A jury in California has ordered veteran comedian Bill Cosby to pay $19.25 million in damages to a former waitress after finding that he drugged and sexually assaulted her in 1972.
Case Background
The plaintiff, Donna Motsinger, now 84, alleged that Cosby invited her to one of his comedy shows decades ago.
According to court documents, he picked her up in a limousine and offered her wine along with a pill she believed to be aspirin.
She testified that shortly after taking the pill, she became disoriented and drifted in and out of consciousness.
“The last thing she remembers were flashes of light,” according to court filings.
Motsinger later woke up at home partially undressed and concluded she had been drugged and sexually assaulted.
Defense Response
Cosby, 88, has consistently denied the allegations. His legal team argued that Motsinger could not clearly recall the events and therefore lacked concrete evidence of what occurred.
His attorney, Jennifer Bonjean, confirmed that Cosby plans to appeal the verdict.
Potential Additional Damages
While the jury awarded $19.25 million in compensatory damages, they may still decide on punitive damages, which could significantly increase the total amount Cosby is required to pay.
Broader Context
The case adds to a long list of accusations against Cosby.
Over the years, dozens of women have come forward with claims of sexual assault, misconduct, and harassment dating back to the 1960s.
Cosby rose to fame through his hit television series, The Cosby Show, which made him one of the most influential entertainers of his era. However, his reputation has been severely damaged by these allegations.
Previous Conviction and Release
In 2018, Cosby was convicted in Pennsylvania for sexual assault and sentenced to prison. However, in 2021, the conviction was overturned due to a legal technicality, leading to his release after nearly three years behind bars.
Location of Incident
Motsinger was working at a well-known restaurant in Sausalito at the time—an establishment popular among celebrities, including Cosby.
