A California jury has ordered Bill Cosby to pay $19.25 million (£14.37 million) in damages to former waitress Donna Motsinger after finding him liable in a civil sexual assault case stemming from an alleged incident in 1972.
The verdict, delivered in Santa Monica, marks a significant legal ruling in one of the latest civil claims brought against the disgraced entertainer, whose legacy has been overshadowed by multiple sexual misconduct allegations.
The jury found Cosby liable for drugging and assaulting Motsinger more than 50 years ago. The award includes compensatory damages, with additional punitive damages expected to be clarified following the ruling.
Who Is Donna Motsinger?
Donna Motsinger is a former waitress who worked in the Sausalito area of California in the early 1970s. According to court records and testimony, she met Cosby while working at a restaurant and later spent time with him socially.
Now in her 80s, Motsinger filed her lawsuit in 2023 after changes to California law allowed older claims of sexual assault to proceed beyond the traditional statute of limitations. Her case is one of several historic allegations that have been revived in recent years under expanded legal provisions aimed at supporting survivors.
The jury returned with a $19 MILLION verdict against Bill Cosby on Monday, in a civil trial involving allegations dating back more than 5 decades.
— HBMtv (@HBM__tv) March 23, 2026
Donna Motsinger claims Cosby drugged & raped her in 1972 after meeting at a restaurant in Sausalito pic.twitter.com/LIc4O286uk
Allegations of Drugging and Assault
During the trial, Motsinger alleged that Cosby gave her a drink along with a pill, which she believed to be an aspirin. She testified that the substance caused her to lose consciousness. She further claimed that she was sexually assaulted while incapacitated.
Her legal team argued that the incident had lasting consequences, both emotionally and psychologically, and formed the basis of the damages sought in the civil case.
The allegations date back to 1972 and were assessed by the jury based on the evidence and testimony presented during the proceedings.
Details of the Trial and Jury Decision
The civil trial was held in Santa Monica, California, where jurors heard arguments from both sides before reaching a verdict after approximately three days of deliberation. The jury found Cosby liable for the alleged assault and awarded $19.25 million (£14.37 million) in compensatory damages.
Reports indicate that the court may also consider punitive damages, which could increase the total financial penalty. However, exact figures remain subject to further clarification.
As reported by The New York Times, the ruling adds to a series of civil proceedings involving Cosby, reflecting the continued legal consequences tied to decades-old allegations.
Cosby's Response and Planned Appeal
Bill Cosby has denied all allegations made against him in the case. His legal team contested the claims during the trial and is expected to appeal the jury's decision.
Cosby did not testify in person during the proceedings. His representatives have questioned the validity of the allegations and challenged the financial ruling, maintaining his position of denial.
Legal Context Behind the Case
The lawsuit was made possible by legislative changes in California that extend the statute of limitations for sexual assault claims. These reforms allow survivors to pursue legal action many years after an alleged incident, reflecting a broader shift in how historic abuse cases are handled in the United States.
Legal experts note that such changes have led to an increase in civil claims involving decades-old allegations, particularly in cases where evidence and testimony can still be presented in court.
Cosby's Broader Legal History
Bill Cosby has faced numerous sexual assault allegations spanning several decades. He was previously convicted in a separate criminal case in 2018, although that conviction was later overturned in 2021 on procedural grounds.
Despite the reversal of his conviction, Cosby continues to face civil lawsuits and financial penalties related to allegations of sexual misconduct. The latest ruling adds to his ongoing legal challenges and remains part of a wider body of claims that have significantly impacted his public image and career.
