Bill Cosby Ordered to Pay $19.25 Million to Accuser in Civil Sexual Assault Case
A California jury has found Bill Cosby liable for sexually assaulting Donna Motsinger in 1972 and awarded her $19.25 million in damages. The verdict comes after a nearly two-week trial in Santa Monica Superior Court, adding to the growing number of legal challenges facing the disgraced comedian.
Details of the Alleged Assault
Donna Motsinger, a former waitress at The Trident restaurant in Sausalito, California, alleged that Cosby drugged and raped her after inviting her to a performance at the Circle Star Theater in San Carlos. According to Motsinger’s lawsuit, Cosby provided her with wine and pills he claimed were aspirin while in a limousine en route to the theater. She subsequently lost consciousness and awoke at home with only her underwear on, believing she had been sexually assaulted.
During the trial, excerpts from a videotaped deposition of Cosby were presented, in which he admitted to obtaining Quaaludes through a poker game with a doctor and acknowledged giving the drug to women with the intent of sexual activity. He stated, “I didn’t” when asked if he knew if a woman was capable of consent after being given a Quaalude. Deadline
Jury Award and Legal Response
The jury awarded Motsinger $17.5 million for past mental suffering and $1.75 million for future suffering. Her lawyer, Spencer Lucas, argued that Cosby “surreptitiously drugged women with sedatives…with the intent of rendering them unconscious so he could have his way with them.” Deadline
Cosby’s attorney, Jennifer Bonjean, expressed disappointment with the verdict and indicated plans to appeal. KFIA
Cosby’s Legal History
This ruling follows Cosby’s previous conviction for sexual assault in 2018, which was later overturned and led to his release from prison in 2021. In June 2022, a Santa Monica jury found Cosby liable for sexually abusing Judy Huth at the Playboy Mansion in 1975, awarding her $500,000. KFIA
Evidence presented during the Motsinger trial revealed Cosby filled a prescription for Quaaludes seven times, obtaining a total of 210 pills. Deadline