A Los Angeles judge has thrown out key defamation claims filed by Motown legend Smokey Robinson in his ongoing legal battle with former employees accusing him of sexual assault, marking a significant development in the high-profile case.
Robinson had previously filed a $500 million countersuit alleging defamation, slander, and emotional distress against several former housekeepers who accused him of repeated sexual misconduct. The singer has consistently denied the allegations, calling them “false” and part of an extortion scheme.
However, recent court rulings indicate that at least part of Robinson’s defamation claims will not proceed, narrowing the scope of his countersuit while allowing the underlying sexual assault and labor-related allegations to continue through the legal system.
The civil lawsuit, initially filed in 2025, accuses Robinson of sexually assaulting multiple women over a period spanning more than a decade, along with claims of false imprisonment and workplace violations. The plaintiffs, who filed anonymously, are seeking at least $50 million in damages.
In contrast, Robinson’s legal team has argued the accusations are fabricated and timed to damage his reputation and career. His countersuit alleged the women coordinated false claims to extract money from the 86-year-old entertainer.
Despite the dismissal of the defamation-related components, the broader case is far from over. A judge recently ruled that several of the accusers’ claims — including sexual harassment and labor violations — can proceed, citing California laws that allow older sexual misconduct allegations to be heard under extended time limits.
The decision keeps the core allegations alive and pushes the case further toward trial, where the claims and defenses will be examined in detail.
Robinson has not been criminally charged in connection with the lawsuit, and he continues to deny all allegations. The civil case remains ongoing.
