Bill Cosby Seeks Deposition Exemption on Health Grounds

Attorneys for the 89-year-old argue that his physical condition renders him unable to safely sit for legal questioning.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Alzheimer’s

Bill Cosby Seeks Deposition Exemption on Health Grounds

Bill Cosby has filed a motion in a Nevada federal court requesting an exemption from upcoming depositions due to deteriorating health. Plaintiffs in the lawsuit, which involves nine women alleging past assault, have countered by requesting a default judgment against him for discovery misconduct.

Why it matters

The motion creates a legal standoff between Cosby's defense and his accusers, who claim the request is a tactic to delay proceedings. A judge is expected to determine if his physical limitations warrant a formal exemption from the discovery process.

Medical records submitted to the court indicate that Cosby, 89, suffers from severe health issues including significant arterial blockages. These findings follow his 2019 surgeries and his status as a homebound individual requiring constant assistance.

The players

Bill Cosby

Bill Cosby is a retired entertainer and comedian currently facing multiple civil lawsuits related to historical sexual assault allegations.

Donna Motsinger

Donna Motsinger is a plaintiff who successfully litigated against Bill Cosby in a 2026 civil trial in Santa Monica.

The details

Counsel argues that Cosby is homebound, legally blind, and requires a male assistant for basic daily tasks, making a deposition unsafe. Plaintiffs, however, argue that these health claims are being leveraged to stall the 2023 federal lawsuit covering alleged assaults spanning from 1979 to 1992.

1979-1992: Timeframe of alleged assaults involving nine women.
Fall 2019: Bill Cosby underwent two life-sustaining surgeries.
December 2024: Bill Cosby defaulted on a $4.2 million mortgage.
March 2026: A Santa Monica jury awarded damages for a 1972 assault.
September 2026: Scheduled depositions were canceled by the defense team.

The Big Picture

This ongoing litigation follows the precedent of the March 2026 civil jury verdict in Santa Monica. It marks a continued trend of civil accountability for historical allegations, even as the defendant's legal strategy faces mounting financial and health-related hurdles.

The case highlights the complex intersections between advanced age, severe medical conditions like carotid artery disease, and the ability to participate in legal discovery. Readers may note how the court handles the balance between accommodating physical disabilities and ensuring the progress of civil justice.

The takeaway

This case underscores the challenges courts face when high-profile defendants cite severe health limitations to avoid trial milestones. It illustrates how physical health documentation can become a focal point of litigation strategy during civil discovery phases.