Bill Cosby found liable for 1972 sexual assault
AP News • • entertainment
Key Points:
- A California civil jury found Bill Cosby liable for drugging and sexually assaulting Donna Motsinger in 1972, awarding her $59.25 million, including $40 million in punitive damages.
- The verdict follows a nearly two-week trial in Santa Monica and comes nearly five years after Cosby was released from prison when his Pennsylvania conviction was overturned.
- Motsinger, who filed her lawsuit in 2023, described being drugged and raped by Cosby after attending his comedy show, and expressed that the verdict holds Cosby accountable after 50 years.
- Cosby's attorneys have expressed disappointment and plan to appeal the verdict, arguing the allegations are based on speculation.
- This case is among several sexual assault lawsuits against Cosby, who has denied all allegations, with some prior cases resulting in settlements or smaller awards.
