California Jury Awards US$19 Million to Woman in Bill Cosby Assault Case

A California civil jury has ordered entertainer Bill Cosby to pay US$19 million in damages to a woman who accused him of sexual assault dating back to 1972.

The verdict followed a trial lasting nearly two weeks in Santa Monica, where jurors concluded that the 88-year-old was liable for both sexual battery and assault. The award includes US$17 million for past harm and slightly more than US$1 million for anticipated future damages.

Legal representatives for Cosby have indicated plans to challenge the ruling through an appeal.

The decision comes several years after Cosby’s release from prison in Pennsylvania. In that case, the state’s Supreme Court overturned his criminal conviction tied to separate but similar allegations.

According to court filings, the woman stated that Cosby invited her to attend one of his stand-up performances. She alleged that during the encounter, he provided her with wine and pills she believed were aspirin, which caused her to lose consciousness.

She further claimed that she later regained awareness in her home, partially undressed and wearing only her underwear.

The civil ruling marks another significant legal development in the long-running cases involving the former television star.