The sexual-assault case against comedian Bill Cosby opened this week, with prosecutors presenting several women who contend Cosby assaulted them, including the lesbian at the center of the case.
Andrea Constand took the stand Tuesday in the Montgomery County Courthouse in Norristown, seated before Cosby, attorneys, a room of reporters and the jury, comprised of seven men and five women. Constand is one of dozens of women who have accused Cosby of sexual assault but the only one whose case resulted in criminal charges against the 79-year-old Elkins Park resident.
It was at his home that Cosby drugged and sexually assaulted her in 2004, Constand testified.
Cosby, a Temple University alumnus, met Constand when the latter was the director of operations for the school’s basketball team. She described that the pair struck up a friendship but that, over time, Cosby began making “suggestive” advances, which she said she rebuked. Constand testified that, during a meeting at his home in January 2004, Cosby was counseling her about a potential career shift when he offered her “herbal” pills.
A few minutes later, she said her vision became blurry and she was unable to move. Constand testified that Cosby laid her on the couch, groped her genitals and forced her hand onto his penis. She said she came to a few hours later, felt “humiliated” and “just wanted to go home.” Constand reported the incident to police in 2005, but no charges were brought; she later filed a civil suit, which was settled.
On cross-examination Tuesday, defense attorneys raised inconsistencies among Constand’s testimony and previous statements, such as her original statement that she and Cosby were not alone prior to the incident. Cross-exam continued Wednesday, when PGN goes to press.
The trial is expected to last about two weeks. Because of Cosby’s fame, jurors were chosen from Allegheny County and will be sequestered throughout the trial’s duration.