A jury in California has ordered Bill Cosby to pay $19.25 million (£14.3 million) in damages to a former waitress after finding that he drugged and sexually assaulted her while taking her to one of his shows more than five decades ago.
Donna Motsinger, who was 21 at the time, reported that Cosby offered her wine and a pill that incapacitated her after he picked her up in a limousine in 1972. Cosby has denied the allegations, along with the numerous claims from other women over the years.
The jury found in favor of Motsinger, who alleged that after taking the pill, she blacked out and later woke up at home without clothing, which she claims indicates she had been assaulted.
Cosby's attorney, Jennifer Bonjean, has indicated that they will appeal the verdict. Previously, Cosby was released from prison in Pennsylvania in 2021 after his conviction for a similar crime was overturned on a technicality.
This latest case highlights ongoing issues regarding the treatment of sexual assault victims within the legal system. Many advocates express concern over the barriers victims face in pursuing justice, an issue that Motsinger's historic case underscores through its revelations and verdict.
With the jury's decision, potential additional punitive damages may still be determined by the court, which could increase the financial consequences for Cosby further.
