Bill Cosby Ordered to Pay Nearly $60 Million to Sex Abuse Accuser After Judge Rejects New Trial Request

Bill Cosby has faced another significant legal defeat after a California judge refused his request for a new trial. This leaves in place a civil judgment requiring the former television star to pay nearly $60 million to his longtime accuser, Donna Motsinger. This ruling represents one of the largest financial penalties ever imposed on Cosby in a sexual assault case. It closes another chapter in a legal story that has changed his legacy.

Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Bradley S. Phillips determined that Cosby did not prove any procedural errors serious enough to warrant a new trial. The judge also dismissed claims that the jury’s award was too high. In his written order, Phillips noted that there was enough evidence to support the jury’s finding that Cosby’s actions caused lasting harm to Motsinger.

The case involves allegations from 1972. At that time, Motsinger worked as a restaurant server in Northern California. She claimed that Cosby invited her to one of his comedy shows. However, he offered her wine and pills that rendered her unconscious. She testified that she fluctuated between consciousness before waking up at home partially undressed, believing she had been sexually assaulted.

After nearly two weeks of civil trial in Santa Monica, jurors found Cosby liable for sexual battery and assault. The jury awarded Motsinger $17.5 million for past suffering, $1.75 million for future damages, and an additional $40 million in punitive damages. This result in a total judgment of about $59.25 million.

In response to the verdict earlier this year, Motsinger called it a moment of long-awaited accountability.

“This verdict is not just about me, it’s about finally being heard and holding Mr. Cosby accountable,” she said, according to reports. “I have carried the weight of what happened to me for more than 50 years.”

Her legal team commended the jury’s decision. They said it reflected the strength of the evidence and the bravery required to seek justice decades after the alleged assault.

Cosby has consistently denied Motsinger’s claims as well as numerous other accusations over the years. His attorney, Jennifer Bonjean, stated that defending allegations from over five decades ago poses serious challenges. She indicated that Cosby plans to keep appealing the judgment.

This ruling adds to the lengthy list of legal issues for the once-beloved performer. More than 60 women have publicly accused Cosby of sexual misconduct, claims he has denied. Although his 2018 criminal conviction in Pennsylvania was overturned in 2021 due to due process violations, civil lawsuits are still ongoing in various jurisdictions.

This latest judgment shows how civil courts have increasingly become a route for survivors seeking accountability when criminal trials are not possible or fail. The decision also highlights how juries are becoming more willing to award significant damages in cases of sexual abuse and long-term emotional harm.

While appeals are likely to continue, the court’s decision to deny a new trial significantly strengthens Motsinger’s position. It firmly maintains one of the largest judgments ever against the former comedian.

FAQs

Why was Bill Cosby ordered to pay nearly $60 million?
A California jury found him liable for sexually assaulting Donna Motsinger in 1972 and awarded compensatory and punitive damages totaling about $59.25 million.

Did the judge grant Cosby a new trial?
No. Judge Bradley S. Phillips denied Cosby’s request, finding no significant irregularities in the proceedings.

Will Cosby appeal the decision?
His legal team has stated that they plan to continue challenging the judgment through the appeals process.

Who is Donna Motsinger?
Motsinger is a former restaurant server in California who accused Cosby of drugging and sexually assaulting her in 1972. She filed her lawsuit in 2023.