A California judge has dismissed the defamation claim filed by Motown icon Smokey Robinson against four former housekeepers who accused him of sexual assault, marking a key development in the ongoing legal battle.
The court ruled that Robinson failed to meet the “clear and convincing” standard required to prove “actual malice” in defamation cases involving public figures.
The lawsuit stems from a $50 million complaint filed by the women last year, alleging sexual battery, false imprisonment, negligence, and gender violence. Robinson has denied the allegations, previously calling them “vile” and “false,” and responded with a $500 million countersuit after the accusers’ attorneys labeled him a “serial and sick rapist” during a press conference.
In his ruling, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Kevin Brazile noted there was some evidence supporting Robinson’s claims but said it did not come close to establishing actual malice — a legal benchmark requiring proof that statements were made knowingly false or with serious doubt about their truth. While the defamation claim has been thrown out, other elements of Robinson’s countersuit, including emotional distress and financial elder abuse, remain active.
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Attorneys for the accusers described the decision as a significant victory, arguing it reinforces the right of alleged victims to speak out without intimidation. Robinson’s legal team has pushed back, calling the ruling incorrect and maintaining their position that the claims are fabricated. Meanwhile, a criminal investigation launched by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department in May 2025 is still ongoing, with no charges filed to date.
