A California jury has ordered Bill Cosby to pay $59.25 million to Donna Motsinger, a former waitress he drugged and raped more than half a century ago, per deadline.com. The landmark civil verdict, delivered on Monday, marks a significant moment of accountability for the 88-year-old comedian once celebrated as “America’s Dad”.
The total award comprises $19.25 million in compensatory damages and a further $40 million in punitive damages. The jury reached the decision after concluding that Cosby acted with “malice, oppression, or fraud” during the 1972 assault, which occurred in San Carlos, California. Ms Motsinger, now 84, was able to bring the claim following recent legislative changes to the state’s statute of limitations for sexual offences.
In a statement following the verdict, Ms Motsinger expressed a sense of long-awaited relief. She noted that while she has carried the weight of the assault for over 50 years, the jury’s decision finally validated her truth. The court heard harrowing testimony regarding the night of the incident, where Ms Motsinger recalled being given what she believed was an aspirin by Cosby before losing consciousness and waking up partially undressed.
Despite the substantial sum awarded, it remains uncertain whether Ms Motsinger will receive the funds. Cosby’s legal team, led by Jennifer Bonjean, has already confirmed plans to appeal. Furthermore, reports suggest the comedian’s finances are severely depleted, with Cosby recently liquidating several multimillion-dollar properties to cover mounting legal costs and debts.
Cosby, who did not testify during the two-week trial, has consistently denied all allegations of non-consensual sex. This latest defeat follows a string of legal battles, including a 2018 criminal conviction that was later overturned on procedural grounds in 2021. This civil victory for Ms Motsinger was bolstered by testimony from other accusers, including Andrea Constand, whose own case originally led to Cosby’s brief imprisonment.
