A California judge has thrown out Smokey Robinson's defamation claim against four former housekeepers who accuse the Motown legend of sexual assault, ruling there was insufficient evidence that the women acted with "actual malice."
Robinson, 86, had countersued for $500 million after the women filed a lawsuit last year alleging sexual battery, false imprisonment, negligence, and gender violence. The singer denied what he called "vile, false allegations" and claimed the women and their lawyers defamed him by labeling him a "serial and sick rapist" at a press conference.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Kevin Brazile found that while some evidence supported Robinson, it did not meet the "clear and convincing" standard required to prove actual malice—a key hurdle for public figures suing for defamation in California. Actual malice requires showing the defendant knew the statement was false or had serious doubts about its truth.
However, the judge allowed other elements of Robinson's countersuit to proceed, including claims for emotional distress and financial elder abuse.
John Harris, attorney for the unnamed accusers, called the ruling "a powerful and unequivocal victory for our clients and for survivors everywhere who refuse to be silenced." He added that the court saw the $500 million countersuit as "a blatant, retaliatory attempt to intimidate, discredit, and punish women for speaking out about sexual assault."
The women, identified only as Jane Does in court documents, also accuse Robinson's wife Frances of failing to intervene. Their own lawsuit seeks $50 million in damages.
Christopher Frost, the Robinsons' lawyer, said they believe the ruling is "incorrect" because there is "plenty of evidence of actual malice on the part of the attorneys." He stressed that their focus remains on showing the accusers' claims are "untrue and fabricated."
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department launched a criminal investigation into the allegations in May 2025. No charges have been filed.
Robinson was Motown's first hitmaker, writing classics like My Guy and My Girl. He was both a talent scout and a star, known for songs including Tracks of My Tears, Shop Around, and Tears of a Clown. He is inducted into both the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, with credits on over 4,000 songs.