Bill Cosby faces new lawsuit over alleged 1986 sexual assault of teen in Las Vegas hotel

In a recent civil lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Las Vegas, disgraced comedian Bill Cosby is accused of drugging and sexually assaulting a teenager back in 1986, marking the latest legal challenge for the former “Cosby Show” star. The lawsuit comes as Cosby, 86, continues to deny all allegations of rape, sexual assault, and sexual harassment brought against him by more than 60 women.

The latest accuser, Chelan Lasha, claims Cosby befriended her at the age of 15, offering assistance with her modeling career after seeing her photo on her stepmother’s desk. Allegedly, Cosby visited Lasha’s family home in North Las Vegas and, under the guise of a professional photo shoot, took her to a suite at the Las Vegas Hilton when she was 17.

According to the lawsuit, after a photo session, Cosby provided Lasha with a blue capsule he claimed was an antihistamine, along with a glass of Amaretto. Subsequently, the suit alleges that Cosby sexually assaulted Lasha while she was incapacitated, leaving lasting emotional and physical scars on her life.

The lawsuit further details Lasha’s account of Cosby rubbing her shoulders, touching her inappropriately, and eventually ejaculating on her leg. Lasha claims to have woken up groggy, finding herself naked under her robe, and allegedly endured subsequent intimidation from Cosby.

Lasha, who accuses Cosby of sexual abuse and exploitation of a minor, battery, assault, infliction of emotional distress, and false imprisonment, seeks compensatory and punitive damages. The suit contends that the traumatic incident derailed Lasha’s life, leading to drug addiction and long-term problems.

Cosby’s publicist, Andrew Wyatt, dismissed the allegations as “100% ridiculous and ludicrous.” Wyatt pointed to Lasha’s 2018 trial testimony, during which she claimed, under oath, that “Dr. Huxtable raped and drugged me.” He urged the media to vet the accusers extensively.

This lawsuit follows a pattern of legal challenges for Cosby, who spent nearly three years in prison before his 2021 release when a higher court overturned his sexual assault conviction. The entertainer faced a prior lawsuit in Nevada last year, where nine women accused him of sexual battery and assault between 1979 and 1992.

As the legal battles continue, Cosby’s accusers seek justice and closure, while the entertainer maintains his denial of any wrongdoing.