Bill Cosby Hit with $59M Sexual Assault Verdict

Jury awards damages to woman who accused Cosby of 1972 assault, raising questions about his remaining assets.

Mar. 24, 2026 at 10:34am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A California civil jury has found Bill Cosby liable for sexually assaulting Donna Motsinger in 1972 and awarded her $59.25 million in damages. The verdict, which Cosby's lawyers plan to appeal, is one of the largest recent civil judgments against the former television star, whose wealth and public standing have been heavily affected by years of legal action and sexual assault allegations.

Why it matters

The ruling raises new questions about Cosby's remaining assets and ability to pay major civil judgments, especially after multiple legal battles and the collapse of his career as a bankable television figure. It also highlights the ongoing legal exposure Cosby faces from civil cases, even after his 2018 criminal conviction was overturned in 2021.

The details

The $59.25 million award includes $17.5 million in past damages, $1.75 million in future damages, and $40 million in punitive damages. Motsinger, now in her eighties, filed the lawsuit in 2023 under changes to California law that allowed older sexual assault claims to be heard in civil court. She testified that Cosby drugged and assaulted her after inviting her to one of his comedy performances in 1972 when she was working as a restaurant server.

  • The California civil trial took place in March 2026.
  • Motsinger filed the lawsuit in 2023 under changes to California law.

The players

Bill Cosby

An 88-year-old former television star whose career and wealth have been heavily impacted by decades of sexual assault allegations.

Donna Motsinger

A woman in her eighties who accused Cosby of drugging and sexually assaulting her in 1972 when she was a restaurant server.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

What’s next

Cosby's legal team is expected to appeal the $59.25 million verdict, meaning the final financial outcome may still change.

The takeaway

The California ruling stands as a major civil judgment and another significant legal setback for Bill Cosby, whose remaining assets and ability to pay such judgments continue to face scrutiny amid his ongoing legal exposure from civil cases.