American comedian and actor Bill Cosby has been found guilty of sexually assaulting a woman, Judy Ruth, when she was a teenager in 1975. The Los Angeles jury, comprising of eight women and four men gave their verdict in favour of Ruth and found that Cosby was liable for damages.&nbsp; 
 
The jury ordered the comedian to pay Huth USD 500,000 million in damages. However, no punitive damages were found.Ruth had filed a complaint against Cosby in 2014 for sexually harassing her at the Playboy Mansion when she was a 16-year-old.&nbsp; 
 
According to the original filing, Huth claimed that the incident happened in 1974 when she was 15. However, when the timeline was revised to 1975, it was found that Huth was assaulted when she was 16. In the complaint, Ruth alleged that she and her friend met Cosby when the actor-comedian was filming a movie at a park.&nbsp; 
 
After Cosby befriended the two teenagers, he asked them to accompany him to his tennis club. From the club, Huth claimed that Cosby took them to a house and served the underage girls alcoholic drinks, multiple times. 
 
Later, the 84-year-old took the teenagers to the Playboy Mansion. Huth alleged that despite knowing the age of the two young women, Cosby had instructed them, "that if any of the Playboy bunnies asked their age, they should say they were 19." 
 
Further, Cosby directed her to a bedroom, where he sexually harassed her. However, the actor, through his lawyers has denied all the allegations of sexual misconduct. In addition, Cosby`s attorneys have even attempted to dismiss the case.&nbsp; 
 
Previously, over 50 women have accused Cosby of sexual misconduct. The American actor was also been convicted of sexually harassing Andrea Constand in Philadelphia as a result of which he was sentenced to three years in a state prison in Pennsylvania, reported CNN.&nbsp; 
 
However, on an appeal, his conviction was overturned and he was released from prison in September 2021. The civil case, lodged by Judy Ruth is the first one to make it to trial.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

American comedian and actor Bill Cosby has been found guilty of sexually assaulting a woman, Judy Ruth, when she was a teenager in 1975. The Los Angeles jury, comprising of eight women and four men gave their verdict in favour of Ruth and found that Cosby was liable for damages.

American comedian and actor Bill Cosby has been found guilty of sexually assaulting a woman, Judy Ruth, when she was a teenager in 1975. The Los Angeles jury, comprising of eight women and four men gave their verdict in favour of Ruth and found that Cosby was liable for damages. The jury ordered the comedian to pay Huth USD 500,000 million in damages. However, no punitive damages were found.Ruth had filed a complaint against Cosby in 2014 for sexually harassing her at the Playboy Mansion when she was a 16-year-old. According to the original filing, Huth claimed that the incident happened in 1974 when she was 15. However, when the timeline was revised to 1975, it was found that Huth was assaulted when she was 16. In the complaint, Ruth alleged that she and her friend met Cosby when the actor-comedian was filming a movie at a park. After Cosby befriended the two teenagers, he asked them to accompany him to his tennis club. From the club, Huth claimed that Cosby took them to a house and served the underage girls alcoholic drinks, multiple times. Later, the 84-year-old took the teenagers to the Playboy Mansion. Huth alleged that despite knowing the age of the two young women, Cosby had instructed them, "that if any of the Playboy bunnies asked their age, they should say they were 19." Further, Cosby directed her to a bedroom, where he sexually harassed her. However, the actor, through his lawyers has denied all the allegations of sexual misconduct. In addition, Cosby`s attorneys have even attempted to dismiss the case. Previously, over 50 women have accused Cosby of sexual misconduct. The American actor was also been convicted of sexually harassing Andrea Constand in Philadelphia as a result of which he was sentenced to three years in a state prison in Pennsylvania, reported CNN. However, on an appeal, his conviction was overturned and he was released from prison in September 2021. The civil case, lodged by Judy Ruth is the first one to make it to trial.

Bill Cosby found guilty of sexually assaulting minor at Playboy Mansion in 1975

A US jury found Bill Cosby guilty of sexually assaulting&nbsp;a teenage girl at the Playboy mansion nearly 50 years ago.

Cosby, 84, has been accussed of assault by several women and was jailed in 2018 but freed last year. Cosby was sentenced for sexually assaulting Andrea Constand in 2004.

Judy Huth had filed a case against Cosby for allegedly sexually assaulting her in the 1970s when she was 16. Huth had accussed Cosby of forcing her to take alcohol and sexually assaulting her in a bedroom at Hugh Hefner's Playboy mansion.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bill-cosby-accuser-describes-going-to-playboy-mansion-with-the-comedian-485815">Also Read:&nbsp;Bill Cosby accuser describes going to Playboy Mansion with the comedian</a>

Judy Huth was awarded $500,000 in damages after molestation charges dating back to 1975 were proved.

Attorney Nathan Goldberg told the US jury that "after she sat down on the bed he pounced and he started trying to put his hands down her pants."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-jurors-shown-video-of-cosby-denying-playboy-mansion-assault-claim-486407">Also Read:&nbsp;Jurors shown video of Cosby denying Playboy Mansion assault claim</a>

Cosby exposed his penis and forced her to masturbate him, Goldberg told the court. However, Cosby's lawyers denied any assault while questioning Huth's account after Huth changed the date the assault took place.

Huth who is now 64&nbsp;had first filed a lawsuit against Cosby in 2014 when allegations against the former comedian had first surfaced.

(With inputs from Agencies)

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A US jury found Bill Cosby guilty of sexually assaulting a teenage girl at the Playboy mansion nearly 50 years ago. Cosby, 84, has been accussed of assault by several women and was jailed in 2018 but freed last year.

A US jury found Bill Cosby guilty of sexually assaulting a teenage girl at the Playboy mansion nearly 50 years ago. Cosby, 84, has been accussed of assault by several women and was jailed in 2018 but freed last year. Cosby was sentenced for sexually assaulting Andrea Constand in 2004. Judy Huth had filed a case against Cosby for allegedly sexually assaulting her in the 1970s when she was 16. Huth had accussed Cosby of forcing her to take alcohol and sexually assaulting her in a bedroom at Hugh Hefner's Playboy mansion. Also Read: Bill Cosby accuser describes going to Playboy Mansion with the comedian Judy Huth was awarded $500,000 in damages after molestation charges dating back to 1975 were proved. Attorney Nathan Goldberg told the US jury that "after she sat down on the bed he pounced and he started trying to put his hands down her pants." Also Read: Jurors shown video of Cosby denying Playboy Mansion assault claim Cosby exposed his penis and forced her to masturbate him, Goldberg told the court. However, Cosby's lawyers denied any assault while questioning Huth's account after Huth changed the date the assault took place. Huth who is now 64 had first filed a lawsuit against Cosby in 2014 when allegations against the former comedian had first surfaced. (With inputs from Agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US jury finds Bill Cosby guilty of sexually abusing minor at Playboy mansion

Almost a year on this day, American stand-up comedian Bill Cosby was released from prison on the technicality of an assault case against him. The actor is back on trial&nbsp;again for alleged another sexual assault case but this time of a teenager.&nbsp;

The jury selection began against Cosby at Los Angeles Supreme Court this week over a civil suit slapped on the predator by Judy Huth. She alleges that she was sexually abused at the Playboy mansion in 1975 by Cosby when she was 16 and he was 37. &nbsp;Initially, in her complaint, Huth alleged that she was assaulted in 1974 when she was 15. However, later she changed her claim.&nbsp;

In 2014, Huth had filed the lawsuit when the comedian was facing several charges of sexual assault from several women which got stalled because of an ongoing criminal trial in Pennsylvania. Cosby was convicted of drugging and sexually assaulting Andrea Constand in 2004 by the court.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-bill-cosby-is-a-free-man-as-us-supreme-court-declines-to-review-his-case-460014">Bill Cosby is a free man as US Supreme Court declines to review his case</a>

Huth in her lawsuit said she and a friend had met Cosby in a park. Days later the actor took them to the Playboy mansion where he assaulted her by, “putting his hand down her pants, and then taking her hand in his hand and performing a sex act on himself without consent”. Though Cosby has admitted to meeting Huth and since 2014 has declined the allegations saying she was not a minor when they met. &nbsp;

Cosby’s legal team has called Huth’s modification of the alleged assault an ambush while the latter’s attorney, Gloria Allred, claimed, “It is a trial by evidence. We believe that the defence was well aware of the fact that the incident at the Playboy mansion occurred in 1975 when Judith Huth was 16 years old before we notified the defence in a court filing in early May.”

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bill-cosbys-sex-assault-trial-on-june-5-6042">Bill Cosby's sex assault trial on June 5</a>

The disgraced actor has several civil suits filed against him by dozens of women, but Huth’s is the first case to reach the trial stage.&nbsp;

It is said that 84-year-old Cosby may not testify for the trial which&nbsp;is expected to run for two weeks.&nbsp;

Almost a year on this day, American stand-up comedian Bill Cosby was released from prison on the technicality of an assault case against him. The actor is back on trial again for alleged another sexual assault case but this time of a teenager.

Almost a year on this day, American stand-up comedian Bill Cosby was released from prison on the technicality of an assault case against him. The actor is back on trial again for alleged another sexual assault case but this time of a teenager. The jury selection began against Cosby at Los Angeles Supreme Court this week over a civil suit slapped on the predator by Judy Huth. She alleges that she was sexually abused at the Playboy mansion in 1975 by Cosby when she was 16 and he was 37. Initially, in her complaint, Huth alleged that she was assaulted in 1974 when she was 15. However, later she changed her claim. In 2014, Huth had filed the lawsuit when the comedian was facing several charges of sexual assault from several women which got stalled because of an ongoing criminal trial in Pennsylvania. Cosby was convicted of drugging and sexually assaulting Andrea Constand in 2004 by the court. Also Read: Bill Cosby is a free man as US Supreme Court declines to review his case Huth in her lawsuit said she and a friend had met Cosby in a park. Days later the actor took them to the Playboy mansion where he assaulted her by, “putting his hand down her pants, and then taking her hand in his hand and performing a sex act on himself without consent”. Though Cosby has admitted to meeting Huth and since 2014 has declined the allegations saying she was not a minor when they met. Cosby’s legal team has called Huth’s modification of the alleged assault an ambush while the latter’s attorney, Gloria Allred, claimed, “It is a trial by evidence. We believe that the defence was well aware of the fact that the incident at the Playboy mansion occurred in 1975 when Judith Huth was 16 years old before we notified the defence in a court filing in early May.” Also Read: Bill Cosby's sex assault trial on June 5 The disgraced actor has several civil suits filed against him by dozens of women, but Huth’s is the first case to reach the trial stage. It is said that 84-year-old Cosby may not testify for the trial which is expected to run for two weeks.

US comedian Bill Cosby is back on trial again for sexually assaulting a teenager

Not all’s well for Bill Cosby as he could soon be back in court fighting his longstanding case of sexual assault after it seems likely that his 2018 rape conviction can be overturned.

The comedian’s lawyers have lashed out at “#metoo mob” for their “pathetic last-ditch effort” by the Montgomery County’s District Attorney.

Bill Cosby was let go <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-bill-cosby-release-sparks-worries-it-will-set-back-metoo-progress-395271">scot free </a>in late June this year by Keystone State’s top court in a 10-year sentence for the 2004 rape of Andrea Constand.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/dhanush-wins-best-actor-for-asuran-at-brics-film-festival-432901">Dhanush wins Best Actor for 'Asuran' at BRICS Film Festival</a>

Calling himself a political prisoner, the 84-year-old and legally blind Bill Cosby walked out of Pennsylvania’s State Correctional Institution at Phoenix on June 30. He was stripped off his sex offender label, much to the shock of the world.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/britney-spears-to-armie-hammer-celebs-who-got-mired-in-controversies-in-2021-395359">Britney Spears to Armie Hammer: Celebs who got mired in controversies in 2021</a>

More than 60 women have claimed that throughout his career, Bill Cosby drugged and assaulted them over the decades with a combination of pills and alcohol. This was the same combo on former Temple University employee Constand.

Not all’s well for Bill Cosby as he could soon be back in court fighting his longstanding case of sexual assault after it seems likely that his 2018 rape conviction can be overturned.

Not all’s well for Bill Cosby as he could soon be back in court fighting his longstanding case of sexual assault after it seems likely that his 2018 rape conviction can be overturned. The comedian’s lawyers have lashed out at “#metoo mob” for their “pathetic last-ditch effort” by the Montgomery County’s District Attorney. Bill Cosby was let go scot free in late June this year by Keystone State’s top court in a 10-year sentence for the 2004 rape of Andrea Constand. Also read: Dhanush wins Best Actor for 'Asuran' at BRICS Film Festival Calling himself a political prisoner, the 84-year-old and legally blind Bill Cosby walked out of Pennsylvania’s State Correctional Institution at Phoenix on June 30. He was stripped off his sex offender label, much to the shock of the world. Also read: Britney Spears to Armie Hammer: Celebs who got mired in controversies in 2021 More than 60 women have claimed that throughout his career, Bill Cosby drugged and assaulted them over the decades with a combination of pills and alcohol. This was the same combo on former Temple University employee Constand.

Bill Cosby slams “#MeToo mob” on wanting to overturn rape conviction

Citing new evidence, Bill Cosby has asked the Pennsylvania judge who sent him to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/bill-cosby-imprisoned-10-years-sexual-assault-167690">prison for up to 10 years for sexual assault</a> to grant him a new trial, or to reduce his sentence because of alleged procedural errors.

In court papers filed late on Friday, Cosby's lawyers said the judge abused his discretion by failing to adequately consider the 81-year-old entertainer's age and failing eyesight and should have recused himself from sentencing. Cosby's attorneys have previously taken issue with the judge's wife being a psychiatrist who works with sexual assault victims.<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/entertainment-academy-of-motion-pictures-expels-bill-cosby-roman-polanski-134560"> Also read:&nbsp;Academy of Motion Pictures expels Bill Cosby, Roman Polanski</a>

"By undervaluing the mitigating impact of age and disability and overestimating any present danger to the community," Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas Judge Steven O'Neill imposed a term whose harshness violated statutes and sentencing rules, they said in an 11-page motion.

Cosby is the first celebrity to be convicted of sexual abuse since the start of the #MeToo movement on social media, the national reckoning with misconduct that has brought down dozens of powerful men in entertainment, politics and other fields while demanding greater respect for and representation of women.

Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele intends to file a response, but otherwise has no comment, said his spokeswoman, Kate Delano.

After a jury found Cosby guilty in April of three counts of aggravated indecent assault for the drugging and sexual assault of his one-time friend Andrea Constand, O'Neill on September 25 branded him a "predator" and sentenced him to three to 10 years in prison.

The once-beloved comedian, known as "America's Dad" in the 1980s and 1990s during the run of his hit television sitcom, was marched out of court in shackles and began serving his sentence immediately.

In seeking a new trial, attorneys Peter Goldberger and Joseph Green said they had found evidence which shows that a recording of a phone call with Cosby made by Constand's mother, Gianna, and played at the trial was not authentic.

During the recorded call, Cosby suggested that he would be willing to pay for Constand to attend graduate school.

The lawyers also resurrected their claim that Cosby was not at his home when Constand said he assaulted her and that if there was an incident, it would have occurred outside of the state's 12-year statute of limitations.

Even if the judge rejects their request for a new trial, the attorneys said his sentence should be vacated and reduced.

Citing new evidence, Bill Cosby has asked the Pennsylvania judge who sent him to prison for up to 10 years for sexual assault to grant him a new trial, or to reduce his sentence because of alleged procedural errors.

Citing new evidence, Bill Cosby has asked the Pennsylvania judge who sent him to prison for up to 10 years for sexual assault to grant him a new trial, or to reduce his sentence because of alleged procedural errors. In court papers filed late on Friday, Cosby's lawyers said the judge abused his discretion by failing to adequately consider the 81-year-old entertainer's age and failing eyesight and should have recused himself from sentencing. Cosby's attorneys have previously taken issue with the judge's wife being a psychiatrist who works with sexual assault victims. Also read: Academy of Motion Pictures expels Bill Cosby, Roman Polanski "By undervaluing the mitigating impact of age and disability and overestimating any present danger to the community," Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas Judge Steven O'Neill imposed a term whose harshness violated statutes and sentencing rules, they said in an 11-page motion. Cosby is the first celebrity to be convicted of sexual abuse since the start of the #MeToo movement on social media, the national reckoning with misconduct that has brought down dozens of powerful men in entertainment, politics and other fields while demanding greater respect for and representation of women. Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele intends to file a response, but otherwise has no comment, said his spokeswoman, Kate Delano. After a jury found Cosby guilty in April of three counts of aggravated indecent assault for the drugging and sexual assault of his one-time friend Andrea Constand, O'Neill on September 25 branded him a "predator" and sentenced him to three to 10 years in prison. The once-beloved comedian, known as "America's Dad" in the 1980s and 1990s during the run of his hit television sitcom, was marched out of court in shackles and began serving his sentence immediately. In seeking a new trial, attorneys Peter Goldberger and Joseph Green said they had found evidence which shows that a recording of a phone call with Cosby made by Constand's mother, Gianna, and played at the trial was not authentic. During the recorded call, Cosby suggested that he would be willing to pay for Constand to attend graduate school. The lawyers also resurrected their claim that Cosby was not at his home when Constand said he assaulted her and that if there was an incident, it would have occurred outside of the state's 12-year statute of limitations. Even if the judge rejects their request for a new trial, the attorneys said his sentence should be vacated and reduced.

Actor-comedian Bill Cosby seeks new sexual assault trial, reduced prison sentence

Comedian Bill Cosby was convicted on Thursday of drugging and sexually assaulting a onetime friend in 2004, marking the first such conviction of a celebrity since the #MeToo movement that has brought down rich and powerful men for their treatment of women. 
 
Cosby, 80, best known as the lovable father from the 1980s TV hit "The Cosby Show," faces up to 10 years in prison for each of three counts of aggravated indecent assault against Andrea Constand, 45, following a three-week trial at the Montgomery County courthouse in Norristown, Pennsylvania. 
 
After maintaining decorum throughout the trial, Cosby exploded following the verdict when prosecutors asked the judge to take him into custody, saying he was a flight risk in part because he owned a plane. 
 
"He doesn`t have a plane, you asshole!" Cosby responded in a booming voice as he leapt to feet. 
 
District Attorney Kevin Steele later remarked that with the outburst, "You got to see who he really was." 
 
As the verdict was read, Cosby looked down with a sad expression. Lili Bernard, one of his many accusers, began sobbing. Constand sat stone-faced. 
 
Judge Steven O`Neill ruled Cosby could remain out of jail on $1 million bail pending sentencing at a later date, as long as he surrendered his passport and remained at home. 
Cosby then left the courthouse with his lawyers and publicist. 
 
"The fight will go on," defence lawyer Thomas Mesereau told reporters, adding he would appeal the conviction. 
 
Sentencing was expected within 60 to 90 days after Cosby submits to a "sexually violent predator assessment." 
 
Although he could get up to 10 years for each count, state sentencing guidelines suggest a term of less than 10 years. 
 
The conviction marks the downfall of a man once celebrated as "America`s Dad" but whose reputation was ruined after some 50 women accused him of similar offences going back decades. 
Cosby had been a transcendent figure in show business, coming up as a black comedian during the civil rights movement of the 1960s and winning over white audiences with a clean routine.&nbsp 
 
He went on to several successful television series when African-Americans were largely absent from TV. In "The Cosby Show" from 1984 to 1992, he played the wise and witty Dr. Heathcliff Huxtable, the father of an affluent black family. 
 
All the while, his accusers say, he had been drugging and molesting women.&nbsp 
 
Only one of those cases was recent enough to be eligible for prosecution, that of Constand, a former administrator for the women`s basketball team at Temple University, Cosby`s alma mater. She had no comment after the verdict. 
 
"The most important person in our team was Andrea Constand," Steele, the district attorney, told reporters. "She was the first courageous person who stood up in public and went to authorities and said, `Bill Cosby drugged and raped me.`" 
 
Attorney Gloria Allred, who represents 33 of the Cosby accusers, rejoiced that Cosby was found "guilty, guilty, guilty." 
 
"We are so happy that finally we can say, women are believed, and not only on #MeToo, but in a court of law," Allred told reporters. 
 
Other Cosby accusers celebrated the verdict with hugs, cries, and applause. 
 
"I feel like my faith in humanity is restored," Bernard said. 
 
The seven-man, five-woman jury reached a unanimous verdict after deliberating for 14 hours over two days. 
 
Less than a year ago, a different jury was deadlocked after six days of deliberations on the same charges, prompting the judge to declare a mistrial.&nbsp 
 
Soon after the first trial, a series of women levelled sexual assault and harassment accusations against men in media, entertainment and politics, giving rise to the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements that encouraged women go public with personal stories of abuse, in some cases after years of silence. 
 
Like many of Cosby`s other accusers, Constand said she was drugged and violated while unable to defend herself. 
 
Cosby has said any sexual encounters were consensual, and his lawyers portrayed the accusers as fabricating stories in search of wealth and fame. 
 
"Mob rule is not due process," defence lawyer Kathleen Bliss said, referring to the #MeToo movement.&nbsp 
 
U.S. President Donald Trump has been accused by several women of sexual misconduct, including after the release during the 2016 presidential campaign of a video in which he had spoken in vulgar terms about trying to have sex with women. He later called it "locker room banter" and his campaign issued an apology to anyone who was offended. 
 
Trump, whose inauguration and first anniversary as president were met with nationwide women`s protests, denies accusations of sexual misconduct and accuses rival Democrats and the media of a smear campaign. He faces a defamation lawsuit from Summer Zervos, a contestant on his former reality show who accuses him of sexually harassing her. Trump`s lawyer has said her accusations are false and politically motivated. 
 
Constand testified she went to Cosby`s house to discuss a potential career change when he gave her three blue pills he said would relax her. 
 
She said the pills made her feel woozy, and when she was jolted awake Cosby was digitally penetrating her vagina, touching her breasts and masturbating himself with her hand. 
The prosecution case was bolstered by the five additional accusers who were allowed to testify, each saying they, too, were drugged and violated. In the first trial, O`Neill allowed only one accuser besides Constand to take the witness stand.

Comedian Bill Cosby was convicted on Thursday of drugging and sexually assaulting a onetime friend in 2004

Comedian Bill Cosby was convicted on Thursday of drugging and sexually assaulting a onetime friend in 2004, marking the first such conviction of a celebrity since the #MeToo movement that has brought down rich and powerful men for their treatment of women. Cosby, 80, best known as the lovable father from the 1980s TV hit "The Cosby Show," faces up to 10 years in prison for each of three counts of aggravated indecent assault against Andrea Constand, 45, following a three-week trial at the Montgomery County courthouse in Norristown, Pennsylvania. After maintaining decorum throughout the trial, Cosby exploded following the verdict when prosecutors asked the judge to take him into custody, saying he was a flight risk in part because he owned a plane. "He doesn`t have a plane, you asshole!" Cosby responded in a booming voice as he leapt to feet. District Attorney Kevin Steele later remarked that with the outburst, "You got to see who he really was." As the verdict was read, Cosby looked down with a sad expression. Lili Bernard, one of his many accusers, began sobbing. Constand sat stone-faced. Judge Steven O`Neill ruled Cosby could remain out of jail on $1 million bail pending sentencing at a later date, as long as he surrendered his passport and remained at home. Cosby then left the courthouse with his lawyers and publicist. "The fight will go on," defence lawyer Thomas Mesereau told reporters, adding he would appeal the conviction. Sentencing was expected within 60 to 90 days after Cosby submits to a "sexually violent predator assessment." Although he could get up to 10 years for each count, state sentencing guidelines suggest a term of less than 10 years. The conviction marks the downfall of a man once celebrated as "America`s Dad" but whose reputation was ruined after some 50 women accused him of similar offences going back decades. Cosby had been a transcendent figure in show business, coming up as a black comedian during the civil rights movement of the 1960s and winning over white audiences with a clean routine. He went on to several successful television series when African-Americans were largely absent from TV. In "The Cosby Show" from 1984 to 1992, he played the wise and witty Dr. Heathcliff Huxtable, the father of an affluent black family. All the while, his accusers say, he had been drugging and molesting women. Only one of those cases was recent enough to be eligible for prosecution, that of Constand, a former administrator for the women`s basketball team at Temple University, Cosby`s alma mater. She had no comment after the verdict. "The most important person in our team was Andrea Constand," Steele, the district attorney, told reporters. "She was the first courageous person who stood up in public and went to authorities and said, `Bill Cosby drugged and raped me.`" Attorney Gloria Allred, who represents 33 of the Cosby accusers, rejoiced that Cosby was found "guilty, guilty, guilty." "We are so happy that finally we can say, women are believed, and not only on #MeToo, but in a court of law," Allred told reporters. Other Cosby accusers celebrated the verdict with hugs, cries, and applause. "I feel like my faith in humanity is restored," Bernard said. The seven-man, five-woman jury reached a unanimous verdict after deliberating for 14 hours over two days. Less than a year ago, a different jury was deadlocked after six days of deliberations on the same charges, prompting the judge to declare a mistrial. Soon after the first trial, a series of women levelled sexual assault and harassment accusations against men in media, entertainment and politics, giving rise to the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements that encouraged women go public with personal stories of abuse, in some cases after years of silence. Like many of Cosby`s other accusers, Constand said she was drugged and violated while unable to defend herself. Cosby has said any sexual encounters were consensual, and his lawyers portrayed the accusers as fabricating stories in search of wealth and fame. "Mob rule is not due process," defence lawyer Kathleen Bliss said, referring to the #MeToo movement. U.S. President Donald Trump has been accused by several women of sexual misconduct, including after the release during the 2016 presidential campaign of a video in which he had spoken in vulgar terms about trying to have sex with women. He later called it "locker room banter" and his campaign issued an apology to anyone who was offended. Trump, whose inauguration and first anniversary as president were met with nationwide women`s protests, denies accusations of sexual misconduct and accuses rival Democrats and the media of a smear campaign. He faces a defamation lawsuit from Summer Zervos, a contestant on his former reality show who accuses him of sexually harassing her. Trump`s lawyer has said her accusations are false and politically motivated. Constand testified she went to Cosby`s house to discuss a potential career change when he gave her three blue pills he said would relax her. She said the pills made her feel woozy, and when she was jolted awake Cosby was digitally penetrating her vagina, touching her breasts and masturbating himself with her hand. The prosecution case was bolstered by the five additional accusers who were allowed to testify, each saying they, too, were drugged and violated. In the first trial, O`Neill allowed only one accuser besides Constand to take the witness stand.

Bill Cosby, once beloved 'America's Dad,' convicted of sexual assault