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 awarded $19.2 million to a woman who alleged Bill Cosby sexually assaulted her nearly 50 years ago, as reported by her attorney. The verdict, delivered Monday, pertains to a 2023 lawsuit filed in Santa Monica by Donna Motsinger, who accused Cosby of sexual battery during an encounter with a server at a Northern California restaurant in 1972.
Case Details and Cosby’s Response
Motsinger’s claim centers on an incident involving a server she met at a Northern California eatery in 1972, with Cosby denying the allegations. In a statement, a former representative for Cosby expressed sadness, arguing the ruling could set a dangerous precedent by validating claims made without sufficient evidence after years of delay.
“This verdict allows decade-old allegations, presented without proof, to stand, which could lead to unjust outcomes for others,” said the spokesperson.
Legal History and Previous Convictions
Earlier in 2018, Cosby was convicted in Pennsylvania of three felony counts of aggravated indecent assault, following accusations that he drugged and assaulted Andrea Constand in 2004. However, the state Supreme Court overturned the conviction in 2021, ruling that Cosby was denied the right to challenge his own testimony. Despite the reversal, Cosby maintained his innocence, stating he never changed his account of the events.
Tim Stelloh, a breaking news reporter for NBC News Digital, provided updates on the case. The latest award adds another layer to the ongoing legal and public scrutiny surrounding Cosby’s alleged misconduct.
