Bill Cosby Seeks New Trial After $60M Assault Verdict

Disgraced comedian claims civil case should be reconsidered after massive damages award.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 12:04am

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An extreme close-up of a crumpled legal document reflecting a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually illustrating the ongoing legal battles surrounding Bill Cosby's history of sexual assault allegations.The latest legal battle in the long-running saga of Bill Cosby's sexual misconduct allegations exposes the ongoing struggle for accountability.NYC Today

Disgraced comedian Bill Cosby is reportedly seeking a new trial in a civil case where he was ordered to pay nearly $60 million in damages to a woman who accused him of sexual assault. The 88-year-old, who was previously convicted of sexual crimes, claims the civil case should be reconsidered after the massive damages award.

Why it matters

This case represents one of the largest civil judgments against Cosby for his history of sexual misconduct, which has resulted in multiple criminal convictions and civil lawsuits over the years. Cosby's attempt to overturn the verdict raises questions about accountability for high-profile figures accused of abuse.

The details

In the civil case, a jury found that Cosby sexually assaulted Judy Huth at the Playboy Mansion in 1975 when she was 16 years old. The jury awarded Huth $500,000 in damages, and the judge later added $59 million in punitive damages against Cosby. Cosby's lawyers are now arguing that the case should be reconsidered, though the specific grounds for their request are unclear.

  • The civil case verdict was reached in April 2026.
  • Cosby is now 88 years old and has been incarcerated for several years due to prior criminal convictions related to sexual assault.

The players

Bill Cosby

An 88-year-old disgraced comedian who has been convicted of multiple sexual crimes and is now seeking to overturn a $60 million civil judgment against him.

Judy Huth

A woman who accused Cosby of sexually assaulting her at the Playboy Mansion in 1975 when she was 16 years old, winning a $60 million civil judgment against him.

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What’s next

Cosby's lawyers have not specified the grounds for their request to reconsider the civil case verdict, so it remains to be seen how the court will respond to their appeal.

The takeaway

Cosby's continued efforts to avoid accountability for his abusive behavior, even after being convicted and ordered to pay massive damages, highlight the challenges of ensuring justice for victims of high-profile sexual predators.