Bill Cosby Faces New Civil Trial Over 1972 Rape Allegation

Woman accuses comedian of drugging and sexually assaulting her over 50 years ago

Mar. 12, 2026 at 10:04pm

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A new civil trial is underway in Los Angeles Superior Court, where 84-year-old Donna Motsinger has accused 88-year-old comedian Bill Cosby of drugging and sexually assaulting her after a 1972 comedy show near San Francisco. Motsinger's case is one of several older sexual assault claims that have been revived under California's "look-back" law. Cosby denies the allegation and has maintained that any sexual encounters were consensual, but he will not appear in court. Five other women have also been allowed to testify about similar alleged conduct by Cosby to potentially establish a pattern.

Why it matters

This case is part of a broader reckoning around allegations of sexual misconduct against powerful public figures, with the "look-back" law allowing older claims to be heard in court. Cosby's conviction in a separate criminal case was overturned in 2021, and this civil trial represents another chance for his accusers to seek accountability.

The details

Motsinger alleges that Cosby gave her a pill that made her lose consciousness, and she woke up at home wearing only her underwear. Cosby denies the claim but admitted in a November deposition that he wanted to have sex with Motsinger, though he couldn't remember if he did. The judge has allowed five other women to testify about similar alleged conduct by Cosby to potentially establish a pattern. Andrea Constand, whose criminal case led to Cosby's 2018 conviction that was later overturned, is among those who will testify.

  • The alleged incident occurred in 1972 after a comedy show near San Francisco.
  • The new civil trial is currently underway in Los Angeles Superior Court.

The players

Donna Motsinger

An 84-year-old woman who has accused Bill Cosby of drugging and sexually assaulting her in 1972.

Bill Cosby

An 88-year-old comedian who is facing a new civil trial over Motsinger's allegations. Cosby has denied the claim and maintained that any sexual encounters were consensual.

Andrea Constand

A woman whose criminal case against Cosby led to his 2018 sexual assault conviction, which was later overturned on appeal in 2021. Constand will testify in the current civil trial.

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What they’re saying

“He does not care to appear.”

— Bill Cosby (TMZ)

“his net worth to plummet "like a submarine with no motor”

— Bill Cosby (The New York Times)

What’s next

The civil trial is expected to last about two weeks.

The takeaway

This case represents the latest chapter in the long-running allegations of sexual misconduct against Bill Cosby, with his accusers seeking accountability through the civil justice system after his criminal conviction was overturned. The outcome could have significant implications for how older sexual assault claims are handled in the future.