By Joseph Serna, Los Angeles Times (TNS)
LOS ANGELES — Facing a wall of cameras outside Los Angeles police headquarters Wednesday, a model and her attorney accused Bill Cosby of sexual assault at a Playboy Mansion party in 2008, possibly the first claim among a host of allegations against the comedian that could be criminally prosecuted.
Chloe Goins, 24, said that during a “Midsummer Night’s Dream”-themed party at the Playboy Mansion seven years ago, Cosby drugged her drink and she passed out, and that when she regained consciousness later he was on top of her. She told the Daily Mail that Cosby was pleasuring himself and licking her toes.
Goins was 18 at the time of the alleged assault, said her attorney, Spencer T. Kuvin. Though Cosby faces accusations of sexual assault by more than 20 other women dating back 40 years, Goins’ claim is the first that could fall within California’s statute of limitations.
Kuvin said his client had not been back to the mansion since or spoken with Cosby. He said she was afraid to come forward because of Cosby’s fame.
“At some point, when a young lady becomes abused, until there are others that come out and support what they have to say, it’s a very scary thing,” Kuvin said. “Especially when you’re one person against an incredibly rich and powerful man.
“There’s power in numbers,” he added. “Mr. Cosby should and will be held accountable for what he’s done.”
Cosby’s attorney, Martin D. Singer, was not immediately available for comment. The entertainer has denied past accusations.
Despite the repeated allegations, Cosby has continued performing in a comedy tour.
Last week, the 77-year-old comedian joked while performing in Canada that a woman in the audience had to “be careful drinking around me,” when she got up to get a refreshment. Most, if not all, of the allegations against Cosby involve him allegedly drugging a woman’s drink before assaulting her.
Photo: Chloe Goins walks out of LAPD headquarters on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2015, after delivering a statement alleging that she was sexually assaulted by Bill Cosby at the Playboy Mansion in 2008. (Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times/TNS)
