Jury in Bill Cosby case to begin deliberating on Wednesday
NORRISTOWN, Pa. — The jury in Bill Cosby's sexual-assault retrial will begin deliberating Wednesday after a searing day of closing arguments in which the comedian was variously portrayed as a calculating predator who is finally being brought to justice, or the victim of a multimillion-dollar frame-up by a "pathological liar."The judge sent the seven men and five women back to their hotel Tuesday evening after the jurors indicated they were exhausted from listening to 5½ hours of arguments."I want you well rested.
NORRISTOWN, Pa. — The jury in Bill Cosby's sexual-assault retrial will begin deliberating Wednesday after a searing day of closing arguments in which the comedian was variously portrayed as a calculating predator who is finally being brought to justice, or the victim of a multimillion-dollar frame-up by a "pathological liar."The judge sent the seven men and five women back to their hotel Tuesday evening after the jurors indicated they were exhausted from listening to 5½ hours of arguments."I want you well rested.
In closing, defense calls Bill Cosby accuser 'pathological liar'
NORRISTOWN, Pa. — Bill Cosby's lawyers urged a jury Tuesday to acquit the 80-year-old comedian of sexual assault charges they said were based on "flimsy, silly, ridiculous evidence," arguing he was falsely accused by a "pathological liar" scheming for a big payday.The first big celebrity trial of the #MeToo era was nearly in the hands of a jury after the defense declared that Cosby himself was the victim of an elaborate frame-up.Lawyers Tom Mesereau and Kathleen Bliss said in their closing argument that chief accuser Andrea Constand consented to a sexual encounter at Cosby's home in suburban Philadelphia, then leveled false accusations against the "Cosby Show" star so she could sue him and extract a big settlement."You're dealing with a pathological liar, members of the jury," Cosby lawyer Tom Mesereau said. "You are."Prosecutors were to deliver their closing argument next.
NORRISTOWN, Pa. — Bill Cosby's lawyers urged a jury Tuesday to acquit the 80-year-old comedian of sexual assault charges they said were based on "flimsy, silly, ridiculous evidence," arguing he was falsely accused by a "pathological liar" scheming for a big payday.The first big celebrity trial of the #MeToo era was nearly in the hands of a jury after the defense declared that Cosby himself was the victim of an elaborate frame-up.Lawyers Tom Mesereau and Kathleen Bliss said in their closing argument that chief accuser Andrea Constand consented to a sexual encounter at Cosby's home in suburban Philadelphia, then leveled false accusations against the "Cosby Show" star so she could sue him and extract a big settlement."You're dealing with a pathological liar, members of the jury," Cosby lawyer Tom Mesereau said. "You are."Prosecutors were to deliver their closing argument next.
Closing arguments, deliberations loom in Bill Cosby retrial
NORRISTOWN, Pa. — Bill Cosby's sexual assault retrial is set to go to the jury on Tuesday, but not before closing arguments pitting the prosecution's portrayal of a serial predator against the defense's contention that he's the victim of a "con artist" who made up drugging and molestation allegations to score a big payday.The defense rested on Monday after the 80-year-old comedian said he wouldn't testify, echoing his decision at his first trial, which ended in a hung jury last year."You now have all of the evidence," Judge Steven O'Neill told jurors, sending them back to their sequestration hotel after an abbreviated day of testimony. "Try to relax, so that you're on your game tomorrow."Jurors at Cosby's first trial deliberated for five days without reaching a verdict on three related counts of aggravated indecent assault.
NORRISTOWN, Pa. — Bill Cosby's sexual assault retrial is set to go to the jury on Tuesday, but not before closing arguments pitting the prosecution's portrayal of a serial predator against the defense's contention that he's the victim of a "con artist" who made up drugging and molestation allegations to score a big payday.The defense rested on Monday after the 80-year-old comedian said he wouldn't testify, echoing his decision at his first trial, which ended in a hung jury last year."You now have all of the evidence," Judge Steven O'Neill told jurors, sending them back to their sequestration hotel after an abbreviated day of testimony. "Try to relax, so that you're on your game tomorrow."Jurors at Cosby's first trial deliberated for five days without reaching a verdict on three related counts of aggravated indecent assault.
Expert: Benadryl, quaaludes could've affected Cosby accuser
NORRISTOWN, Pa. — Bill Cosby's chief accuser could have been made woozy either by the cold and allergy medicine Benadryl or by quaaludes, a prosecution expert testified Thursday at the comedian's sexual assault retrial.The identity of the pills that Cosby gave Andrea Constand before a 2004 sexual encounter at his home has been one of the case's most enduring mysteries.Constand testified that Cosby gave her three blue pills that knocked her out and then he violated her.
NORRISTOWN, Pa. — Bill Cosby's chief accuser could have been made woozy either by the cold and allergy medicine Benadryl or by quaaludes, a prosecution expert testified Thursday at the comedian's sexual assault retrial.The identity of the pills that Cosby gave Andrea Constand before a 2004 sexual encounter at his home has been one of the case's most enduring mysteries.Constand testified that Cosby gave her three blue pills that knocked her out and then he violated her.
Jury hears Bill Cosby's graphic testimony about accuser
NORRISTOWN, Pa. — Jurors on Tuesday got a sense of Bill Cosby's view of consent from graphic deposition testimony in which the comedian described reaching an area "somewhere between permission and rejection" during what he claims was a prior sexual encounter with his chief accuser.Cosby, 80, testified a dozen years ago as part of a lawsuit that Andrea Constand filed against him, and prosecutors won the right to introduce it at his sexual assault retrial on charges he drugged and molested her at his suburban Philadelphia home in 2004.In the deposition, Cosby described his attempt to obtain consent from Constand during a previous encounter."I'm giving Andrea time to say 'yes' or 'no' about an area that is right there in the question zone," Cosby testified.He said he rubbed the skin above her trousers and "without talking I'm asking can I go farther.""I don't hear her say anything.
NORRISTOWN, Pa. — Jurors on Tuesday got a sense of Bill Cosby's view of consent from graphic deposition testimony in which the comedian described reaching an area "somewhere between permission and rejection" during what he claims was a prior sexual encounter with his chief accuser.Cosby, 80, testified a dozen years ago as part of a lawsuit that Andrea Constand filed against him, and prosecutors won the right to introduce it at his sexual assault retrial on charges he drugged and molested her at his suburban Philadelphia home in 2004.In the deposition, Cosby described his attempt to obtain consent from Constand during a previous encounter."I'm giving Andrea time to say 'yes' or 'no' about an area that is right there in the question zone," Cosby testified.He said he rubbed the skin above her trousers and "without talking I'm asking can I go farther.""I don't hear her say anything.
Bill Cosby's accuser, her mom testify at sex-assault retrial
NORRISTOWN, Pa. — Bill Cosby's chief accuser at his sexual-assault trial on Monday denied framing him and said she doesn't know a key witness who plans to testify she spoke of leveling false accusations against a celebrity.Andrea Constand told jurors she doesn't "recall ever having a conversation with" Marguerite Jackson.
NORRISTOWN, Pa. — Bill Cosby's chief accuser at his sexual-assault trial on Monday denied framing him and said she doesn't know a key witness who plans to testify she spoke of leveling false accusations against a celebrity.Andrea Constand told jurors she doesn't "recall ever having a conversation with" Marguerite Jackson.
On witness stand, accuser calls Bill Cosby a 'serial rapist'
NORRISTOWN, Pa. — The first accuser to testify at Bill Cosby's retrial described the comedian Wednesday as "a serial rapist" as she parried with his lawyers, while a second accuser tearfully confronted the comedian over a 32-year-old assault allegation: "You remember, don't you, Mr.
NORRISTOWN, Pa. — The first accuser to testify at Bill Cosby's retrial described the comedian Wednesday as "a serial rapist" as she parried with his lawyers, while a second accuser tearfully confronted the comedian over a 32-year-old assault allegation: "You remember, don't you, Mr.
Bill Cosby's lawyer launches fierce attack on 'con artist' accuser
NORRISTOWN, Pa. — Bill Cosby's lawyer launched a blistering courtroom attack on the comedian's accuser Tuesday, branding her a con artist whose goal was "money, money and lots more money."Tom Mesereau told jurors in his opening statement at the former TV star's sex-assault trial that Andrea Constand wasn't attracted to Cosby but was "madly in love" with his fame and money and made up the accusations to score a big payday.He said she "hit the jackpot" when Cosby paid her $3.4 million more than a decade ago to settle her lawsuit over allegations he drugged and molested her in 2004.Prosecutors say it was the "Cosby Show" star who betrayed Constand's trust by giving her pills and then violating her at his suburban Philadelphia mansion.
NORRISTOWN, Pa. — Bill Cosby's lawyer launched a blistering courtroom attack on the comedian's accuser Tuesday, branding her a con artist whose goal was "money, money and lots more money."Tom Mesereau told jurors in his opening statement at the former TV star's sex-assault trial that Andrea Constand wasn't attracted to Cosby but was "madly in love" with his fame and money and made up the accusations to score a big payday.He said she "hit the jackpot" when Cosby paid her $3.4 million more than a decade ago to settle her lawsuit over allegations he drugged and molested her in 2004.Prosecutors say it was the "Cosby Show" star who betrayed Constand's trust by giving her pills and then violating her at his suburban Philadelphia mansion.
Bill Cosby's sex-assault retrial won't be like the 1st
NORRISTOWN, Pa. -- With opening statements in Bill Cosby's sexual assault retrial set for Monday, prosecutors have lined up a parade of accusers to make the case that the man revered as "America's Dad" lived a double life as one of Hollywood's biggest predators.Cosby's retrial likely won't be anything like his first one.
NORRISTOWN, Pa. -- With opening statements in Bill Cosby's sexual assault retrial set for Monday, prosecutors have lined up a parade of accusers to make the case that the man revered as "America's Dad" lived a double life as one of Hollywood's biggest predators.Cosby's retrial likely won't be anything like his first one.
Ohio State revokes Bill Cosby's honorary degree amid retrial
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State University has revoked an honorary degree awarded to Bill Cosby when he spoke at commencement in 2001.University trustees on Friday approved rescinding the degree for the 80-year-old comedian, whose retrial in a sexual assault case begins Monday with opening statements in suburban Philadelphia.An Ohio State spokesman says Cosby has, by his own admission, violated the university's principles and values.This is the first time Ohio State has revoked an honorary degree.
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State University has revoked an honorary degree awarded to Bill Cosby when he spoke at commencement in 2001.University trustees on Friday approved rescinding the degree for the 80-year-old comedian, whose retrial in a sexual assault case begins Monday with opening statements in suburban Philadelphia.An Ohio State spokesman says Cosby has, by his own admission, violated the university's principles and values.This is the first time Ohio State has revoked an honorary degree.
Jury picked for Bill Cosby's sex assault retrial
NORRISTOWN, Pa. -- A jury has been picked in the Bill Cosby sexual assault retrial in suburban Philadelphia.Prosecutors and the defense have settled on the panel of 12 jurors who will sit in judgment of the 80-year-old comedian.
NORRISTOWN, Pa. -- A jury has been picked in the Bill Cosby sexual assault retrial in suburban Philadelphia.Prosecutors and the defense have settled on the panel of 12 jurors who will sit in judgment of the 80-year-old comedian.
Judge: 5 other accusers can testify at Bill Cosby's retrial
PHILADELPHIA — A judge agreed Thursday to let five additional Bill Cosby accusers testify at his April 2 retrial for an alleged 2004 sexual assault, giving prosecutors a chance to portray the man once known as "America's Dad" as a serial predator who made a sadistic habit of drugging and molesting women.Judge Steven O'Neill said prosecutors could choose the witnesses from a list of eight women with allegations dating as far back as the early 1980s.
PHILADELPHIA — A judge agreed Thursday to let five additional Bill Cosby accusers testify at his April 2 retrial for an alleged 2004 sexual assault, giving prosecutors a chance to portray the man once known as "America's Dad" as a serial predator who made a sadistic habit of drugging and molesting women.Judge Steven O'Neill said prosecutors could choose the witnesses from a list of eight women with allegations dating as far back as the early 1980s.
Bill Cosby wants sexual assault case tossed or witnesses limited
NORRISTOWN, Pa. — A day after Hollywood's first Oscars of the #MeToo era, Bill Cosby went to court Monday in a bid to get his sexual assault case thrown out — or at least stop some of his dozens of accusers from testifying at his retrial.Cosby's retooled defense team, led by former Michael Jackson lawyer Tom Mesereau, argued that telephone records, travel itineraries and other evidence show the alleged assault couldn't have happened when prosecutors say it did and thus falls outside the statute of limitations.The defense disputed accuser Andrea Constand's testimony at Cosby's first trial last year that the 80-year-old entertainer drugged and molested her at his suburban Philadelphia home some time in the first part of January 2004.
NORRISTOWN, Pa. — A day after Hollywood's first Oscars of the #MeToo era, Bill Cosby went to court Monday in a bid to get his sexual assault case thrown out — or at least stop some of his dozens of accusers from testifying at his retrial.Cosby's retooled defense team, led by former Michael Jackson lawyer Tom Mesereau, argued that telephone records, travel itineraries and other evidence show the alleged assault couldn't have happened when prosecutors say it did and thus falls outside the statute of limitations.The defense disputed accuser Andrea Constand's testimony at Cosby's first trial last year that the 80-year-old entertainer drugged and molested her at his suburban Philadelphia home some time in the first part of January 2004.
Prosecutors in Bill Cosby retrial want 19 women to testify
PHILADELPHIA -- Prosecutors in Bill Cosby's retrial want to call as many as 19 other women to the witness stand to show he had a five-decade pattern of drugging and harming women.Cosby is due in court for a pretrial hearing Monday, less than two weeks after his daughter's death, as his lawyers clash with prosecutors over how many of his accusers are allowed to testify at his April 2 sexual assault.Judge Steven O'Neill allowed just one other accuser to take the witness stand at Cosby's first trial, which ended in a hung jury last year.
PHILADELPHIA -- Prosecutors in Bill Cosby's retrial want to call as many as 19 other women to the witness stand to show he had a five-decade pattern of drugging and harming women.Cosby is due in court for a pretrial hearing Monday, less than two weeks after his daughter's death, as his lawyers clash with prosecutors over how many of his accusers are allowed to testify at his April 2 sexual assault.Judge Steven O'Neill allowed just one other accuser to take the witness stand at Cosby's first trial, which ended in a hung jury last year.
Jury selection for Bill Cosby's retrial slated for March 29
NORRISTOWN, Pa. — Jury selection for Bill Cosby's criminal sex assault retrial will start March 29 in the suburban Philadelphia county where he's accused of drugging and molesting a woman in 2004.The 80-year-old entertainer's first trial had jurors from the Pittsburgh area, about 300 miles away.
NORRISTOWN, Pa. — Jury selection for Bill Cosby's criminal sex assault retrial will start March 29 in the suburban Philadelphia county where he's accused of drugging and molesting a woman in 2004.The 80-year-old entertainer's first trial had jurors from the Pittsburgh area, about 300 miles away.
Ex-prosecutor: Bill Cosby paid accuser millions of dollars
PHILADELPHIA — A former prosecutor claims his decision in 2005 not to charge Bill Cosby with drugging and molesting a woman led to the comedian paying his accuser a settlement "well into the millions of dollars."Bruce Castor's assertion in a lawsuit Thursday against the accuser, Andrea Constand, and her lawyers is the first time anyone has put a value on the confidential settlement.Castor alleges the women harmed his reputation and cost him a chance to return as district attorney in suburban Philadelphia by publicly criticizing him and suing him for defamation days before the 2015 election.Castor's lawsuit doesn't explain how he would know how much Cosby paid Constand.
PHILADELPHIA — A former prosecutor claims his decision in 2005 not to charge Bill Cosby with drugging and molesting a woman led to the comedian paying his accuser a settlement "well into the millions of dollars."Bruce Castor's assertion in a lawsuit Thursday against the accuser, Andrea Constand, and her lawyers is the first time anyone has put a value on the confidential settlement.Castor alleges the women harmed his reputation and cost him a chance to return as district attorney in suburban Philadelphia by publicly criticizing him and suing him for defamation days before the 2015 election.Castor's lawsuit doesn't explain how he would know how much Cosby paid Constand.
Cosby hires Michael Jackson's lawyer for sex assault retrial
PHILADELPHIA — Bill Cosby has hired Michael Jackson's former lawyer to represent him at his November retrial on sexual assault charges in Pennsylvania.Cosby's spokesman announced Monday that the 80-year-old comedian is bringing in Tom Mesereau to lead a retooled defense team.
PHILADELPHIA — Bill Cosby has hired Michael Jackson's former lawyer to represent him at his November retrial on sexual assault charges in Pennsylvania.Cosby's spokesman announced Monday that the 80-year-old comedian is bringing in Tom Mesereau to lead a retooled defense team.
Cosby trial cost $219K, more than half paying for overtime
NORRISTOWN, Pa. — Officials say Bill Cosby's trial last month in suburban Philadelphia cost the local government $219,000, with more than half going toward overtime for deputies, detectives, security guards and court personnel.Montgomery County released a breakdown Thursday that says it racked up about $46,000 in hotel stays for jurors who were brought in from Pittsburgh to hear the case.
NORRISTOWN, Pa. — Officials say Bill Cosby's trial last month in suburban Philadelphia cost the local government $219,000, with more than half going toward overtime for deputies, detectives, security guards and court personnel.Montgomery County released a breakdown Thursday that says it racked up about $46,000 in hotel stays for jurors who were brought in from Pittsburgh to hear the case.
Bill Cosby faces 2nd sex assault trial after jury deadlocks
NORRISTOWN, Pa. — Prosecutors found themselves back to square one Saturday after the jury in Bill Cosby's sexual assault case declared itself hopelessly deadlocked, resulting in a mistrial for the 79-year-old TV star facing accusations he first drugged then molested a woman more than a decade ago.Cosby's team declared victory, however temporary, as the comedian and actor once known as "America's Dad" for his TV role as paternal Dr.
NORRISTOWN, Pa. — Prosecutors found themselves back to square one Saturday after the jury in Bill Cosby's sexual assault case declared itself hopelessly deadlocked, resulting in a mistrial for the 79-year-old TV star facing accusations he first drugged then molested a woman more than a decade ago.Cosby's team declared victory, however temporary, as the comedian and actor once known as "America's Dad" for his TV role as paternal Dr.
Jurors deadlocked after 30 hours of deliberations in Bill Cosby trial
NORRISTOWN, Pa. — Jurors in the Bill Cosby trial said Thursday they are deadlocked and cannot come to a unanimous consensus on any of the three counts of aggravated indecent assault the comedian faces.Judge Steven O'Neill asked the jury, which began deliberating Monday evening, to go back to deliberating in another attempt to reach consensus."If you are still deadlocked, you should report that to me.
NORRISTOWN, Pa. — Jurors in the Bill Cosby trial said Thursday they are deadlocked and cannot come to a unanimous consensus on any of the three counts of aggravated indecent assault the comedian faces.Judge Steven O'Neill asked the jury, which began deliberating Monday evening, to go back to deliberating in another attempt to reach consensus."If you are still deadlocked, you should report that to me.