Ohio State University has revoked an honorary degree awarded to veteran actor Bill Cosby amid his retrial in a sexual assault case, which begins tomorrow.
The 80-year-old comic's degree was rescinded after the university trustees approval, which is a first incident of the kind in the history of the OSU, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Cosby received the recognition when he spoke at commencement in 2001.
An Ohio State spokesman said the "Man and Boy" actor had admitted violating the principles and values of the varsity.
Cosby's retrial, which would start with opening statements in suburban Philadelphia, involves a woman who claims he drugged and assaulted her in 2004.
He has denied the allegation, calling the encounter consensual.
Cosby's first trial ended in a hung jury.