Bill Cosby is facing a new lawsuit from a former Playboy model after a new California law was passed that temporarily lifts the statute of limitations for sexual assault cases on the civil level.
Victoria Valentino, now 52, claimed Cosby drugged and raped her in 1969. The model has previously spoken about her allegations against the comedian and even appeared at his sentencing in 2021.
Valentino’s lawsuit was filed on Thursday in the Los Angeles County Superior Court. The lawsuit comes after California’s Sexual Abuse and Cover-Up Accountability Act went into effect on Jan. 1. The law temporarily expands the statute of limitations for adult survivors of sexual assault.
Bill Cosby is being sued by former Playboy model Victoria Valentino. (David Maialetti-Pool/Getty Images)
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A representative for Cosby criticized the new law in a statement provided to Fox News Digital.
“Victoria Valentino has skirted from town to town promoting her alleged allegations against Mr. Cosby to anyone that would give her platform, without any proof or facts,” Andrew Wyatt said. “It’s unfortunate that media has not vetted the inconsistencies in her many statements.”
“However, it’s more deeply disturbing and disappointing that our lawmakers would push forward these ‘Look Back Windows,’ which are a sheer violation of all American’s Constitutional Rights,” he added. “Statutes of Limitations reside in The Constitution, in order to protect those who are victims of a crime and to protect those that are accused of a crime. Unfortunately, these ‘Look Back Windows’ are brought to life because our political figures are being driven by click-baiters, likes and followers, in order to excel to their political aspirations.”
“What graveyard can Mr. Cosby visit, in order to dig up potential witnesses to testify on his behalf? America is continuing to see that this is a formula to make sure that no more Black Men in America accumulate the American Dream that was secured by Mr. Cosby.”
Bill Cosby was released from prison after the Pennsylvania Supreme Court overturned his conviction in 2021. (Reuters)
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Victoria Valentino accused Bill Cosby of raping her in 1969. (Getty Images)
Valentino previously explained she felt empowered when she came forward with her accusations about Cosby.
“It was absolutely liberating and probably the most empowering thing I’ve ever done…,” she told Fox News Digital in 2020. “It certainly helped me heal. I’m a survivor. I’m not broken… Finding my voice was the most amazing thing. It can be tempting to push away those horrible memories and not deal with them. But the infection is still there. Those layers build up with time.”
“And initially, it triggered a lot of PTSD. But after speaking out, you feel lighter,” Valentino added. “You don’t even realize how much weight you had pulling you down, how much you’ve been carrying around with you. You also don’t realize how much it affects your relationships with other people, including your loved ones… It feels wonderful to feel encouraged and empowered to speak out. And in turn, you’re encouraging and empowering other survivors to share their truths.”
Victoria Valentino attends Bill Cosby’s trial in 2018. (Getty Images)
Victoria Valentino reacts after Bill Cosby was sentenced to three to 10 years at the Montgomery County Courthouse on Sept. 25, 2018. (Getty Images)
Cosby was released from prison in October 2021 after the Pennsylvania Supreme Court threw out his conviction, saying the prosecutor who brought the case was bound by his predecessor’s agreement not to charge Cosby. The U.S. Supreme Court chose not to hear the case in March 2022.
“The Cosby Show” star was the first celebrity to be convicted in the #MeToo era. He was found guilty of drugging and molesting Andrea Constand, a Temple University employee, in 2018. The actor was sentenced to three to 10 years in prison.
Cosby planned to return to stand-up comedy after serving nearly three years of his sentence. He initially canceled a tour attempt in 2021 due to legal concerns.
A representative for the actor previously confirmed to Fox News Digital that the comedian plans to tour at some point in 2023.
Bill Cosby is expected to return to comedy touring sometime this year. (Bastiaan Slabbers/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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