A jury in California has found Bill Cosby liable for sexual assault in a civil trial, ordering him to pay $59.25 million in damages to his accuser.
The case was brought by Donna Motsinger, who alleged that Cosby drugged and assaulted her in 1972 while she was working as a restaurant server. According to court filings, the incident occurred after she was given a drink in his limousine.
Motsinger filed the lawsuit after changes to California law allowed survivors of sexual assault to pursue cases beyond previous time limits. The legal reform opened the door for historical claims that had long been barred.
Speaking after the verdict, Motsinger described the outcome as the result of a decades-long pursuit of justice, highlighting the emotional toll of the case.
The ruling marks another significant legal development for Cosby, who has faced multiple accusations over the years. The civil court decision focuses on financial damages rather than criminal penalties.
