A California jury has ordered Bill Cosby to pay $59.25 million to a woman he drugged and raped in 1972. This substantial amount comes after a session on Monday where jurors determined punitive damages for Donna Motsinger, the plaintiff.
After deliberating for about two hours, the jury decided to award $40 million in punitive damages. This is in addition to the $19.25 million Motsinger received earlier in the day. Motsinger expressed her feelings in a statement, saying, “This verdict is not just about me – it’s about finally being heard and holding Mr. Cosby accountable.” She hopes this verdict will empower other survivors to seek justice.
Despite the ruling, the likelihood of Motsinger receiving the full payment soon is uncertain, as Cosby has announced plans to appeal. Financially, Cosby is reportedly struggling, raising doubts about his ability to pay if the appeal is unsuccessful.
Earlier in the proceedings, the jury found Cosby liable for drugging and raping Motsinger, awarding her $17.5 million for mental trauma and $1.75 million for potential future suffering. Cosby, who did not testify during the trial, faces additional punitive damages related to claims of malice or fraud. These deliberations are set to continue soon at the Santa Monica Courthouse.
Cosby, now 88 years old, has faced numerous allegations of sexual assault over the years. He was previously convicted in 2018 for a separate assault and served prison time, which was later overturned by a higher court. Motsinger’s case is part of a larger pattern of accusations against him, reflecting a significant shift in how such cases are addressed today.
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