Bill Cosby issued an ultimatum by famed lawyer Gloria Allred — pay up or go to court

FAMED Hollywood lawyer Gloria Allred has issued alleged rapist Bill Cosby two options — hand over $100 million to the 20 women who’ve come forward, or take the matter to court.

FAMED Hollywood lawyer Gloria Allred is taking on Bill Cosby and today issued the comedian with two options — hand over $100 million for the women who’ve accused him of rape, or take the matter to court.

The notorious litigator is known for her bulldog tactics and masterful handling of the media, and today delivered her ultimatum at an explosive press conference in Los Angeles.

Allred began by proposing that Cosby deposit a $100 million sum into a fund, which a retired judge would disperse to any alleged victims after privately hearing their accusations.

Taking on Cosby ... attorney Gloria Allred with three women who claim they’re victims of Bill Cosby at a press conference in Los Angeles today. Picture: AP Photo

After that, the matters would essentially be settled and the process could “end the bleeding and end the suffering”.

The second and more unlikely option Allred delivered was for the now 77-year-old performer to waive the statute of limitations on civil proceedings and go to court.

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There, each of the women could tell their stories and Cosby could deliver his defence, all in the public glare and before a sitting judge and jury.

“I think it would be very wise of him to seriously consider these two options,” she said. “If he would like this to end, this would be a very positive way for him and the victims.”

Allred’s ultimatum ... Hollywood lawyer Gloria Allred says Bill Cosby has two options — a settlement fund administered by a retired judge, or waive the statute of limitations and go to court. Picture: AFP Photo

With three of his accusers by her side, Allred said she hoped to receive a response from Cosby and his lawyers soon but did not put a time limit on the offer.

One of the women broke down while detailing her accusation, saying she was just 17 when Cosby approached her while she was working at the Hilton Hotel in Las Vegas.

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The aspiring model was offered a meeting with a potential agent in Cosby’s suite, where he drugged her and raped her, she alleges.

Allred has experience where the accused has waived the statute of limitations — the legal time limit placed on bringing some criminal and civil proceedings before a court — including historic child sex abuse cases.

Legal bulldog ... Allred has a reputation for taking on high-profile cases and will now turn her sights on Bill Cosby. Picture: Getty Images

The glamorous legal identity has also handled some of the biggest scandals in show business, representing Tiger Woods’ mistress, a women who was groped by presidential hopeful Herman Cain and a child who accused Michael Jackson of molesting him.

This could prove to be her highest profile endeavour to date though.

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Should Cosby choose to go to court, there would be agreement on the process, Allred said. With alleged victims scattered across the country, the civil case would be held in one jurisdiction. Anyone with a claim would have six months to come forward.

Harrowing claim ... Chelan, no last name given, told a press conference that she was victimised by Bill Cosby and is now seeking damages. Picture: AP Photo

“Money is not a substitute for justice ... but there are many ways compensation for victims can help to make a wrongdoer accountable.”

Thank you @WhoopiGoldberg.

— Bill Cosby (@BillCosby) December 3, 2014

Thank you @MissJillScott, from the Cosby Family.

— Bill Cosby (@BillCosby) December 3, 2014

Since it was first speculated that Allred may take on the case last month, the lawyer has “lost count” of the women who have contacted her.

“There has been no day since this started, including today and weekends and holidays, where I’ve not been contacted by women from all over the country,” she said.

Stop the suffering ... Gloria Allred says her two options to Cosby will provide a way for him and the alleged victims to move forward and “begin to heal”. Picture: AP Photo

“Others have not come forward (publicly) for fear of being attacked ... but they wanted me to know what they have suffered.

“There are many people who are suffering out there, many people who alleged they’re victims, many you’ve heard from in the past month and many more you may hear from in the future.”

Cosby’s lawyers are yet to respond.

Originally published as Bill Cosby issued an ultimatum by famed lawyer Gloria Allred — pay up or go to court