Woman who sued Bill Cosby for sexual battery awarded $19.2 million
Woman who sued Bill Cosby for sexual battery awarded $19.2 million
A Southern California civil jury delivered a $19.2 million verdict to Donna Motsinger, who claimed Bill Cosby sexually assaulted her over 50 years ago, according to her attorney. The ruling, issued on Monday, marks a significant outcome in the 2023 lawsuit filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court. Motsinger alleged that Cosby committed sexual battery against a server he met at a Northern California restaurant in 1972.
Punitive damages still under consideration
While the jury awarded compensatory damages, punitive penalties remain pending. Cosby, 88, has consistently denied the accusations, maintaining his innocence throughout the legal process. A former spokesperson for the entertainer expressed disappointment, stating the verdict “sets a dangerous precedent” for allowing “decade-old allegations, presented without evidence or proof, to stand.”
“Deeply saddened by the verdict, which he said sets a dangerous precedent to allow decade-old allegations, presented without evidence or proof, to stand.”
Previous conviction overturned in Pennsylvania
Cosby was previously found guilty in 2018 of three felony charges in Pennsylvania, stemming from a 2004 incident where he drugged and assaulted Andrea Constand. However, the state Supreme Court reversed the conviction in 2021, citing a violation of Cosby’s right to remain silent during his trial. Despite the reversal, Cosby reiterated his stance, claiming he never “changed my stance or my story” regarding the allegations.
Tim Stelloh, a breaking news reporter for NBC News Digital, reported the development. The case underscores ongoing legal battles over historical sexual misconduct claims, with Cosby’s team continuing to challenge the validity of the evidence presented.
