Bill Cosby Ordered To Pay $19.25 Million Over 1972 Assault
A Santa Monica jury found Bill Cosby liable for drugging and sexually assaulting Donna Motsinger in 1972 and awarded $19.25 million.
FOX NewsBill Cosby found liable for 1972 sexual assault, jury awards $19M to accuser
BBC NewsJury orders Bill Cosby to pay $19m to ex-waitress after finding he abused her in 1972
CBS NewsBill Cosby found liable in 1972 sexual assault, must pay over $19 million in damages
MS NOWJurors find Bill Cosby liable for a 1972 sexual assault
Overview
A Santa Monica civil jury found Bill Cosby liable for drugging and sexually assaulting Donna Motsinger in 1972 and awarded her $19.25 million.
Motsinger filed the lawsuit in 2023, saying Cosby gave her wine and pills, left her incapacitated, and she woke up largely unclothed, according to court papers.
Cosby's attorney Jennifer Bonjean said they were disappointed and would appeal the verdict.
Jurors awarded $17.5 million in past damages and $1.75 million for future damages.
A punitive damages phase was set to begin later Monday to determine whether Cosby must pay additional damages.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources present this reporting neutrally. They mark allegations with attribution ("the suit alleges"), include plaintiff details and the defendant's denial and representative statement, and provide legal context (past conviction and its overturning). Reporting avoids loaded adjectives and privileges neither side, letting source quotes and court outcomes carry weight.
FAQ
Donna Motsinger alleges that in 1972, after serving Cosby at The Trident restaurant in Sausalito, he invited her to his show at Circle Star Theater, gave her wine and a pill described as aspirin in his dressing room, causing her to lose consciousness; she woke up at home wearing only underwear.
A Santa Monica jury found Bill Cosby liable for drugging and sexually assaulting Donna Motsinger in 1972, awarding her $19.25 million ($17.5 million past damages, $1.75 million future damages), with a punitive damages phase to follow.
The lawsuit was filed in 2023 by attorneys Brian Panish and Jesse Creed, revived under California's 'look-back' law allowing older sexual assault claims.
In a deposition, Cosby admitted obtaining Quaaludes from Dr. Leroy Amar to give to women he hoped to have sex with, refilling the prescription seven times, though he denied taking it himself.
Cosby refuses to testify live or appear at the trial; his side will be presented through a pre-recorded deposition.
