Jury orders Cosby to pay $19m to ex-waitress after finding he abused her in 1972

March 23, 2026

A California jury has ordered 88-year-old Bill Cosby to pay $19. 25 million in damages to Donna Motsinger, an 84-year-old former restaurant waitress who accused him of drugging and sexually assaulting her in 1972. Motsinger claims Cosby gave her what she believed was aspirin before a comedy show, causing her to lose consciousness and wake up at home partially undressed.

Who is affected

Donna Motsinger (84-year-old former waitress and plaintiff)
Bill Cosby (88-year-old comedian and defendant)
Dozens of other women who have filed civil and criminal cases against Cosby with similar allegations
Cosby's legal team, including lawyer Jennifer Bonjean

What action is being taken

The jury is determining punitive damages that have yet to be decided
Cosby's lawyer is planning to appeal the verdict

Why it matters

This verdict represents continued legal accountability for one of America's once-beloved entertainers whose reputation collapsed after decades of sexual assault allegations from numerous women. The substantial damages award demonstrates that civil courts can provide recourse for alleged victims even when incidents occurred over 50 years ago, and it reinforces the broader cultural reckoning regarding sexual misconduct by powerful figures in the entertainment industry.

What's next

The jury will determine additional punitive damages beyond the $19.25 million already awarded
Cosby's legal team will file an appeal against the verdict

Read full article from source: BBC