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Bill Cosby convicted of sexually assaulting a lesbian in 2004

Written by gaytourism

The actor has been involved in years of legal battles | Photo: YouTube/HuffPost

A Pennsylvania jury found Bill Cosby guilty of aggravated indecent assault against Andrea Constand on Thursday (26 April).

They deliberated for 14 hours, ultimately finding him guilty of rape on all three counts.

Constand alleged that in 2004, Cosby drugged and assaulted her at his home. She was in and out of consciousness during the time period. He was originally charged in 2015.

Constand, who came out as a lesbian during litigation, was one of Cosby’s first accusers. Since then, more than 60 women have accused Cosby of rape, drug facilitated sexual assault, sexual battery, child sexual abuse, and other sexual misconduct. The earliest alleged incidents date back to the mid-1960s. The most recent were in 2008.

Andrea Constand

Constand arriving at court | Photo: YouTube/HuffPost

Cosby’s conviction comes after an initial mistrial last year.

More than two dozen witnesses testified in the case. Cosby did not take the stand.

Each of the three sentences carries a prison term up to 10 years. Cosby’s legal team has not stated yet whether or not they will appeal.

The long legal battle

Constand first went to the police with her sexual assault allegations, but they decided not to file charges.

Then, she filed a civil lawsuit against the actor. Thirteen other women came forward with their own allegations. The suit was settled out of court for an undislosed amount.

Finally, in 2015, before the statute of limitations expired, police charged Cosby with sexual assault based on Constand’s allegations.

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