Bill Cosby Denied Re-Trial in 1970s Sexual Abuse Civil Case

On Tuesday, a Los Angeles Superior judge denied Bill Cosby’s request for a new trial with regard to a 1970s sexual assault civil lawsuit brought against him by Judy Huth.

For context, and as previously reported by The Root back in June, a California jury ruled that Bill Cosby sexually assaulted a then-16-year-old Huth 46 years ago. But because the judgment was handed down in a civil court instead of a criminal one, Cosby faced no possibility of jail time as a result. During the trial, Huth testified that Cosby invited her and a friend to a party at the Playboy Mansion—an estate owned by the late Hugh Hefner, who founded the magazine and adult entertainment empire—where he raped her. Despite being found guilty, Cosby continues to deny that that event ever happened.

And it’s because of that, that the once-beloved actor wanted to receive a new trial. But unfortunately for him, that’s not going to happen.

“Cosby has failed to establish he received an unfair trial or that insufficient evidence existed to establish his liability for Plaintiff’s harm,” Judge Karlan explained, per Deadline.

In response, Cosby’s spokesman Andrew Wyatt said:

“Judge Karlan denying Mr. Cosby a new trial was expected but it’s unfortunate that this judge ignored the inconsistencies in Ms. Huth testimony during cross examination and the mere fact that Ms. Huth changed her time line of events in the 11th hour before the trial. We have always stood our ground by saying, ‘This was a trial by assassination against Mr. Cosby.’ The after glow for Mr. Cosby is that he maintains his innocence and vehemently denies all alleged allegations waged against him; but most importantly, Mr. Cosby will move forward with his appeal, which will preclude any monies ($500,000) being awarded to Ms. Huth.”