Bill Cosby faces fresh sexual assault allegations: New accuser files lawsuit

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

Bill Cosby, the once-beloved comedian, is facing another round of sexual assault allegations as singer Morganne Picard filed a new lawsuit against him in New York on Friday. Picard claims that Cosby used his fame and influence to sexually abuse her, and the lawsuit also implicates other entities associated with the actor.

According to court documents, Picard first encountered Cosby in 1987 when he invited her to the set of «The Cosby Show.» She developed a close relationship with the comedian and his wife, considering Cosby a «father figure.» However, Picard alleges that Cosby repeatedly encouraged her to consume alcoholic beverages he provided, leading her to black out on multiple occasions. In one harrowing incident, Picard claims to have woken up in a hotel room, naked, and experiencing soreness after accepting a drink at Cosby's residence. These distressing experiences form the basis of her sexual assault allegations against the once-iconic entertainer.

Not only has Picard named Cosby in her lawsuit, but she has also included Kaufman Astoria Studios, the Carsey-Werner Company, and NBC Universal Media as co-defendants. She asserts that these entities «enabled and aided» Cosby's sexual assaults, prioritizing financial gains from the actor. According to the documents, Picard contends that these companies either knew about Cosby's behavior or should have been aware of it, making them complicit in the alleged misconduct.

Picard's lawyer expressed gratitude for New York State passing the Adult Survivors Act, which allows adult survivors of sexual abuse to bring civil lawsuits until November 23, 2023,