Bill Cosby’s request for a new trial in Donna Motsinger’s 1972 sexual assault case has been denied, leaving a $60 million damages ruling in place after a jury found him liable for sexual assault and sexual battery.
Bill Cosby’s bid for another chance in court has been shut down.
In the sexual assault case involving Donna Motsinger. a judge has denied Cosby’s motion for a new trial. according to legal documents obtained Friday. The decision follows a jury verdict that found Cosby liable for sexual assault and sexual battery. awarding Motsinger $17.5 million for past mental suffering and $1.75 million for future suffering. The jury also awarded $40 million in punitive damages.
The allegations trace back to 1972, when Motsinger accused Cosby of drugging and raping her after inviting her to one of his comedy shows.
Cosby filed for a new trial in April. In his request. he argued that the punitive damages award—described as a third of his net worth—didn’t serve the purpose of deterrence. He also said he is an “88-year-old man with no sight who lives an isolated life. ” pointing to his circumstances as part of why the punishment should not have been awarded at that level.
But the judge did not accept that argument. The court determined Cosby failed to show proof that he didn’t receive a fair trial the first time around. The judge also found Cosby didn’t prove that the $60 million total damages were excessive. The legal documents further state that Cosby did not demonstrate that there wasn’t enough evidence to justify the verdict. or that the verdict was against the law.
At this time, Cosby hasn’t reacted to the decision.
Bill Cosby new trial denied sexual assault case Donna Motsinger 1972 jury verdict punitive damages legal documents