Woman who sued Bill Cosby for sexual battery awarded $19.2 million
A Woman’s Lawsuit Against Bill Cosby Results in $19.2 Million Verdict
On Monday, a Southern California civil jury awarded $19.2 million to a woman who claimed Bill Cosby sexually assaulted her over half a century ago, according to her attorney. The 2023 lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court in Santa Monica, centers on Donna Motsinger’s allegations that Cosby committed sexual battery against her in 1972. The case details an incident where Cosby allegedly met her at a Northern California restaurant, lured her to a theater, and incapacitated her with wine and medication.
Cosby’s Denial and Legal Context
Bill Cosby, 88, has consistently denied all accusations of sexual misconduct. In a statement following the verdict, a former representative called the outcome “a dangerous precedent,” arguing that it allows unsupported claims from decades past to gain traction. The lawsuit alleges that Cosby followed Motsinger home, offered her a ride in a limo, and then drugged her before forcing sexual acts while she was unconscious.
“She knew she had been drugged and raped by Bill Cosby,” the suit states, describing how Motsinger awoke at her residence with her clothing removed, save for her underwear. The incident is said to have occurred after Cosby provided a glass of wine and an aspirin, leading to her loss of consciousness and subsequent assault.
While the jury approved compensatory damages, punitive penalties are still under consideration. Cosby’s legal history includes a 2018 conviction for three felony counts of aggravated indecent assault tied to Pennsylvania allegations, which were later overturned in 2021. The court found that he had been denied his right to remain silent during the trial. Other ongoing cases in Nevada continue to challenge his reputation, with multiple women accusing him of sexual assault.
Despite the overturned convictions, Cosby maintains his position, stating he has never altered his stance or story. This latest ruling adds to a growing body of litigation against the entertainer, highlighting the persistence of claims against him. Tim Stelloh, a breaking news reporter for NBC News Digital, reported the developments.
