Judge Dismisses Defamation Claim by Smokey Robinson
A US judge has dismissed veteran singer Smokey Robinson's defamation claim against four former housekeepers who accused him of sexual assault.
The women filed a lawsuit against the Motown star, 86, last year alleging sexual battery, false imprisonment, negligence, and gender violence, prompting a police investigation.
Robinson denied the "vile, false allegations" and responded with a $500 million (£370 million) countersuit, asserting he was defamed by the women and their attorneys who labeled him a "serial and sick rapist" during a press conference.
Legal Ruling on Defamation Claim
On Thursday, the judge ruled there was insufficient "clear and convincing" evidence that the women made the accusations with "actual malice," a requirement for public figures suing for defamation in California.
To establish "actual malice," a public figure must prove the accuser knew the statement was false or entertained serious doubts about its truthfulness.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Kevin Brazile acknowledged some "evidence supporting the Robinsons," but stated that "the evidence of actual malice does not approach the clear and convincing standard."
While the defamation claim was dismissed, the judge did not fully dismiss Robinson's countersuit, allowing other claims such as emotional distress and financial elder abuse to proceed.
Responses from Legal Representatives
John Harris, attorney for the unnamed accusers, described the ruling as:
"a powerful and unequivocal victory for our clients and for survivors everywhere who refuse to be silenced"
He added:
"The court saw this $500m countersuit for what it is - a blatant, retaliatory attempt to intimidate, discredit, and punish women for speaking out about sexual assault."
In their $50 million (£37 million) lawsuit, the women—identified only as Jane Doe in court documents—also accused Robinson's wife, Frances, of failing to prevent the alleged misconduct.
Christopher Frost, the Robinsons' lawyer, expressed disagreement with the ruling, stating:
"We believe the latest ruling was incorrect because there is plenty of evidence of actual malice on the part of the attorneys."
He further commented:
"More fundamentally, our focus remains on showing that the Jane Does' claims are untrue and fabricated."
Ongoing Investigation and Robinson's Legacy
In May 2025, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department initiated a criminal investigation into the allegations against Robinson. To date, no charges have been filed.
Robinson was Motown's first hitmaker, responsible for writing number one hits such as Mary Wells' "My Guy" and The Temptations' "My Girl."
He served as both a talent scout for the iconic record label and one of its most prominent recording artists, known for classics like "Tracks of My Tears," "Shop Around," and "Tears of a Clown."
Robinson holds inductions in both the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and claims songwriting credits on over 4,000 songs.
