Bill Cosby ordered to pay $59 mn in assault case

A California civil jury has found comedian Bill Cosby liable for drugging and sexually assaulting Donna Motsinger in 1972, and have ordered her to pay $59.25 million in damages, including punitive compensation adding to the mounting legal challenges against the disgraced entertainer.

In a separate development, Cosby is now facing a new sexual assault lawsuit filed in New York City by singer Morganne Picard, who has accused him of drugging and raping her in the late 1980s.

According to the lawsuit, Picard claims that Cosby, now 86, invited her to the set of the TV show The Cosby Show in 1987 under the pretext of helping her music career. She alleges that he encouraged her to consume drinks that left her feeling extremely intoxicated on multiple occasions between 1987 and 1990.

Picard further claimed that she blacked out after consuming a beverage at Cosby’s home and later woke up naked in a hotel room with physical pain, alleging she had been sexually assaulted without her consent.

The lawsuit states that Cosby assaulted her while she was incapacitated and unable to give consent.

In addition to Cosby, the complaint also names NBCUniversal, Kaufman Astoria Studios, Astoria Studios LP II, and the Carsey-Warner Company as defendants, accusing them of negligence and failing to prevent alleged abuse.

Picard is seeking damages for battery, assault, and intentional infliction of emotional distress, while also accusing the associated companies of negligent hiring and supervision.

Cosby has denied the allegations through his spokesperson Andrew Wyatt, who described the claims as false and financially motivated. He stated that Cosby continues to maintain his innocence and has pleaded not guilty.

The comedian has previously faced allegations of sexual misconduct from over 60 women, many of whom accused him of drugging and assaulting them, claims that have significantly impacted his legacy.

(With inputs from syndicated feed)