The disgraced American stand-up comedian Bill Cosby is on trial again for another sexual assault case. The trial began on Monday in California. The plaintiff Judy Huth has alleged that the comedian sexually assaulted her when she was a teenager.
Allegations
In Los Angeles this week, the jury selection has begun the civil suit. Judy Huth has mentioned that Bill Cosby had sexually abused her at the Playboy mansion in 1975. Huth, in her initial complaint, has claimed that the abuse took place in 1974 when she was 15. But she later changed her claim and alleged that the assault happened in 1975 at age of 16.
Huth added that she suffered psychological damage and mental anguish because of the assault.
This case is the latest in an array of lawsuits against the comedian, accusing him of sexual assault. Huth originally filed a lawsuit against Bill Cosby in 2014 when the defendant was facing several other charges of sexual assault. But the lawsuits got delayed because of a criminal trial in Pennslyvania.
In 2014, the courts convicted Cosby of drugging and sexually assaulting Andrea Constand 17 years ago. Although Cosby was later released on a technicality. The state’s supreme court concluded that he didn’t receive a free trial.
Bill Cosby’s response
Huth in her lawsuit mentions that she along with a friend met Bill Cosby in a park and days later the comedian took them to the Playboy mansion. The mansions where Cosby touched her without consent and performed a sex act on himself.
Cosby although admitting to having met Judy Huth in 2014 has denied the claim of her being a minor when they met.
Bill Cosby’s legal team has called out Huth’s modification of her age during her assault. They have called it an ambush.
In response, Huth’s attorney responded “It is a trial by evidence. We believe that the defense 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 defense in a court filing in early May.”
Even though there are several civil suits filed against Bill Cosby, Huth’s the first case to reach the trial stage.
Cosby’s spokesperson, Andrew Wyatt, told the Post “This is a trial by the assassination of Mr. Cosby’s legacy and livelihood.”
The trial is expected to run for two weeks. But the 84 years old comedian Bill Cosby may not be testifying in it.
