Smokey Robinson and his wife Frances’ defamation claims against his former employees have been dismissed. The legendary singer is being sued for sexual assault.
PEOPLE reports Judge Kevin C. Brazile ruled “there isn’t sufficient evidence to hold the plaintiffs and their lawyer liable for calling Robinson a “serial and sick rapist” at a press conference last year.”
“There is evidence supporting the Robinsons, including inconsistencies and unusual circumstances, like encouraging a sister to work after the assaults. However, the evidence of actual malice does not approach the clear and convincing standard,” the judge ruled.
Additionally, Brazile said that “the Robinsons were unable to prove that the plaintiffs acted with ‘actual malice” during the press conference, which is required by California’s Anti-SLAPP law.
John W. Harris, the plaintiff’s attorney, said the dismissal “stands as a powerful and unequivocal victory for our clients and for survivors everywhere who refuse to be silenced.”
“The Court saw this $500 million countersuit for what it is — a blatant, retaliatory attempt to intimidate, discredit, and punish women for speaking out about sexual assault,” he claimed. “California’s anti-SLAPP law exists to stop exactly this kind of abuse of the legal system, where wealth and power are used as weapons against those seeking accountability.”
“Our clients have done everything asked of them and more — sitting for depositions, in some cases multiple times, and fully participating in this process — all while enduring an ongoing campaign of harassment and public attacks designed to break their resolve. That ends here,” Harris said.
THE LAWSUIT WAS FILED IN MAY 2025
In May 2025, Robinson was named in a major civil lawsuit filed by four former housekeepers. They alleged a pattern of sexual assault and rape spanning from 2007 to 2024. The Jane Does are seeking at least $50 million in damages, also citing labor violations and a hostile work environment involving Robinson’s wife, Frances. Robinson.
The Robinsons have vehemently denied allegations.