Bill Cosby Seeks New Trial After $60M Assault Verdict

The disgraced comedian is challenging the damages awarded to a woman he was found responsible for assaulting in 1972.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 1:35am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a crumpled pill bottle or broken eyeglasses against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the gritty details and evidence of an alleged sexual assault case.The harsh flash photography technique captures the stark, investigative nature of the evidence in this high-profile sexual assault case.NYC Today

Bill Cosby, the 88-year-old former TV star who has been accused of sexually assaulting dozens of women, is asking a California court to reconsider the $60 million in damages he was ordered to pay last month to a woman named Donna Motsinger, who accused him of drugging and raping her in 1972. Cosby's lawyers have filed court papers seeking a new trial, taking issue with several aspects of the case, including the $19.25 million in compensatory damages awarded to Motsinger.

Why it matters

The civil case against Cosby is one of the few legal avenues left for his accusers to seek accountability, as many of the alleged crimes fall outside the statute of limitations for criminal charges. The hefty damages award could significantly impact Cosby's personal wealth, but his legal team is now challenging the verdict.

The details

Motsinger, a former waitress, said she was left incapacitated by pills and wine after attending one of Cosby's shows in Los Angeles in 1972. Cosby has denied assaulting anyone but did not testify in this case. In 2018, Cosby was convicted of sexually assaulting former Temple University employee Andrea Constand, but that conviction was later overturned in 2021 when a Pennsylvania court ruled he was denied a fair trial.

  • In April 2026, a California jury ordered Cosby to pay $60 million in damages to Donna Motsinger.
  • On April 10, 2026, Cosby's lawyers filed court papers seeking a new trial in the case.

The players

Bill Cosby

An 88-year-old former TV star who has been accused of sexually assaulting dozens of women over the course of his career.

Donna Motsinger

A woman who accused Cosby of drugging and raping her in 1972, leading to a $60 million civil judgment against him.

Andrea Constand

A former Temple University employee who Cosby was convicted of sexually assaulting in 2018, though the conviction was later overturned.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide whether to grant Cosby's request for a new trial.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing legal battles faced by Cosby and his accusers, as well as the challenges in seeking accountability for alleged sexual assaults that occurred decades ago. The civil court system remains one of the few avenues left for Cosby's accusers to pursue justice.