Bill Cosby Ordered to Pay $19 Million in Civil Sexual Assault Case

A California civil court has ordered Bill Cosby to pay $19 million to a woman who accused him of drugging and sexually assaulting her in the early 1970s. A Santa Monica jury found Cosby liable after reviewing evidence and hearing testimony about the alleged incident.

The plaintiff, now in her 80s, testified that she was offered a drink by Cosby while working as a waitress and later lost consciousness, waking up at home with little memory of what had occurred. The jury determined that her account supported her claim of non‑consensual conduct.

Cosby, a former television star, did not testify during the trial and continues to deny the allegations. His lawyers have indicated they plan to appeal the civil judgment, arguing that the evidence does not warrant such a large award.

This ruling adds to a series of legal battles that have overshadowed Cosby’s career, as civil courts have become a venue for accusers seeking accountability decades after the alleged incidents.