A California civil jury has held Bill Cosby responsible for drugging and sexually assaulting a woman in 1972, awarding her $59.25 million US in damages. The verdict came after a nearly two-week trial in Santa Monica, where Cosby, 88, was found liable for the sexual battery and assault of Donna Motsinger. The jury granted her $17.5 million US for past damages and $1.75 million US for future damages, citing various forms of harm such as mental suffering and emotional distress.
In a subsequent phase of the trial, the jury awarded an additional $40 million US in punitive damages. Cosby’s attorney, Jennifer Bonjean, expressed disappointment and confirmed plans to appeal the decision. Motsinger, in a statement, emphasized that the verdict was not just about her but about seeking accountability from Cosby after more than five decades of carrying the weight of the incident.
Motsinger’s lawsuit, filed in 2023, detailed how she was allegedly drugged and raped by Cosby after he invited her to a comedy show in San Carlos when they were both in their 30s. The lawsuit further described Motsinger waking up at her home undressed, leading her to believe she had been a victim of drugging and sexual assault.
The accusations against Cosby were initially made in 2005 during a lawsuit filed by Andrea Constand, a Temple University sports administrator. Cosby did not testify at the trial, which included testimonies from Constand. The state’s Supreme Court had previously overturned Cosby’s criminal conviction stemming from similar allegations, leading to his release from prison.
Motsinger’s case adds to a series of allegations made against Cosby, with over 60 women accusing him of sexual misconduct, which he has consistently denied. Despite once being a renowned figure in stand-up comedy and television, Cosby’s reputation has been tarnished by the legal battles and allegations, marking a significant chapter in the #MeToo movement’s efforts to address sexual abuse and misconduct.