A California civil jury has found Bill Cosby liable for sexually assaulting a woman in 1972, awarding her nearly $60 million in damages in one of the largest financial judgments against the former television star.
The jury concluded that Cosby drugged and sexually assaulted the plaintiff, Donna Motsinger, more than five decades ago. Jurors awarded approximately $59.25 million, including compensatory and punitive damages, following a trial in Santa Monica that lasted about two weeks.
According to court testimony, Motsinger said Cosby gave her wine and pills during an encounter connected to one of his comedy appearances before she lost consciousness and later awoke partially clothed at home, believing she had been assaulted. The lawsuit was filed under California legislation that temporarily expanded the statute of limitations for survivors of sexual assault to bring older claims forward.
Cosby, now 88, has denied the allegations and did not testify during the civil trial. His legal team said they plan to appeal the verdict. The decision adds to a series of legal cases involving similar accusations against the entertainer spanning several decades.
Legal analysts say the ruling reflects a broader shift in how courts are handling historical sexual-assault claims as states reopen legal pathways for survivors seeking accountability. Supporters of the verdict described it as a significant step toward justice, while defense attorneys argued the case relied on decades-old evidence.
Cosby previously served nearly three years in prison after a 2018 criminal conviction in a separate sexual-assault case before the verdict was overturned in 2021 by Pennsylvania’s Supreme Court on procedural grounds.
The latest decision is expected to remain a major reference point in ongoing civil litigation involving historical abuse claims and high-profile defendants. ⚖️
