In arguments before a federal appeals court Oct. 7, a lawyer for one of Bill Cosby’s accusers argued that a 2014 statement by Cosby’s spokesman and lawyer was more than just an opinion, while judges raised questions on the free-speech implications of the case.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit heard arguments Oct. 7 in Hill v. Cosby. Renita Hill, of Pittsburgh, has alleged that Cosby sexually assaulted her, then defamed her by denying allegations brought by her and other women.