Photo: Getty Images
Embattled comedian Bill Cosby is once again facing sexual assault allegations, this time in a civil trial being held in Santa Monica, California.
Opening statements began Wednesday (June 1) in the civil lawsuit trial against Cosby who is accused of forcing a then-16-year-old Judy Huth to perform sexual acts at the Playboy Mansion in 1975. Lawyers representing Huth, now 64 years old, will detail evidence of the assault including Huth's testimony, photos, and more.
Cosby's attorneys deny sexual abuse occurred and while they've admitted the comedian was at the Playboy Mansion at the time of the alleged abuse, based on photos, they don't believe Huth was a minor at the time. The 85-year-old has invoked his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination and will not be in attendance for the trial due to ongoing health issues that make traveling difficult.
This trial marks one of the last cases Cosby will face after the Pennsylvania Supreme Court overturned his criminal sexual assault case in 2021. Several other lawsuits alleging sexual abuse were settled by his insurer.
Reading about trauma can have an impact on your mental health. If you or someone you know need immediate mental health help, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor. These additional resources are also available:
The National Sexual Assault Hotline 1-800-656-4673
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255
The National Alliance on Mental Illness 1-800-950-6264
The Association of Black Psychologists 1-301-449-3082
The Anxiety and Depression Association of America 1-240-485-1001
For more mental health resources, click HERE.
Get the latest news 24/7 on The Black Information Network. Listen now on the iHeartRadio app or click HERE to tune in live.