tired of me not saying anything, but a guy doesn't have to answer to innuendos."

TagsBill Cosby