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Crime & Justice • Sexual Assault

Andrea Constand

Andrea Constand is a Canadian former basketball player and massage therapist known for reporting a 2004 sexual assault allegation against Bill Cosby.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Andrea Constand is a Canadian former basketball player and massage therapist known for reporting a 2004 sexual assault allegation against Bill Cosby. Her complaint led to a long-running legal case that became central to Cosby’s criminal prosecution and later reversal. She has also been described in reporting as an advocate for sexual-assault survivors.

Early life and sports career

Constand was born in Toronto on April 11, 1973. She played basketball and later worked in Temple University’s women’s basketball program.

Bill Cosby case

Constand alleged that Cosby drugged and sexually assaulted her in 2004. Her complaint became a high-profile civil matter and later helped lead to Cosby’s criminal charges and conviction, which were overturned in 2021.

Public profile and advocacy

Constand became widely known through the Cosby case and later wrote about the experience in a memoir titled The Moment: Standing Up to Bill Cosby, Speaking Up for Women. Reporting also describes her as a voice for survivors and sexual-assault awareness.

Later life

Constand has lived in Toronto and worked as a registered massage therapist. Recent reporting shows she continued to appear in related legal proceedings as a witness in other cases connected to Cosby.

Key facts

  • Born in Toronto on April 11, 1973.
  • Made a sexual-assault allegation against Bill Cosby involving an incident in 2004.
  • Her complaint became the basis of a civil case that later intersected with Cosby’s criminal prosecution.
  • Constand received a civil settlement in the mid-2000s.
  • She later worked as a registered massage therapist in Toronto.
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Canadian context

Constand is Canadian-born and has lived in Toronto, making her a notable Canadian figure in an internationally reported sexual-assault case.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Andrea Constand?
Andrea Constand is a Canadian former basketball player and massage therapist best known for alleging that Bill Cosby sexually assaulted her in 2004.
What is Andrea Constand known for legally?
She filed the complaint that became the basis of a civil case against Bill Cosby and later figured prominently in the criminal case against him.
Where is Andrea Constand from?
She was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
What did Andrea Constand do for work?
She has worked in basketball-related roles, including Temple University women’s basketball, and later as a registered massage therapist.
Did Andrea Constand write a book?
Yes. She authored a memoir titled The Moment: Standing Up to Bill Cosby, Speaking Up for Women.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://www.who.int
    Supports: Biographical details including birth date, birthplace, sports background, and the Cosby case context.
  2. CBC News — https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/bill-cosby-andrea-constand-1.3169510
    Supports: Canadian connection, Toronto residence, and role in the Cosby complaint.
  3. Penguin Random House — https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/authors/2213201/andrea-constand/
    Supports: Occupation, residence, and memoir information.
  4. NPR — https://www.npr.org/2018/04/13/602255970/cosby-accuser-andrea-constand-says-she-takes-the-stand-for-justice
    Supports: Her role in Cosby’s criminal case and civil settlement reporting.
  5. The Guardian — https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/31/i-knew-bill-cosby-was-going-to-try-to-ruin-me-andrea-constand-on-her-14-year-fight-for-justice
    Supports: Long-running legal struggle, police report timing, and public significance.