Bill Cosby faces new sexual assault lawsuit
CNN —
Bill Cosby is being sued by Victoria Valentino in a new civil lawsuit claiming decades-old allegations of sexual assault, that her attorney shared with CNN and said it was filed in Los Angeles on Thursday.
Shortly after meeting Cosby in 1969, Valentino claims she and a friend had dinner with the comedian where they were given pills and later agreed to go to an office with him, according to the filing.
Victoria Valentino leaves Montgomery County Courthouse in Norristown, Pennsylvania, on June 9, 2017. Bastiaan Slabbers/NurPhoto/Getty Images
“After ingesting the pill, Plaintiff’s head began nodding and she struggled to keep her head up and stay awake. Plaintiff felt nauseated, and her head was spinning. She stated, ‘I want to go home now,’” according to the filing.
The lawsuit outlines in graphic detail allegations that Cosby raped Valentino, claiming “Plaintiff was incapable of consent by reason of being drugged by Cosby and physically helpless.”
Valentino filed the lawsuit under California’s new law that gives residents a three-year window in which they can file civil sexual assault lawsuits that would otherwise be barred by an expired statute of limitations.
According to the filing, she is seeking general, special and punitive damages, as well as attorney and court fees.
Andrew Wyatt, a representative for Cosby, said it is “deeply disturbing and disappointing that our lawmakers would push forward these ‘Look Back Windows,’ which are a sheer violation of all American’s Constitutional Rights. Statutes of Limitations reside in The Constitution, in order to protect those who are victims of a crime and to protect those that are accused of a crime. Unfortunately, these ‘Look Back Windows’ are brought to life because our political figures are being driven by click-baiters, likes and followers, in order to excel to their political aspirations.”
Wyatt adds that Valentino’s claims are “without any proof or facts” and asserts that there are “inconsistencies in her many statements.”
“The trauma he inflicted upon me affects not only me, but my children and grandchildren. By breaking my silence and speaking my truth, I hope this serves as my legacy to my family, and shows those survivors who have yet to find their voices, that hope and healing are possible,” said Valentino in a statement shared by her attorney.
Source: CNN
