A woman who said she was drugged and sexually assaulted by veteran US entertainer Bill Cosby was awarded more than $19 million on Monday after a civil hearing in California.

Donna Motsinger said she was working as a waitress more than 50 years ago when the performer began to target her.

In the civil case decided in Santa Monica, the suit stated that the comedian had initially come into the restaurant where the now-84-year-old Motsinger worked.

According to court filings, one day, when he picked her up in his limousine, Cosby gave her a glass of wine and what she thought was aspirin.

She began slipping in and out of consciousness, and the next thing she knew, she was waking up at home, wearing only her underwear.

“She knew she had been drugged and raped by Bill Cosby,” the suit said.

Attorneys said Cosby, 88, did not remember any sexual contact with Motsinger, but that any that had occurred had been consensual.

The jury took three days to deliver its verdict, ordering Cosby to pay $19.3 million, a figure that could increase if they add punitive damages.

The case was heard in the same courthouse where a 2022 jury ordered Cosby to pay $500,000 in damages to Judy Huth after finding that he had molested her in 1975 when she was just 16 years old.

The man formerly known as “America’s Dad” was jailed in Pennsylvania for drugging and molesting a woman in a separate criminal case in 2018, but was freed in 2021 when his conviction was overturned on a technicality.

Cosby was a towering figure in late 20th-century American popular culture, including for his starring role in “The Cosby Show,” which ran from 1984 to 1992.

Dozens of women have accused Cosby of being a calculating, serial predator who plied victims with sedatives and alcohol before assaulting them over four decades.

AFP

Funke Akindele’s blockbuster film, which broke box office records in West Africa, will premiere on Netflix on April 3.

This follows a successful theatrical run that grossed over N2.7 billion, making it the highest-grossing Nollywood film of all time.

The film’s streaming debut marks Akindele’s return to Netflix since “Omo Ghetto: The Saga”, highlighting her consistent cinema-first approach and record-breaking annual December releases.

“Behind The Scenes” features an ensemble cast, including Scarlet Gomez, Uzor Arukwe, and Tobi Bakre, and explores themes of generosity, family, and personal responsibility.

Produced by Akindele and Wendy Uwadiae Imasuen, the film’s success extends beyond Nigeria, with notable performances in the UK, Ireland, North America, and Canada.

It became the first Nollywood film to cross the N2 billion mark and achieved N512 million within its first 12 days.

The film’s distributor, Filmone, announced its Netflix premiere, stating, “From shattering box office records to streaming in YOUR HOME and on the go! The record-breaking title, Behind The Scenes, is coming to you on NETFLIX.

“After shattering records with over 2.7 billion at the Box Office, Behind The Scenes will be available for streaming from April 3rd. Watch Behind The Scenes on Netflix from April 3rd”.

Veteran filmmaker Wale Adenuga has dismissed allegations of financial neglect and exploitation by actor Abiodun Ayoyinka, who portrays the iconic “Papa Ajasco” character, as false and misleading.

The controversy follows a viral interview where Ayoyinka claimed he was broke, lacked personal assets like a car or house, and was restricted by trademark laws from independently monetizing the character.

A statement by the chairman of the Wale Adenuga Productions dismissed allegations of exploitation and financial neglect by the actor, describing such narratives as “entirely false and misleading.”

Recall that Ayoyinka, popularly known for his role as Papa Ajasco, had in a recent interview alleged that trademark of the character he played, limited his opportunities outside the long-running comedy series.

But in a rebuttal, Adenuga said his initial reaction to the trending video of Ayoyinka was one of surprise, stating “My first impression when I watched the Papa Ajasco video now trending on the internet and local TV channels was ‘Okay, so this guy has taken Papa Ajasco comedy into the public space?

“It is all well and good. I am happy for him, as his money-making strategy using social media has apparently worked for him.”

While acknowledging Ayoyinka’s talent and contribution, Adenuga stressed that the “Papa Ajasco” brand remains legally protected.

“He cannot use the copyrighted brand name Papa Ajasco for personal ventures because it is our duty to protect the brand from inappropriate usage that could damage its reputation,” he said.

He further clarified that the actor is not restricted from taking up other jobs: “He has not been barred from accepting advert jobs… all that is required is to seek official approval from WAP. This is part of brand protection.”

Adenuga went on to highlight Ayoyinka’s background as a retired civil servant, noting that he served over three decades with the Lagos State Government.

He also disclosed that the actor had benefited from several incentives over the years.

“On the car issue, we once gave him a car and Pa James as well. He has also used not less than five cars, including a Mercedes-Benz, at different times,” Adenuga stated.

Questioning claims of financial hardship, he asked: “Why is Abiodun Ayoyinka claiming to be broke? Where are the investments from his over 30 years of meritorious service… What happened to his gratuities?”

Adenuga also noted that other cast members of the series, including Pa James and other popular characters, continue to take on independent roles outside the show.

He explained the production structure, saying: “Abiodun Ayoyinka and other artistes in the TV show are on our set for six weeks in a whole year, thereby availing them enough time to pursue other endeavours.”

He added that within that period, “we record enough episodes to last for a year.”

Reaffirming the company’s reputation, Adenuga stated: “Wale Adenuga Productions has remained reputable over the years.The organisation pays according to industry standards and ensures all financial obligations are fulfilled as and when due.”

He concluded by reiterating that “any narrative suggesting financial abandonment or exploitation by our organization is entirely false and misleading.”