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, and police opened an investigation.
He denied the vile, false allegations and filed a $500m (£370m) countersuit, claiming he was defamed by the women and their lawyers, who called him a serial and sick rapist at a press conference.
On Thursday, the judge ruled there wasn't sufficient clear and convincing evidence that the women made the accusation with actual malice, as is required when a public figure is suing for defamation in California.
To prove actual malice, a public figure must show that the person who made the statement knew it was false or had serious doubts that it was true.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Kevin Brazile stated, the evidence of actual malice does not approach the clear and convincing standard. He did note some supporting evidence for the Robinsons, but ruled it inadequate for a defamation claim.
Although the defamation claim has been dismissed, the judge did not completely dismiss Robinson's countersuit, which includes other elements such as emotional distress and financial elder abuse.
John Harris, the lawyer representing the unnamed accusers, termed the ruling a powerful and unequivocal victory for our clients and for survivors everywhere who refuse to be silenced. He criticized the $500m countersuit as a retaliatory tactic to intimidate and discredit women speaking out about sexual assault.
In their $50m (£37m) lawsuit, the women, all referred to as Jane Doe in court documents, also accused Robinson's wife Frances of failing to take action to prevent the alleged behavior.
Christopher Frost, representing the Robinsons, disagreed with the ruling, asserting there is ample evidence of the accusers' attorneys' actual malice, and maintained that their claims are untrue and fabricated.
In May 2025, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department initiated a criminal investigation into the allegations. However, no charges have yet been filed.
Robinson is renowned as one of Motown's first hitmakers, known for hits like Mary Wells' My Guy and The Temptations' My Girl. He is a celebrated figure with honors in both the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, boasting credits on over 4,000 songs.
