Lili Bernard Files Lawsuit Against Bill Cosby For Allegedly Raping Her At The Trump Taj Mahal

Photo courtesy of Lili Bernard/ Instagram.

A longtime accuser of Bill Cosby, Lili Bernard, has filed a civil lawsuit against the comedian claiming Cosby raped her at the Trump Taj Mahal in 1990. The case was filed on Oct. 14 and is asking for $125 million for punitive damages.

Bernard was an aspiring actress being mentored by Cosby in the summer of 1990 after meeting him on the set of The Cosby Show.

Cosby coached the young actress by teaching her theatrical exercises and vocal techniques. He told Bernard to look at him as a father figure and gave her career advice. Bernard alleges that Cosby grabbed her breasts after touching her diagram for a breathing exercise during one vocal training session.

“Mr. Cosby grabbed Ms. Bernard’s ribcage and diaphragm without her permission under the guise that he was teaching her how to breathe,” the lawsuit claims. “And then suddenly, violently, and without permission grabbed and squeezed Ms. Bernard’s breasts.”

When the actress confronted him, Cosby told her that he was insulted. She was upset and claimed his intentions were innocent. In August, Cosby told Bernard that he’d arranged for her to meet a producer in Atlantic City at Trump Taj Mahal. The lawsuit claims that Cosby gave the 26-year-old a non-alcoholic drink, and Bernard began to feel dizzy and weak. She felt like she needed to vomit, and Cosby guided her into the bathroom, telling her he would get her something to make her feel better. Bernard vomited and passed out. The actress awoke to Cosby undressing her and was unable to stand or move her body. She said she managed to say “No!” and fell unconscious. When she woke up, she said Cosby was raping her.

“Mr. Bernard awoke again to find Mr. Cosby naked atop her, vaginally raping her with his penis. Ms. Bernard lost consciousness again.”

The next time she woke up, Bernard was naked in a bathtub or jacuzzi before again passing out. She awoke the next morning nude in the bed. She said the Cosby dressed her, handed her some money and had a bellman help him escort her to a chauffeured car. Later, Cosby allegedly intimidated the actress by telling her if she went to the police, he would sue her for defamation. He reportedly drugged and abused her several more times. The lawsuit claims that Bernard has PTSD, depression, flashbacks, nightmares, insomnia, severe emotional pain and physical sequelae from the attack and will forever need treatment.

Cosby, 84, and his lawyers released a statement denying the rape claims. They said Bernard had offered no proof or evidence to back her claims. They also accused Bernard of trying to “abuse the legal process” and said they would fight any allegations to the highest court if need be. They also noted that the prosecutor terminated an investigation against Cosby regarding Bernard’s claim back in 2015.

Bernard said that she has been waiting a long time to pursue a court case against Cosby and that she wants to hold him accountable for the alleged rape.

“I have waited a long time to be able to pursue my case in court and I look forward to being heard and to hold Cosby accountable for what he did to me,” she said. “Although it occurred long ago, I still live with the fear, pain and shame every day of my life.”

Cosby was convicted of assaulting another woman he mentored from Temple University back in 2018, and he spent more than two years in prison. His conviction was overturned by the Supreme Court in June, and Cosby was released.