Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP attorneys Jesse Creed, Spencer Lucas, and Hunter Norton, along with co-counsel Michael A. Bressler of The Bressler Firm, LLC, obtained at $59,250,000 jury verdict for plaintiff Donna Motsinger in her civil action against William “Bill” Cosby, Jr., finding the former comedian and actor liable for sexually assaulting her in 1972. Ms. Motsinger was awarded $17,500,000 in past non-economic damages, $1,750,000 in future non-economic damages, and $40,000,000 in punitive damages by a Los Angeles County jury.
The jury’s verdict represents a significant legal and moral victory for Ms. Motsinger, recognizing both the assault and the profound, lifelong impact it has had on her.
“This verdict is not just about me – it’s about finally being heard and holding Mr. Cosby accountable,” said Donna Motsinger. “I have carried the weight of what happened to me for more than 50 years. It never goes away. Today, a jury saw the truth and held him accountable. That means everything. I hope this gives strength to other survivors who are still waiting for their moment to be heard.”
Ms. Motsinger’s claims were brought under California law permitting survivors of sexual assault to pursue civil actions for previously time-barred claims, and she filed suit in September 2023 after decades of silence. She alleged that Cosby groomed her while she worked as a server at The Trident restaurant in Sausalito, California, before inviting her to a comedy performance at the Circle Star Theater in San Carlos after which she was sexually assaulted.
Evidence presented at trial showed that Cosby used his celebrity status and influence to gain Ms. Motsinger’s trust, provided her with alcohol and pills that rendered her incapacitated, and sexually assaulted her while she was unable to consent.
During the trial, jurors heard testimony detailing the events leading up to the assault, including Ms. Motsinger’s and her then 9-year-old son’s interactions with Cosby and the circumstances of her incapacitation, as well as the lasting physical and emotional harm she has endured. The jury also heard testimony from other Cosby sexual assault survivors and considered evidence of Cosby’s broader pattern of misconduct.
Following two days of deliberation, the jury returned a verdict in favor of Ms. Motsinger on her claims for sexual assault and sexual battery and awarded her $19,250,000 in non-economic damages. The jury also made a finding that Cosby acted with malice, oppression, or fraud, entitling Ms. Motsinger to punitive damages. Following the punitive damages phase of trial, during which evidence was presented on Cosby’s net worth, the jury awarded Ms. Motsinger an additional $40,000,000 in punitive damages.
“We are grateful to the jury for their careful attention to the evidence and to Ms. Motsinger for the extraordinary courage it took to come forward,” said attorney Jesse Creed. “This verdict makes clear that fame and influence cannot be used as a shield for abuse. For decades, Bill Cosby used his power to exploit and silence women like Ms. Motsinger. Today, a jury saw through that and held him accountable.”
The verdict underscores the lasting impact of sexual violence and reinforces the importance of providing survivors with access to the civil justice system – even decades after the abuse occurred.
“For survivors of sexual abuse, especially when the perpetrator is a powerful public figure, coming forward can feel impossible,” added Spencer Lucas. “This case highlights how celebrity status can be used to manipulate trust and create opportunities for abuse. It also demonstrates the importance of laws that give survivors a path to justice, no matter how much time has passed.”
Defendant William Cosby, Jr. was represented in the case and at trial by Jennifer Bonjean and Gabriella Orozco of the Bonjean Law Group.