A civil jury in California, United States (US), on Monday, March 23, ordered veteran American comedian, Bill Cosby, to pay $59.25 million in damages for drugging and sexually assaulting a waitress identified as Donna Motsinger in 1972.
The jury awarded Motsinger $17.5 million in past damages and $1.75 million for future damages, covering mental suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, grief, anxiety, humiliation, and emotional distress after finding Cosby liable for the sexual battery and assault.
In a second phase of the trial, an additional $40 million in punitive damages was granted.
Motsinger, who was a restaurant waitress at the time of the incident, testified that Cosby invited her to a stand-up comedy show, offered her wine and pills she believed were aspirin, and caused her to lose consciousness.
She later woke up at her home, partially unclothed, realizing she had been drugged and sexually assaulted.
Cosby, who has consistently denied all allegations of sexual misconduct brought against him, did not appear in court for the civil trial.
His attorney, Jennifer Bonjean, expressed disappointment over the verdict and confirmed plans to appeal.
Motsinger described the ruling as a long-awaited moment of justice.
“This verdict is not just about me, it’s about finally being heard and holding Cosby accountable,” she said.
The verdict adds to the 88-year-old’s long history of legal battles, as he has faced allegations from approximately 60 women claiming he used sedatives and alcohol to assault them over several decades.
Although Cosby was convicted in 2018 on charges of drugging and sexually assaulting Temple University sports administrator, Andrea Constand, at his home in Pennsylvania in 2004.
That conviction was later overturned in 2021 by the Pennsylvania supreme court on procedural grounds.
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