In brief
In a recent decision by a Los Angeles Superior Court judge, Smokey Robinson's defamation claim against four former housekeepers alleging sexual assault was dismissed due to insufficient evidence of actual malice. The ruling allows ongoing elements of Robinson's countersuit but recognizes the accusers' claims as a significant victory for survivors of sexual assault.
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 countered with a $500 million lawsuit, claiming defamation based on the women and their lawyers' statements calling him a 'serial and sick rapist' at a press conference. On Thursday, the judge ruled that there wasn't enough 'clear and convincing' evidence to support that the accusations were made with 'actual malice', a requirement for public figures suing for defamation in California. Judge Kevin Brazile noted that while there was some supporting evidence for Robinson, it did not meet the standard for proving malice. Though this particular defamation claim was dismissed, the judge allowed Robinson's countersuit to proceed on other grounds, such as emotional distress and financial elder abuse. John Harris, representing the accusers, called the ruling a 'powerful and unequivocal victory for our clients and for survivors everywhere who refuse to be silenced.' He denounced the countersuit as an intimidation attempt against the women. The four accusers, known as Jane Doe in court documents, are suing Robinson for $50 million and also allege that his wife, Frances, failed to prevent the alleged misconduct. Robinson's legal team declared their intention to show that the accusers' claims are false. The allegations against Robinson have triggered a criminal investigation by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, although no charges have been filed thus far. Robinson, a seminal figure in Motown history, has penned timeless hits and holds multiple accolades in the music industry.
