Overview
- The Santa Monica jury, which delivered its verdict Monday, ordered $17.5 million for past harm and $1.75 million for future emotional distress.
- Several outlets reported a second‑phase award of $40 million in punitive damages, while others said the punitive figure was still being determined.
- Cosby’s attorney Jennifer Bonjean said the defense will appeal the decision, and Cosby has denied wrongdoing, arguing the account relied on gaps in memory.
- California’s temporary look‑back law let Donna Motsinger file in 2023 despite the 1972 allegation, reflecting broader efforts to revive older sexual assault cases.
- The ruling adds to Cosby’s civil liabilities after a 2022 jury awarded Judy Huth $500,000, even as his 2018 Pennsylvania criminal conviction was later overturned under different, higher criminal standards of proof.