On March 23, a California jury ordered Bill Cosby to pay $59.25 Million to a woman who accused him of sexually assaulting her in 1972. The case was brought by Donna Motsinger, who testified that Cosby drugged her before the sexual assault.
Motsinger’s lawsuit was filed decades after the alleged abuse and was made possible by changes in California law that temporarily extended the time survivors have to file claims.
"This verdict makes clear that fame and influence cannot be used as a shield for abuse. It also demonstrates the importance of laws that give survivors a path to justice, no matter how much time has passed."
– Motsinger's Sexual Abuse Lawyer
This verdict is one of the largest sexual abuse judgments against Cosby to date, and it reinforces a growing legal trend: Many survivors are finding new pathways to justice, even years after the abuse occurred.
At Sokolove Law, our sexual assault lawyers have over 45 years of experience helping survivors pursue the justice they deserve. Find out if we may be able to fight for you.
Bill Cosby Sexual Assault Allegations
In a recent Bill Cosby sexual assault trial, Donna Motsinger, now 84, described a pattern that has appeared in multiple cases against Cosby over the years — being given alcohol and pills before losing consciousness.
Motsinger told the jury that the famous comedian used his influence to isolate her, a detail that has been echoed in other Bill Cosby sexual assault cases. Her account focused on what happened that night as well as the lasting impact it had on her life.
The Bill Cosby sexual allegations heard by the jury include:
- In 1972, Cosby met Motsinger while she was in her 30s and working at The Trident restaurant. He returned to the restaurant every day for a week.
- Cosby later invited her to one of his comedy shows at the Circle Star Theater in San Carlos, California.
- He picked Motsinger up in a limousine, gave her a glass of wine, and brought her to a private green room where she "began to feel sick."
- She testified that Cosby gave her what she thought was an aspirin, and she started to lose consciousness.
- Two men put Motsinger back into the limousine with the comedian, and he put his arms around her.
- Motsinger woke up in her house with only her underwear on and knew she had been drugged and raped by Cosby.
Motsinger's testimony was a central part of the case, helping the jury understand both the sequence of events and the broader pattern of misconduct presented during the trial.
Bill Cosby Sexual Accusations Lead to $59 Million Award
In 2024, Motsinger filed her Bill Cosby sexual abuse lawsuit under California’s lookback law — more than 50 years after the alleged assault occurred.
Following a 2-week civil trial, the jury found Cosby liable for sexual assault. While Cosby denied the allegations, jurors ultimately sided with Motsinger after hearing testimony and reviewing the evidence presented in court.
The $59.2 Million sexual abuse verdict she was awarded includes:
- $19.25 Million in compensatory damages for past and future mental suffering
- $40 Million in punitive damages intended to punish Cosby for his actions
The award reflects both the immediate and long-term impact of the assault, underscoring a broader trend of holding individuals accountable for past abuse in civil courts.
"[I have] carried the weight of what happened to me for more than 50 years. It never goes away."
– Donna Motsinger, Bill Cosby Sexual Assault Survivor
Why the Bill Cosby Sexual Assault Case Matters for Survivors
This Bill Cosby sexual assault trial reflects a major shift in how the legal system treats survivors of abuse, particularly those who were previously blocked from taking legal action by strict filing deadlines.
For many survivors, it can take years to process what happened and feel ready to come forward. Laws like California’s lookback window extended the state’s statute of limitations for sexual abuse cases, allowing older claims to be heard in court.
This verdict sends a broader message about accountability:
- Survivors can pursue justice even decades later
- Civil courts recognize long-term emotional and psychological harm
- Juries are willing to award substantial damages in abuse cases
- Patterns of alleged misconduct may strengthen claims
- Public figures and powerful institutions can still be held accountable
Even if an assault happened decades ago, you may still be able to take legal action. Your story matters — and we can help you navigate the path to justice.
How Many Women Did Bill Cosby Sexually Assault?
At least 60 women have accused Bill Cosby of sexual assault or misconduct over several decades, with allegations dating as far back as the 1960s.
While every accusation hasn’t led to a lawsuit or trial, the volume and consistency of these claims have played a significant role in shaping public awareness and legal action against Cosby.
Key facts about the Bill Cosby sexual abuse allegations include:
- Over 60 women have publicly come forward with accusations against Cosby
- Many allegations describe a similar pattern involving drugs or alcohol and loss of consciousness
- The accusations span multiple decades, from the 1960s through the 2000s
- Several civil lawsuits have been filed, some resulting in settlements or jury verdicts
- Cosby has denied the allegations, though juries have found him liable in certain cases
In 2018, Cosby was previously convicted of sexual abuse, serving nearly 3 years in prison. In 2021, his conviction was overturned due to a procedural issue, not because the allegations were found to be false.
Sokolove Law: Fighting for Survivors Nationwide
At Sokolove Law, our sexual abuse lawyers recognize the strength and courage it takes to come forward after an assault. You don’t have to navigate this difficult time alone.
We have the resources and experience to stand up to powerful individuals or institutions and fight for the justice you deserve.
To date, our law firm has secured more than $10.2 Billion total for clients across all 50 states.
Call (800) 995-1212 now or fill out our contact form to learn more about your legal options. It costs nothing to speak with us.
