Trending Now - Bill Cosby to Pay $19 Million for 1972 Sexual Assault Case

WHO:

Donna Motsinger, now 84 years old, was a waitress at a restaurant in Sausalito near San Francisco.

Jennifer Bonjean, Cosby's lawyer, stated that they are disappointed and fully intend to appeal the verdict.

Bill Cosby, comedian

Donna Motsinger, plaintiff, former waitress

Jennifer Bonjean, Cosby's lawyer

WHAT:

The jury awarded Motsinger a total of $19.25 million, which includes $17.5 million for past damages and $1.75 million for future damages.

The jury's verdict was delivered on Monday, March 23rd, 2026, after a trial that lasted nearly two weeks.

The jury can award additional punitive damages in a phase of the trial that started on March 23rd, 2026.

Motsinger's lawsuit included allegations against Cosby's production company, Jemmin, Inc., and the Circle Star Theater for failing to ensure the safety of its guests.

Motsinger claimed she suffered economic and noneconomic damages, including lost wages and medical bills.

The jury awarded Motsinger $17.5 million for past damages and $1.75 million for future damages, totaling $19.25 million.

The jury's verdict was delivered on Monday, March 23rd, 2026, after a nearly two-week trial.

The jury can award additional punitive damages in a phase of the trial that started on March 23rd, 2026.

The jury awarded Motsinger $17.5 million for past damages and $1.75 million for future damages, totaling $19.25 million.

The jury found Cosby liable for sexual battery and assault.

Motsinger's lawsuit included allegations against Cosby's production company, Jemmin, Inc., and the Circle Star Theater for failing to ensure the safety of its guests.

Motsinger claimed she suffered economic and noneconomic damages, including lost wages and medical bills.

The jury awarded Motsinger $17.5 million in past damages and $1.75 million for future damages, totaling $19.25 million.

The jury deliberated for just over a day before reaching their verdict.

A jury awarded $19 million in damages to Donna Motsinger.

The jury found Bill Cosby liable for sexually assaulting Motsinger.

The total judgment awarded was reported as $19.25 million in some articles.

WHERE:

Santa Monica, California

WHEN:

Motsinger filed her civil lawsuit against Cosby in September 2023.

The jury's verdict was delivered on Monday, March 23rd, 2026.

The alleged assault occurred in 1972.

WHY:

Motsinger's lawsuit claimed that Jemmin, Inc. was vicariously liable for Cosby's actions and accused it of fraud, oppression, and malice.

Motsinger alleged that Cosby drugged and raped her after picking her up in a limousine.

HOW:

Motsinger alleged that Cosby gave her a glass of wine in the limousine and two pills that she believed were aspirin, which caused her to lose consciousness.

Motsinger stated that she "woke up in her house with all her clothes off, except her underwear on – no top, no bra, and no pants."

Motsinger alleged that Cosby gave her wine and two pills that she believed were aspirin, causing her to lose consciousness.

Cosby allegedly gave Motsinger two round white pills that caused her to lose consciousness before the assault.

(UPDATED March 24, 2026 05:39 UTC)

A jury awarded Motsinger a total of $19.25 million on Monday, including $17.5 million for past damages and $1.75 million for future damages, after a nearly two-week trial. Motsinger's lawsuit, filed against Cosby in September 2023, alleged that he provided her with a glass of wine and two pills that she thought were aspirin, leading to her loss of consciousness, and included claims against Cosby's production company and the Circle Star Theater for not ensuring guest safety. The jury's verdict also opens the door for additional punitive damages in a new phase of the trial that began on the same day as the verdict.

(UPDATED March 24, 2026 04:09 UTC)

A jury awarded Motsinger a total of $19.25 million in damages following a trial that concluded last Monday, where she claimed Jemmin, Inc. was responsible for Cosby's actions and accused the company of fraud, oppression, and malice. Motsinger alleged that during a limousine ride, Cosby gave her a glass of wine and two pills she thought were aspirin, which caused her to lose consciousness. The jury is set to consider additional punitive damages in a new phase of the trial that also began last Monday.

(UPDATED March 24, 2026 01:40 UTC)

A jury has awarded Motsinger a total of $19.25 million after finding Cosby liable for sexual battery and assault in a case that also implicated Cosby's production company, Jemmin, Inc., for failing to ensure guest safety. Motsinger alleged that she was given a glass of wine and two pills by Cosby, which caused her to lose consciousness, and she later woke up disrobed in her own home. Her lawsuit claimed economic and noneconomic damages, including lost wages and medical bills, while accusing Jemmin, Inc. of being vicariously liable for Cosby's actions.

(UPDATED March 23, 2026 23:40 UTC)

A jury has awarded Donna Motsinger $19.25 million in damages after she alleged that Bill Cosby drugged her in 1975, causing her to lose consciousness. Motsinger, now 84 and a former waitress in Sausalito, filed her civil lawsuit against Cosby in September 2023, and the jury took just over a day to reach their verdict. Cosby's lawyer, Jennifer Bonjean, expressed disappointment with the outcome and confirmed plans to appeal.

(UPDATED March 23, 2026 21:34 UTC)

A jury in Santa Monica, California, awarded $19 million in damages to Donna Motsinger after finding Bill Cosby liable for sexually assaulting her in 1972. Motsinger alleged that Cosby drugged her with two round white pills, causing her to lose consciousness before the assault. The verdict was delivered on Monday, March 23, 2026, and some reports have indicated the total judgment awarded could be as high as $19.25 million.