Plaintiffs Requested Sanctions After Cosby Missed Depositions
Legal filings indicate Bill Cosby has now missed three scheduled depositions in a civil lawsuit.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Romance
Plaintiffs have filed a request for court sanctions against 89-year-old Bill Cosby after he failed to appear for a deposition last month. This marks the third time the defendant has missed a court-ordered testimony.
Why it matters
The request for sanctions aims to block Cosby from providing testimony in the ongoing civil case, significantly altering his ability to present a defense in the matter.
Bill Cosby, who is 89, canceled his most recent September 2026 deposition dates one day before they were set to begin. In a separate legal matter, he was previously ordered to pay $59.25 million, including $40 million in punitive damages.
The players
Bill Cosby
He is an 89-year-old entertainer who is the defendant in multiple civil lawsuits involving sexual assault allegations.
Donna Motsinger
She is a plaintiff who was previously awarded $59.25 million in damages following a successful sexual assault lawsuit against Bill Cosby.
The details
Legal documents confirm that the September 2026 sessions were canceled by the defense on September 21. Previous absences occurred in April and June of the same year, with his team once citing the unavailability of an assistant for the June cancellation.
Timeline
April 2026: Bill Cosby missed a scheduled deposition.
June 2026: Bill Cosby missed a scheduled deposition.
September 21, 2026: The defense canceled the scheduled September deposition dates.
September 22-24, 2026: Bill Cosby failed to attend the scheduled deposition.
Culture Shift
The ongoing legal struggles involving Bill Cosby reflect a broader shift in how civil courts handle sexual assault allegations and defendant accountability. This case follows the pattern of civil liability established by the Donna Motsinger civil sexual assault judgment.
The potential court sanctions could prevent the defendant from testifying, effectively limiting his participation in the legal process. This development serves as a reminder of how procedural hurdles can influence the resolution of high-profile civil litigation.
The takeaway
The court's decision on the sanctions request will determine whether the defense loses its opportunity to present testimony. Maintaining awareness of procedural court deadlines is essential for understanding the progression of civil disputes.
Further reading
For more on evolving legal standards in relationship-based litigation, visit Romance.
Source note: This article includes information reported by TMZ.
