US Judge Dismisses Smokey Robinson's Defamation Case Against Accusers

Fri Apr 24 2026 11:59:48 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A judge has ruled against Smokey Robinson's defamation claim following sexual assault allegations made by four former housekeepers, marking a significant moment in the ongoing legal battle.

In a high-profile ruling, a Los Angeles judge dismissed Smokey Robinson's defamation claim against four women who accused him of sexual assault. The women had also filed a lawsuit against the singer, which led to Robinson countersuing for defamation. The judge stated there was insufficient evidence of actual malice in the case, while continuing to allow Robinson's countersuit to proceed. Lawyers for both sides provided contrasting interpretations of the ruling's implications for survivors of sexual violence and the claims of defamation.

A US judge has dismissed veteran singer Smokey Robinson's defamation claim against four former housekeepers who have accused him of sexual assault.

The women sued the Motown star, 86, last year for sexual battery, false imprisonment, negligence, and gender violence, leading to a police investigation.

Robinson denied the 'vile, false allegations' and filed a $500 million (£370 million) countersuit, claiming defamation from statements made by the women and their lawyers labeling him a 'serial and sick rapist' at a press conference.

Recently, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Kevin Brazile ruled that there wasn't sufficient 'clear and convincing' evidence that the accusations were made with 'actual malice', a necessary criterion in defamation lawsuits involving public figures in California.

To prove 'actual malice', the standard requires demonstrating that the accuser knew the statements were false or had serious doubts regarding their truthfulness. Judge Brazile noted that while there was some evidence supporting Robinson's position, it did not meet the required standards for malice.

Although Robinson's defamation claim was dismissed, the judge allowed other aspects of his countersuit to proceed, including allegations of emotional distress and financial elder abuse.

John Harris, attorney for the unnamed accusers, hailed the ruling as 'a powerful and unequivocal victory for our clients and for survivors everywhere who refuse to be silenced'. He criticized Robinson's $500 million countersuit as an intimidation attempt against women who speak out about sexual assault.

The women, known as Jane Doe in court documents, also claimed Robinson's wife, Frances, failed to protect them from the alleged abuse.

Christopher Frost, representing the Robinsons, argued the ruling was incorrect and believed there was ample evidence of malice on the part of the plaintiffs' attorneys. They also maintained their ultimate aim remains to prove the accusations against Robinson are untrue.

In addition, a criminal investigation by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department was initiated in May 2025 in response to the accusations against Robinson, although no charges have yet emerged from this inquiry.

Renowned for his profound impact on Motown and music history, Smokey Robinson is celebrated for hits like 'My Girl' and 'Tracks of My Tears', and has received numerous accolades, including induction into both the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame.