'Measure Of Justice': Model Janice Dickinson Settles Defamation Lawsuit Against Bill Cosby For 'Epic' Amount
LOS ANGELES (CBS/AP) — Model Janice Dickinson calls settling a defamation lawsuit against Bill Cosby a "victory" that brings a "measure of justice" but says nothing can erase her assault by the now-imprisoned comedian. Dickinson spoke to reporters Thursday at the office of her attorney Lisa Bloom.
"In reality, nothing can erase the experience and memory of an assault," Dickinson said at a news conference. "Jail is where he belongs. There are not enough years left for him to pay for what he has done to so many, many women."
Bloom said the case was settled for an "epic" amount, though the terms of the agreement keep the exact figure confidential.
"Janice will be fully and fairly compensated for being branded a liar," Bloom said.
The deal allows Dickinson to continue to speak out against Cosby, which she said she intends to do.
"Sisters, my advice to you is never, ever give up ever, tell your story and stand up for your rights," Dickinson said.
She also urged lawmakers to extend the existing statutes of limitations on sexual assault that have forced her and other Cosby accusers to sue the comedian for defamation.
Cosby insurer American International Group Inc. settled the case against his will, as it has with at least eight other women who filed similar lawsuits.
"AIG's settlement of this lawsuit has no bearing whatsoever on the merit of Ms. Dickinson's claims," Cosby's spokesman Andrew Wyatt said in a statement Thursday. He said Dickinson's case is another example of "AIG robbing Mr. Cosby of the opportunity to clear his name in a court of law, where evidence and truthfulness are supposed to be elevated above headlines and gossip."
Cosby has repeatedly denied both Dickinson's allegations and the defamation allegations, saying that they were statements by his former attorney that he had no part in.
AIG declined comment through a spokesman.
The settlement, which Cosby's spokesman first confirmed Wednesday, brings a long list of litigation involving sexual misconduct and defamation accusations lodged against Cosby around the country near an end. Only a single California claim remains.
Dickinson was among the first for whom the term "supermodel" was used in the 1980s and has become a reality TV regular in recent decades on show's including "America's Next Top Model" and "Celebrity Big Brother."
Cosby was convicted in April 2018 for sexually assaulting former Temple University employee Andrea Constand at his home in 2004. The actor and comedian was sentenced to three to ten years in prison.
(© Copyright 2019 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)