Bill Cosby was ordered to turn over his and his wife's recent financial records as part of ongoing legal proceedings related to civil lawsuits filed by women accusing him of sexual assault. The plaintiffs sought these financial documents to assess Cosby's ability to pay potential damages and to uncover any hidden assets. Courts often require such disclosures in civil cases to ensure transparency and fairness, especially when large financial settlements or judgments are anticipated. This order was part of discovery, the pre-trial phase where both parties exchange relevant information. The financial records help determine the extent of Cosby's wealth and whether he might have transferred assets to avoid paying claims.