California Jury Holds Cosby Liable for 1972 Assault

A California civil jury in Santa Monica found Bill Cosby liable for drugging and sexually assaulting Donna Motsinger in 1972, awarding her $19.25 million. Jurors specified $17.5 million for past damages and $1.75 million for future damages, including mental suffering and loss of enjoyment of life. This financial blow to Cosby, now 88, could affect how sexual assault survivors seek justice, as it provides direct compensation for a victim like Motsinger, who is 84 and has lived with the consequences for decades.

Motsinger alleged in her 2023 lawsuit that Cosby invited her, then a server at a Sausalito restaurant, to his stand-up comedy show in San Carlos. He gave her wine and two pills she believed were aspirin, after which she lost consciousness in a limousine. She woke up at home wearing only her underwear, knowing she had been drugged and raped. This account formed the core of the evidence presented during the nearly two-week trial.

Cosby's attorney, Jennifer Bonjean, stated in an email that the team is disappointed and plans to appeal the verdict. Defense lawyers argued in court filings that Motsinger's claims relied on speculation, as she admitted uncertainty about what happened. Cosby did not testify, maintaining his denial of the allegations as he has in similar cases.

Witnesses at the trial included Andrea Constand, who testified about her own experience with Cosby. Jurors deliberated for just over a day before reaching their decision. A punitive damages phase began later on Monday, potentially adding to the total award.

Motsinger first raised her allegations in a 2005 lawsuit filed alongside Constand's. In 2022, another jury in Santa Monica awarded $500,000 to a woman who accused Cosby of assault at the Playboy Mansion in 1975. Cosby's 2018 conviction in Pennsylvania for assaulting Constand was overturned in 2021, freeing him from prison. These outcomes show a pattern of civil judgments against Cosby despite the criminal reversal.

The punitive damages decision could increase Motsinger's total recovery, giving her more resources for ongoing needs. Cosby's appeal might delay payment and test legal standards for old claims. This verdict highlights how such cases can alter lives, offering Motsinger a measure of accountability after years of silence.