Bill Cosby is currently being sued by actress Linda Ridgway-Whitedeer over an alleged sexual assault incident that took place in 1971. The complaint alleges that Cosby made her perform oral sex on him during an audition.
Ridgway-Whitedeer detailed the event, mentioning that upon her arrival for the audition, she was led by Cosby into an unoccupied office. She states that he blocked her way out and coerced her into the act. After the interaction, Cosby escorted Ridgway-Whitedeer to her vehicle.
Linda Ridgway-Whitedeer communicated her distress over the incident in a statement in 2015. She mentioned feeling extremely sick and further stated that Cosby appeared to take pride in her humiliation.
The current lawsuit also names the William Morris Endeavor (WME) for their alleged negligence. The suit suggests that since the agency represented both individuals at the time, they should have been more vigilant and proactive about Cosby’s actions. The documentation cites that the William Morris Agency had knowledge, or ought to have known, about Cosby’s recurring instances of sexual assault.
Per the lawsuit, it was through WME that Cosby had set up the audition for Ridgway-Whitedeer for the film “Hickey and Boggs.”
To date, no specific charges relating to the Ridgway-Whitedeer allegations have been made against Cosby. Over time, Cosby has faced accusations from over 60 women who claim he drugged and assaulted them. He was found guilty of related charges in 2018 but was freed in 2021 following an earlier agreement from a civil deposition.
Andrew Wyatt, who speaks on behalf of Cosby, stated that the comedian refutes the claims presented by Ridgway-Whitedeer. Jennifer Bonjean, legal representative for Cosby, expressed their intent to challenge each lawsuit that arises.