Bill Cosby found guilty of 1972 sexual assault, victim awarded nearly $60m

Bill Cosby was found liable by a California jury for drugging and sexually assaulting Donna Motsinger in 1972, awarding her $59.25 million. Motsinger, a server at the time, alleged that Cosby invited her to his show, gave her wine and pills, and she later awoke at home with no clothes on, believing she had been drugged and raped. Cosby's lawyers argued the allegations were based on speculation, and Cosby did not testify. Andrea Constand, whose prior sexual assault conviction against Cosby was overturned, testified in the trial. Cosby, who faces allegations of sexual misconduct from at least 60 women, was previously convicted of sexual assault in 2018, but the verdict was later overturned.

A California jury found Bill Cosby liable for drugging and sexually assaulting Donna Motsinger in 1972, awarding her $19.25 million. The civil trial, held in Santa Monica, stemmed from a lawsuit Motsinger filed in 2023 alleging Cosby invited her to his comedy show in San Carlos, where he gave her wine and pills that caused her to lose consciousness. She claimed she awoke at home with her clothes removed, believing she had been drugged and raped. Cosby's lawyers argued the allegations were based on speculation. Cosby's attorney stated they were disappointed and intend to appeal the verdict. This decision comes nearly five years after Cosby was released from prison when his Pennsylvania sexual assault conviction was overturned.

A California jury has ordered Bill Cosby to pay $19.25 million to Donna Motsinger, a former waitress, after finding he drugged and sexually assaulted her in 1972. Motsinger, now 84, alleged that Cosby incapacitated her with a pill after offering her a ride to one of his shows. Cosby, 88, has denied Motsinger's allegations, as well as similar claims from dozens of other women, and his lawyer has stated he will appeal the verdict. The jury in the Santa Monica case may also award additional punitive damages. Cosby's prior conviction for sex assault was overturned in Pennsylvania in 2021 on a technicality, and he maintains all encounters were consensual.

A California court ordered Bill Cosby to pay over $19 million to Donna Motsinger, an 84-year-old woman, following a civil hearing regarding her sexual abuse claim. Motsinger, who worked as a waitress over 50 years ago, alleged that Cosby drugged and sexually assaulted her after offering her wine and a pill in his limousine. She stated that she lost consciousness and awoke at home wearing only her underwear. The lawsuit claimed she knew she had been drugged and raped by Cosby. The hearing took place in Santa Monica.