LOS ANGELES – In a significant legal decision, a civil jury in California has found Bill Cosby liable for drugging and sexually assaulting a woman named Donna Motsinger in 1972. The jury awarded her $19.25 million after nearly two weeks of trial in Santa Monica.
Cosby, who is now 88 years old, was accused by Motsinger, a former restaurant server, who testified that Cosby invited her to his stand-up show and allegedly drugged her with wine and pills. She claimed to have lost consciousness and woke up to find herself naked except for her underwear.
Motsinger’s lawsuit was filed in 2023, and during the trial, she detailed the traumatic experience, stating clearly, “She knew she had been drugged and raped by Bill Cosby.” In contrast, Cosby’s attorney argued that Motsinger’s allegations lacked solid evidence, suggesting they were based on speculation.
The jury awarded Motsinger $17.5 million for past damages and $1.75 million for future damages, which included compensation for mental suffering and emotional distress. The jury deliberated for just over a day before reaching their decision, which could increase further in a punitive damages phase of the trial.
This ruling comes nearly five years after Cosby was released from prison in Pennsylvania, where he had been convicted of similar charges. His conviction was overturned by the state Supreme Court, leading to a complex legal history surrounding his allegations.
Motsinger’s allegations add to a long list of accusations against Cosby, with more than 60 women having come forward with similar claims of sexual assault. Cosby has consistently denied these allegations.
The Associated Press typically refrains from naming individuals who claim to have been sexually abused unless they choose to go public, which both Motsinger and Andrea Constand, another key witness in the trial, have done.
This case not only highlights the ongoing discussions about consent and sexual assault but also reflects the broader implications of the #MeToo movement, which has empowered many survivors to come forward with their stories.
