A United States jury has ordered veteran comedian Bill Cosby to pay millions of dollars in damages to a former waitress after finding him liable for a sexual assault that occurred in 1972.
The civil case was brought by Donna Motsinger, now in her 80s, who accused Cosby of drugging and assaulting her more than five decades ago. According to court proceedings, the incident happened after Cosby invited her to attend one of his shows, where she was allegedly given a drink and substance that left her incapacitated.
After reviewing the evidence, the jury concluded that Cosby was responsible for the assault and awarded the plaintiff approximately 19 million dollars in damages. The ruling marks a significant legal outcome in a case that dates back over 50 years and reflects ongoing efforts by survivors to seek justice long after alleged incidents occurred.
The lawsuit itself was filed in 2023, made possible by legal changes in California that allowed older sexual assault claims to be pursued despite the passage of time. Motsinger described the verdict as a long-awaited moment of accountability, expressing hope that it would encourage others to come forward.
Cosby, who is now in his late 80s, denied the allegations throughout the trial and maintained that the encounter was consensual. His legal team has indicated plans to appeal the verdict.
This case adds to a long list of legal battles involving the former television star, who has faced numerous accusations of sexual misconduct from multiple women over the years. He previously served time in prison following a 2018 conviction in a separate case, though that conviction was later overturned in 2021 on procedural grounds.
The latest ruling reinforces the broader impact of legal reforms that have enabled survivors of historical abuse to seek justice, even decades after the alleged events took place.
