Jury Orders Bill Cosby to Pay $19.25M in 1972 Sexual Assault Case

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A California jury has ordered Bill Cosby to pay $19.25 million in damages to a former waitress who accused him of drugging and sexually assaulting her in 1972. The decision comes as Cosby navigates a series of lawsuits from women with rape accusations, many of which were filed under state laws that extended the window to sue for sexual assault alleged to have occurred decades ago.

Why it matters

The verdict is the latest development in the long-running legal saga surrounding the once-beloved comedian, who has faced numerous allegations of sexual misconduct over the years. The case highlights the ongoing efforts to hold powerful figures accountable for past abuses, even decades later.

The details

According to the complaint, the woman met Cosby in her 30s when she worked as a waitress at the celebrity hotspot The Trident, where Cosby was a regular. On one occasion, Cosby allegedly followed her back to her home, gave her a glass of wine, and then she felt sick and drifted in and out of consciousness before waking up at her house with her clothes off except for her underwear.

• The alleged incident occurred in 1972.
• The jury awarded the woman $19.25 million in damages on March 24, 2026.

What’s next

The jury will decide whether to grant additional punitive damages to punish Cosby for the alleged misconduct.