Bill Cosby Liable: Jury Awards $19.25M in 1972 Sexual Assault Case

A California jury found Bill Cosby liable for sexual assault and awarded US$59.25 million (approximately NZ$95.6 million) to his accuser, Donna Motsinger, on Monday, following a nearly two-week trial in Santa Monica.

The jury determined that the 88-year-old comedian and actor sexually battered and assaulted Motsinger in 1972. Motsinger, a waitress at the time, alleged that Cosby invited her to a comedy show and provided her with wine and pills he claimed were aspirin. She testified that she lost consciousness and awoke to locate herself at home with her clothing partially removed, believing she had been drugged and raped, according to court filings.

Jurors awarded Motsinger US$17.5 million in compensatory damages for past suffering and US$1.75 million for future damages, encompassing mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, and emotional distress. An additional US$40 million was awarded in punitive damages.

Jennifer Bonjean, Cosby’s attorney, stated the defense intends to appeal the verdict. “We are disappointed and fully intend to appeal the verdict,” she said in an email.

The decision follows Cosby’s release from prison in 2021, when the Pennsylvania Supreme Court overturned his 2018 conviction on charges of aggravated indecent assault against Andrea Constand. The court found that Cosby had been improperly denied due process when he relied on an agreement with a former prosecutor that he believed granted him immunity from criminal prosecution.

Motsinger initially made her allegations anonymously in a 2005 civil lawsuit filed by Constand. This case marks one of numerous accusations against Cosby spanning decades, with at least 60 women alleging sexual misconduct. Cosby has consistently denied these allegations.

In 2022, a separate jury in Santa Monica awarded US$500,000 to a woman who alleged Cosby sexually assaulted her at the Playboy Mansion in 1975.

The current case also named Cosby’s production company, Jemmin, Inc., and the Circle Star Theater as defendants, alleging negligence in ensuring the safety of patrons. The lawsuit claimed Jemmin, Inc. Was liable for Cosby’s actions and was established solely to support his business ventures. The Circle Star Theater is no longer in operation.

Motsinger stated, “This verdict is not just about me — it’s about finally being heard and holding Mr. Cosby accountable. I have carried the weight of what happened to me for more than 50 years. It never goes away. Today, a jury saw the truth and held him accountable. That means everything. I hope this gives strength to other survivors who are still waiting for their moment to be heard.”

The punitive damages phase of the trial is scheduled to continue.