Overview
- A Santa Monica jury, which reached its decision Monday, awarded Donna Motsinger $17.5 million for past suffering, $1.75 million for future suffering, and later that day added $40 million in punitive damages for a total of $59.25 million.
- Jurors found Cosby acted with malice, oppression, or fraud, a legal finding that allows punitive damages meant to punish especially harmful conduct.
- Cosby’s attorney Jennifer Bonjean said he will appeal, and reporting in The Times details financial strain and property sales that could complicate collection and spur fights over assets.
- California’s temporary extension of time limits for older sex‑assault claims let Motsinger file in 2023, and civil juries apply a lower burden of proof than criminal courts, which helps explain recent civil verdicts against Cosby.
- Outlets first reported $19.25 million in compensatory damages with a punitive phase pending, while ABC7 Los Angeles and RTÉ later reported the same‑day $40 million punitive award raising the total to $59.25 million.