“Cosby has a long history of slaying the souls of many.” – Jeff Anderson
(Los Angeles, CA) — Today, a lawsuit was filed on behalf of courageous survivor and activist Victoria Valentino against comedian and actor Bill Cosby for sexual assault. The lawsuit was filed under the California Sexual Abuse & Accountability Act (AB 2777) and alleges that shortly after the tragic death of her six-year-old son, Cosby exploited Valentino and drugged and sexually assaulted her.
Valentino, who is a women’s rights activist, motivational speaker, talented musician, and former playmate, came forward in 2014 with her story after other Cosby survivors came forward. She has appeared in national and international news, speaking out against rape culture and her terrifying experience with Cosby in 1969.
“This is a classic tale of disparity of power involving a powerful, influential celebrity over a sexualized female society,” said attorney Jeff Anderson. “Victoria is an activist, advocate, and champion for the rights of survivors and women and is a voice to be heard and honored. Victoria brings understanding to what has been so it will not be in the future. We are proud to stand with and for her truth. Victoria has a sincere desire to inspire others to embark on this courageous journey to reclaim their truth and power.”
Valentino met Cosby in approximately 1969 while auditioning for an acting role. During this meeting, she told Cosby that her only son had tragically passed away. A short time later, Valentino met Cosby again at a cafe in Los Angeles where Cosby offered to treat Valentino and her friend to a spa treatment and dinner. Cosby’s chauffeur picked up Valentino and her friend for dinner at Sneaky Pete’s, a new steakhouse on the Sunset Strip. Cosby met the two women at the restaurant and sat down with Valentino and her friend to eat dinner. Valentino, still distraught over the loss of her son, was not interested in Cosby’s attempt to entertain them. Cosby placed two pills on the table, one in front of each woman and stated to them the pills would “make them ALL feel better.” Cosby also pretended to take a pill, giving the women the false impression the pills were safe to ingest.
“Victoria sharing her truth 54 years after the trauma is a testament to her strength, courage, and grace.” – Jeff Anderson
“Bill Cosby exploited me when I was at my lowest point and was consumed by grief. Not only did he assault me, but the trauma caused my career in the performing arts to completely derail,” said Victoria Valentino. “The trauma he inflicted upon me affects not only me, but my children and grandchildren. By breaking my silence and speaking my truth, I hope this serves as my legacy to my family, and shows those survivors who have yet to find their voices, that hope and healing are possible.”
Valentino and her friend felt the dizzying and nauseating impact of the pills almost immediately. Valentino expressed her desire to go home and under the guise of driving the two women back to Valentino’s house, Cosby instead drove them to “see his awards.” Cosby escorted the staggering and disoriented women upstairs to an office where he raped Valentino while her friend laid unconscious on one of the couches. After raping Valentino, Cosby abruptly left and told the women to take a cab home.
“For decades, Mr. Cosby played the roles of both Jekyll and Hyde – Jekyll as a gentleman and Hyde as a predator masquerading as a gentleman in plain sight,” said attorney Jeff Anderson. “He has left an immeasurable trail of pain, trauma and suffering in his wake, but today we are holding him accountable for his actions. To say Cosby’s behavior is appalling and grotesque would be an understatement.”
Approximately 60 women have come forward with claims of sexual assault or misconduct against Bill Cosby. Despite overwhelming evidence in a 2004 sexual assault criminal case, Cosby’s conviction of sexually abusing Andrea Constand was overturned in 2021. In a 2005 deposition, Cosby admitted to using sedative-hypnotic methaqualone (Quaaludes) on young women in order to have sex with him and admitted to knowing this was illegal. In 2022, a Santa Monica jury found Cosby liable for the sexual assault of a minor female, awarding her monetary damages.
“My experience and other rape victims’ experiences are not isolated incidents. This crime is different from other crimes – what was stolen can never be returned. These crimes create generational trauma that impact your children, your future relationships, and your ability to have relationships that are healthy. Over the generations the trauma is carried on. They don’t even know where it started.”
Despite all the hardships she has experienced, Valentino has been able to find healing by protesting statute of limitations laws and fighting for the rights of all survivors. We encourage all adult survivors of sexual abuse in California to get their power back and take legal action under the Sexual Abuse and Cover-Up Accountability Act (AB 2777).
“It’s time for a reckoning, Mr. Cosby. You damaged me and so many others. It’s time for accountability. It’s time for tangible justice. On behalf of myself and so many others.” – Victoria Valentino