A woman claiming that Bill Cosby sexually assaulted her more than 50 years ago has taken legal action against the actor. The accuser filed a lawsuit on Thursday, November 16, 2023, leveraging the expiring New York survivors law, providing a one-year window for victims of sexual abuse to file lawsuits for decades-old allegations.
Allegations and Lawsuit Details
Joan Tarshis, the accuser, initially spoke out against Cosby in 2014, detailing the alleged assaults. She alleged in the latest lawsuit that Cosby drugged and sexually abused her in 1969 or 1970, as well as during a further encounter a year or two later. Tarshis, who met Cosby in California while he was filming "The Bill Cosby Show," filed the claim in New York City's state Supreme Court.
A spokesperson for Cosby, Andrew Wyatt, did not address the specific claims made by Tarshis but expressed frustration, citing other recent lawsuits under New York's Adult Survivors Act involving high-profile individuals like Diddy, LA Reid, and Steven Tyler.
Cosby's History and Previous Legal Battles
Bill Cosby, 86, was accused of rape, sexual assault, and harassment by over 60 women. Despite being convicted during the #MeToo era, a higher court reversed his sentence in 2021, resulting in his release after nearly three years in prison.
Tarshis was among the first accusers to come forward publicly, meeting Cosby at 19 when she was just starting her career in comedy writing.
Tarshis, together with six other women, had previously sued Cosby for defamation claims in Massachusetts. Those cases were settled in 2019. The latest lawsuit includes charges of battery, assault, intentional cause of emotional distress, and false imprisonment, seeking unspecified damages.
Tarshis' Early Exposure and Apology from CNN
Joan Tarshis' interview with CNN's Don Lemon drew significant attention on social media, including an apology from Lemon for a remark suggesting a response involving biting Cosby. Tarshis met Cosby at 19 while entering the comedy writing scene, beginning a tumultuous journey of allegations and legal battles.
Alleged Assault Details
According to the latest lawsuit, Cosby invited Tarshis to a studio lot under the guise of working on a skit. In his bungalow, she claims to have fallen unconscious after accepting a drink, awakening to find Cosby undressing her and forcing her to perform oral sex. The suit further alleges another assault in 1971 when Cosby called her home, spoke with her mother, and invited her to a show where she claims he raped her.
The Expiring Adult Survivors Act
The Adult Survivors Act, under which Tarshis filed her lawsuit, is set to expire on November 24, 2023. This legislation has recently been the basis for legal actions against prominent figures, including Antonio "L.A." Reid and Sean "Diddy" Combs.
In the face of high-profile legal battles, survivors are urged to consider consulting with legal professionals experienced in advocating for survivor rights. If you or someone you know needs assistance, take the proactive step of seeking expert legal guidance to navigate the legal intricacies surrounding sexual abuse claims.
