Reports emerged Wednesday confirming that Bill Cosby has sued a woman alleging that the comedian drugged and sexually assaulted her.
Thus far, Andrea Constand's claim – only one of dozens – has been the first to spark criminal charges against the star.
Cosby’s lawsuit, filed in Pennsylvania, targets Constand, as well as her mother, two of her attorneys and the parent company of National Enquirer.
The Hollywood Reporter says the lawsuit deals with promised confidentiality, citing unspecified sources.
Constand first approached police in 2004 with allegations that Cosby gave her pills and wine, before engaging in sexual acts with her without consent.
The District Attorney at that time elected not to pursue charges; Cosby was sued and the case was settled in 2006.
However, Constand’s case was reignited after multiple other women came forward with their own stories, and after it was revealed that Cosby once admitted to giving women pills for the purpose of sex.
Subsequently, the new District Attorney in Montgomery County opened a new investigation and filed a charge against Cosby for aggravated indecent assault.
Despite Cosby's objection that he had struck a non-prosecution agreement with the former DA, a judge earlier this month allowed the case to move forward. It’s believed that this prompted Cosby to file his new lawsuit.
His complaint has not yet been made public.
