Bill Cosby’s Accusers Ask Him To Waive Statute Of Limitations

Bill Cosby’s accusers have asked him to waive the statute of limitations, which currently prevents the women from filing lawsuits. Attorney Gloria Allred, who requested the waiver, said a trial would be beneficial for both Cosby and his accusers.

During a news conference, Allred explained that a trial would provide a fair resolution, which would “end this nightmare for both him and the alleged victims.”

An estimated two dozen women have come forward to accuse the iconic actor and comedian of sexual abuse. A majority of the women claim they were drugged prior to their assault. At least two of Bill Cosby’s accusers was under the age of 18 when the alleged abuse occurred.

The statute of limitations will prevent a majority of the women from filing lawsuits. However, one of the alleged victims was permitted to file a lawsuit under California law.

Judith Huth claims she was molested by Cosby in 1974. At the time, Huth was only 15 years old.

Although California does have a statute of limitations on claims of sexual abuse, the statute can be waived under certain circumstances. As reported by Washington Post, victims are permitted to file a lawsuit “within three years of when they discover the abuse cause significant psychological trauma.”

As stated in the lawsuit, Huth claims “this traumatic incident, at such a tender age, has caused psychological damage and mental anguish… has caused her significant problems throughout her life since the incident.”

It is unclear whether the lawsuit will proceed, as Cosby’s attorneys are expected to request a dismissal.

As reported by CNN, Bill Cosby has vehemently denied his accusers’ claims of sexual abuse. His attorney, Martin D. Singer, said it is unusual that “so many people would have said nothing, done nothing, and made no reports to law enforcement… if they thought they had been assaulted.”

A majority of Bill Cosby’s accusers claim they were sexually assaulted between 1965 and 2004. Although some of the women did file lawsuits, they were eventually settled out of court.

It may seem unusual that some of the alleged victims waited decades to come forward. However, victims of sexual abuse are often frightened and ashamed.

Gloria Allred said it is time for Bill Cosby to face his accusers. If he is unwilling to waive the statute of limitations, Allred asked Cosby to deposit $100 million into a special fund. The fund would be available to alleged victims, who are able to convince a panel of judges that they were in fact abused.

[Image via Uptown Magazine]