Bill Cosby found liable in 1972 sexual assault case; ordered to pay more than $19 million
FILE – Bill Cosby arrives for a sentencing hearing following his sexual assault conviction at the Montgomery County Courthouse in Norristown Pa, on Sept. 25, 2018. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)
A jury in Santa Monica, California, has found actor and comedian Bill Cosby liable in the sexual assault of a woman in 1972 and has awarded her more than $19 million.
The jury in the civil case awarded Donna Motsinger $19.25 million after a nearly two-week trial.
Motsinger said in a lawsuit filed in 2023 that Cosby invited her to a show, gave her wine and pills. She says she later woke up at home partly undressed and concluded that Cosby had drugged and raped her.
His lawyers called the claims speculation and say they plan to appeal.
The verdict came nearly five years after Cosby was freed from prison in a criminal case with similar allegations.
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