Bill Cosby loses sexual assault lawsuit and ordered to pay $59.25 million in damages
Bill Cosby has been found guilty in a case that accused him of drugging and raping Donna Motsinger in 1972. Cosby has been ordered to pay Motsinger $59.25 million in damages.
Motsinger, who is now 84 years old, filed her case against Cosby in 2023. In the case, she alleged that Cosby lured and groomed her for assault after frequenting the restaurant she served at in Sausalito, California.
Eventually, Cosby invited Motsinger to attend one of his shows in San Carlos. While travelling to the show, he offered her a glass of wine. Shortly thereafter, she began to feel nervous, so Cosby offered her what she believed at the time to be aspirin.
From there, the woman began to float in and out of consciousness. Eventually, she woke up at home in only her underwear with no recollection of what had happpened and quickly determined that she had been raped by the star.
“Defendant Cosby used his enormous wealth, power, fame, and prestige, giving women like Ms Motsinger access to a world of celebrities and entertainers,” the complaint stated.
After three days of deliberations, the Californian jury ruled in favour of Motsinger and awarded her an initial $19.25. The jurors awarded her an additional $40m after deliberating punitive damages.
Cosby was once a huge name in the comedy industry, but has since fallen from grace after several sexual assault allegations came to light.
Cosby was previously jailed in 2018 for drugging and sexually assaulting Andrea Constand in 2004, yet he was released in 2021 after the conviction was overturned on a legal technicality. However, the guilty verdict still stands.
Cosby’s lawyer has stated that he intends to appeal the new verdict.
In total, more than 60 women have accused the actor of sexual misconduct. Cosby continues to deny multiple allegations of sexual assault from women, maintaining that they were all consensual. He did not testify in this trial.
For help, advice or more information regarding sexual harassment, assault and rape in the UK, visit the Rape Crisis charity website. In the US, visit RAINN.
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