Woman Receives Over $19 Million in Sexual Battery Case Against Bill Cosby

Santa Monica Jury Awards $19 Million to Woman in Sexual Assault Lawsuit Against Bill Cosby

A jury in Santa Monica awarded Donna Motsinger more than $19 million on Monday in her civil lawsuit against actor and comedian Bill Cosby, stemming from allegations of sexual assault dating back to 1972, when she worked as a server in a restaurant.

The verdict came after the jury deliberated for three days. In addition to the monetary award, the jury also found that Motsinger is entitled to punitive damages, the amount of which will be determined later, according to her attorneys.

Punitive damages are typically granted at the court’s discretion and serve as a form of punishment for harmful conduct, although not every case qualifies for such awards.

In her lawsuit, Motsinger claimed that Cosby, now 88, visited the restaurant multiple times during the days she worked there. She alleged that he followed her to her home in Mill Valley, just north of San Francisco, where he asked her to attend one of his shows in San Carlos. Motsinger said she was later picked up in a limousine, where Cosby offered her a glass of wine. According to her account, she began to feel ill after being given what she believed was an aspirin and subsequently lost consciousness.

Cosby’s legal team stated he has no recollection of any sexual interaction with Motsinger, maintaining that any encounter that may have occurred was consensual. They also denied accusations of administering drugs without her consent.

Following the verdict, Jennifer Bonjean, Cosby’s attorney, expressed disappointment and indicated that the case would be appealed.

Motsinger voiced her relief at the outcome and emphasized the importance of accountability. "It has been 54 years to get justice, and I know it’s not complete for the rest of the women, but I hope it helps them a little bit," she remarked outside the courthouse. She described the financial damages as “icing on the cake.”

This case follows previous legal actions against Cosby. In June 2022, another jury found him liable for sexually abusing Judy Huth at the Playboy Mansion in 1975, awarding her $500,000. Additionally, Cosby was convicted in 2018 for the sexual assault of Andrea Constand in 2004. Although he served three years in prison, his conviction was overturned in 2021, leading to his release.