Bill Cosby Found Liable in 1972 Sexual Assault Case; Jury Awards $59 Million

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California Jury Delivers Massive Financial Blow to 88-Year-Old Comedian Following Landmark Civil Trial

On Monday, March 23, 2026, a California jury found Bill Cosby liable in a civil lawsuit involving the drugging and sexual assault of a woman in 1972. The verdict marks a significant legal blow to the 88-year-old comedian, who has faced decades of similar allegations.

The Verdict and Damages

After a nearly two-week trial in Santa Monica, the jury sided with accuser Donna Motsinger, awarding her a total of $19.25 million in compensatory damages.

Past Damages: $17.5 million for mental suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and emotional distress.
Future Damages: $1.75 million.
Punitive Damages: The jury also made a finding for additional punitive damages, which are expected to be determined in a separate phase of the proceedings.

Background of the Case

Donna Motsinger, now 84, was a server at a restaurant in Sausalito in 1972 when she met Cosby. According to her testimony:

Cosby invited her to one of his stand-up shows in San Carlos.
During the trip, Cosby allegedly gave her wine and two pills he claimed were aspirin.
Motsinger testified she drifted in and out of consciousness and later woke up at her home with her clothes removed, realizing she had been raped.

The lawsuit was made possible by recent changes in California law that temporarily lifted the statute of limitations for survivors of sexual assault to file civil claims for decades-old incidents.

Defense and Appeal

Cosby did not testify during the trial. His legal team, led by attorney Jennifer Bonjean, argued that the allegations were based on “speculation and assumption,” noting the significant lapse of time since the alleged event.

Following the verdict, Bonjean expressed disappointment and confirmed that Cosby intends to appeal the decision. Cosby has consistently denied all allegations of sexual predator behavior, maintaining that any sexual contact he had with accusers over the years was consensual.

Legal Context

This civil loss comes nearly five years after Cosby was released from a Pennsylvania prison in 2021. In that instance, the state Supreme Court overturned his criminal conviction because of a due process violation related to an agreement with a previous prosecutor. However, this new California verdict demonstrates that while he may be shielded from certain criminal prosecutions, he remains vulnerable to massive civil liabilities as states continue to expand windows for survivors to seek justice.