A California jury found Bill Cosby guilty of sexually abusing Donna Motsinger after inviting her to attend one of his comedy shows in 1972.
Mostsinger is a former waitress at a Sausalito restaurant. She accused Cosby of raping her after giving her wine and a pill that caused her to lose consciousness.
The jury awarded Motsinger $59.25 million in damages. An expert witness called to the stand before the jury’s final decision estimated that Cosby was worth about $128 million.
The jury first awarded Motsinger $19.25 million in compensation for her pain and suffering. Then the jury awarded an additional $40 million in punitive damages.
“This verdict is not just about me – it’s about finally being heard and holding Mr. Cosby accountable,” Motsinger said on Monday after the jury’s award was announced. “I have carried the weight of what happened to me for more than 50 years. It never goes away. Today, a jury saw the truth and held him accountable. That means everything. I hope this gives strength to other survivors who are still waiting for their moment to be heard.”
Cosby will appeal the jury’s decision, which could take years before the victim sees any money.
Motsinger first filed her civil lawsuit against Cosby in Los Angeles Superior Court in September 2023.
Cosby didn’t testify on his own behalf during the 2-week trial.
“I was obviously disappointed in the decision, but we believe we have a strong appeal and we’ll pursue that,” his lawyer Jennifer Bonjean said after the jury’s decision was announced on Monday.
Cosby is reportedly broke and deep in debt to creditors, including victims who won previous lawsuits against him.
Cosby’s wife, Camille (pictured), laughed off divorce rumors in 2021. She was spotted without her wedding ring after Cosby was released from prison on June 30, 2021.
“It’s hilarious because Mr. & Mrs. Cosby have been happily married for 57 years and counting,” Andrew Wyatt told Radar Online that same year.
“They have not worn wedding rings in almost 30 years,” Wyatt said, before adding that “vultures” are praying for the Cosbys’ downfall.
