Bill Cosby to pay $59 million for rape

A California jury has found Bill Cosby liable for the sexual assault of Donna Motsinger, dating back to 1972. She was awarded $59.25 million in damages in a civil trial.

According to Motsinger’s testimony, Cosby drugged and then raped her after serving her wine in a limousine, the Guardian reports.

The case was brought after legislation in California was changed to allow older sexual abuse claims to be filed. Motsinger described the verdict as the culmination of a decades-long fight for justice.

Cosby, who faced allegations from dozens of women, had previously spent three years in prison. His conviction was later overturned due to procedural errors. His lawyer has announced an appeal.

Cosby has long denied the accusations and maintains that all encounters were consensual.

(pir)