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Bill Cosby Ordered to Pay $59.25 Million in Assault Case

3/26/2026

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Summary

Story summary

A California jury ordered Bill Cosby to pay $59.25 million to Donna Motsinger for drugging and sexually assaulting her in 1972.
The award includes $19.25 million in compensatory damages and $40 million in punitive damages.
California's HB-2777 enabled Motsinger to file the suit, allowing claims regardless of when the abuse occurred.
Cosby’s team plans to appeal, arguing evidence is insufficient because of the time elapsed since the incident.

History

Historical Context

California's HB-2777, enacted in 2022, allows sexual assault survivors to file claims regardless of when the abuse occurred, reflecting a societal shift towards accountability. This law emerged from a growing recognition of historical injustices, highlighted by the 1972 case where Bill Cosby was ordered to pay $59.25 million to Donna Motsinger, challenging previous legal protections for perpetrators.

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Story summary

A California jury ordered Bill Cosby to pay $59.25 million to Donna Motsinger for drugging and sexually assaulting her in 1972.
The award includes $19.25 million in compensatory damages and $40 million in punitive damages.
California's HB-2777 enabled Motsinger to file the suit, allowing claims regardless of when the abuse occurred.
Cosby’s team plans to appeal, arguing evidence is insufficient because of the time elapsed since the incident.

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