Bill Cosby has filed a breach-of-contract lawsuit against Andrea Constand, the alleged rape victim whose 2004 story of drugged sexual abuse echoes similarly disturbing allegations from more than 50 other women. "Despite the strong and unambiguous provisions in the Confidential Settlement Agreement, Defendants repeatedly disclosed information that they promised to keep secret," Cosby asserts in a redacted form of his complaint, obtained by Deadline on Thursday. The suit names all involved parties as responsible for repaying "unjust enrichment," citing a prior agreement that stemmed from Constand's 2005 civil case.
"As a result of Andrea Constand’s breaches of the 2006 Confidential Settlement Agreement, Cosby has suffered serious and irreparable harm that cannot be cured by money damages and also has suffered substantial monetary damages, in an amount to be proven at trial," the complaint alleges. The suit also names Constand's mother, her attorneys, and the National Enquirer's parent company. According to Cosby's team, American Media Inc. agreed in 2006 to cease the publication and distribution of any allegation-related stories and has proceeded to ignore that agreement:
"On the evening in question, Mr. Cosby urged [Constand] to take pills which he provided," prosecutors said during a press conference in December, surrounding the announcement of the first criminal charges against Cosby. "We are able to seek justice on behalf of the victim." Cosby, who has not entered a plea, was arraigned and then released on a million-dollar bail on Dec. 30. Though Cosby and his legal team have made multiple efforts at delaying or even outright stalling the continuation of the legal process, Cosby is set to make another court appearance relating to the felony sexual assault charges early next month.
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