A California civil jury has ordered legendary comedian Bill Cosby to pay nearly 60 million USD to a woman he drugged and sexually assaulted more than 50 years ago. On 23/3, after a two-week trial, the jury found Cosby, 88, liable for sexual assault and battery against Donna Motsinger, a former waitress.
Cosby was ordered to pay Motsinger 19,25 million USD in past and future damages. These damages cover "mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, inconvenience, sorrow, anxiety, humiliation, and emotional distress". The court further awarded an additional 40 million USD in punitive damages.
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Bill Cosby in a criminal court hearing for similar charges, 2018. Photo: KOMO
Motsinger's lawsuit, filed in 2023, detailed the incident from 54 years ago. She alleged that Cosby invited her to his stand-up comedy show at a theater in San Carlos when both were in their 30s. Cosby reportedly gave her wine and two pills, leaving her in a "semi-conscious" state. Afterwards, two men escorted her into a limousine. The lawsuit states, "The victim woke up in her home completely undressed."
Before these allegations, Bill Cosby was widely known as "America's Dad", a celebrated stand-up comedian, actor, and author. His illustrious career spanned decades, marking him as an icon in the entertainment industry.
Cosby's achievements included consecutive Grammy Awards for Best Comedy Album from 1965 to 1970. In 1966, he made history as the first African American to win a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series.
However, Cosby's legacy began to unravel in 2014, when at 77, he faced a barrage of sexual assault allegations amidst the MeToo movement. Approximately 60 women accused him of assault and drugging.
While Cosby was convicted in a criminal court on some charges, he was later released due to errors in the legal process. Other criminal cases had exceeded their statute of limitations. Consequently, victims like Motsinger pursued civil lawsuits seeking compensation, with this recent verdict being one such outcome.
Hai Thu (According to ABC, KOMO, LA Times)
