Bill Cosby ordered to pay $19.25m in sexual assault civil case

FILE - Bill Cosby arrives at court to face a felony charge of aggravated indecent assault.

A California court has awarded US$19.25 million in damages to a woman who accused veteran actor and comedian Bill Cosby of drugging and sexually assaulting her in the early 1970s. The civil case was brought by Donna Motsinger, now in her 80s, who told the court the incident occurred in 1972 after Cosby allegedly offered her a drink and a tablet she believed to be harmless.

According to court filings, Motsinger said she quickly lost control of her body and drifted in and out of consciousness. “I remember flashes,” she stated in legal documents, describing fragmented recollections before later waking up at home with signs she had been sexually assaulted. The jury awarded damages totalling US$19.25 million, with a separate decision on potential additional penalties still pending.

Cosby, 88, denied the allegations. His legal team argued that the claim lacked a clear and consistent recollection of events and maintained that no assault took place. Defense attorney Jennifer Bonjean said the comedian intends to challenge the verdict.

“We strongly disagree with the outcome and will pursue further legal remedies,” Bonjean said in a statement following the ruling.

The decision marks the latest development in a series of legal battles involving Cosby, whose reputation was severely damaged after dozens of women came forward over the years with similar allegations of sexual misconduct.

Legal analysts say civil cases such as this often hinge on patterns of behaviour and corroborating testimony, even when events occurred decades earlier.

“Courts in civil matters apply a different standard of proof than criminal cases,” said US-based legal expert Daniel Harper. “Historical allegations can still succeed where there is persuasive evidence and consistency across testimonies.”

Cosby has consistently denied all allegations, maintaining that his past relationships were consensual.

In 2021, he was released from prison after his conviction in a separate sexual assault case in Pennsylvania was overturned due to a legal technicality, nearly three years into his sentence.

The latest ruling underscores the enduring legal and reputational consequences stemming from decades-old allegations, as survivors continue to pursue justice through civil courts.

Bill Cosby lawsuit