Woman who sued Bill Cosby for sexual battery awarded $19.2 million

Woman who sued Bill Cosby for sexual battery awarded $19.2 million

A Southern California civil jury delivered a $19.2 million verdict to Donna Motsinger, who filed a lawsuit against Bill Cosby in 2023. The award came after she alleged he committed sexual battery in 1972, when he allegedly assaulted a server he met at a Northern California restaurant. The case was heard in Los Angeles County Superior Court in Santa Monica, according to her attorney.

Cosby, 88, maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings, rejecting the claims as baseless. His former representative expressed disappointment, stating the decision “sets a dangerous precedent” by allowing old allegations to gain traction without solid evidence. The verdict has sparked debate over the timeline and proof required in such cases.

“Deeply saddened” by the outcome, the representative added, arguing that the ruling risks letting decades-old accusations, lacking concrete proof, influence modern judgments.

In a separate trial, Cosby was convicted of three felony charges in Pennsylvania in 2018. The conviction followed allegations that he drugged and assaulted Andrea Constand in 2004. However, the case was reversed in 2021 when the state Supreme Court ruled he had been denied his right to remain silent during the trial.

Cosby consistently denied wrongdoing in that case, insisting he never altered his account. The 2023 verdict in California highlights ongoing legal battles tied to his historic allegations. Tim Stelloh, a breaking news reporter for NBC News Digital, reported the developments.