Bill Cosby’s Lawyer Claims He Was ‘Denied a Fair Trial’ After $59 Million S*xual Assa*lt Judgment

Cosby’s legal team calls the verdict a “profound failure of the legal system” after a jury awarded over $59 million to a woman accusing him of a 1972 assault

Bill Cosby is back in the headlines after his legal team challenged a recent court decision that ordered him to pay more than $59 million in damages. The verdict, delivered by a jury, has sparked renewed attention around the long-running legal battle.

In a new statement shared with PEOPLE on March 24, Cosby’s lawyer argued that the verdict was flawed and vowed to appeal.

“Mr. Cosby was denied a fair trial,” says his attorney, Jennifer Bonjean. “No one can meaningfully defend against allegations that are a half-century old. This case exemplifies how the retroactive abolition of statutes of limitations cannot be reconciled with due process.”

Bonjean further claimed that the proceedings were unfairly influenced by allegations beyond the scope of the case.

“The jury was bombarded with uncharged, unproven accusations, turning the proceedings into a trial of Mr. Cosby’s character rather than an evaluation of the plaintiff’s claims,” she continued. “The excessive damages award bore no relation to the evidence and was clearly intended to make Mr. Cosby a symbol.”

Calling the outcome “a profound failure of the legal system,” the 88-year-old’s legal team confirmed that they plan to challenge the verdict.

“This represents a profound failure of the legal system and sets a dangerous precedent,” his attorney concluded. “An appeal is forthcoming.”

A California jury awarded the plaintiff, Donna Motsinger, $19.25 million for pain and suffering, and an additional $40 million in punitive damages, bringing the total judgment to approximately $59.25 million.

The verdict stems from a civil lawsuit filed by Motsinger, who accused Cosby of sexually assaulting her in 1972 after inviting her to one of his comedy shows. She alleged he gave her wine and a pill that left her incapacitated before the assault.

“It has been 54 years to get justice, and I know it’s not complete for the rest of the women, but I hope it helps them a little bit,” Motsinger said outside court following the verdict, per The New York Times. She described the damages award as “icing on the cake.”

Cosby has denied the allegations, and his attorney previously said they intend to pursue an appeal following the verdict.

Cosby was convicted in 2018 of sexually assaulting Andrea Constand but was released in 2021 after the Pennsylvania Supreme Court overturned the conviction.

Dozens of women have accused him of sexual misconduct. In 2022, a civil jury also found him liable for assaulting Judy Huth as a teenager and awarded her $500,000.

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or go to rainn.org.