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Judge Dismisses Smokey Robinson's Defamation Claim Against Rape Accusers
The ruling leaves Robinson's theft and evidence-deletion claims intact as the sexual-assault case heads toward a possible 2027 trial.
- On Thursday, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Kevin Brazile dismissed defamation claims within Motown legend Smokey Robinson's $500 million countersuit, ruling the statements were protected activity under California anti-SLAPP law.
- Six former employees filed a $50 million lawsuit in May 2025 accusing Robinson and his wife, Frances Robinson, of sexual assault; the couple vehemently denied the allegations and countersued.
- Judge Brazile found insufficient evidence of 'actual malice' to support defamation claims, though Robinson's separate claims for invasion of privacy and Penal Code violations remain active.
- Accusers' attorney John Harris hailed the ruling as a 'powerful and unequivocal victory,' while Robinson's lawyer, Christopher Frost, labeled the decision 'incorrect' and vowed to continue fighting.
- While defamation claims were dismissed, Robinson's separate accusations regarding theft and deleted evidence will proceed, with the main sexual assault trial involving the Jane Does tentatively scheduled for 2027.
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Smokey Davidson’s defamation claims dismissed
In a legal showdown, a judge has thrown out Smokey Robinson's defamation case against his former employees who leveled sexual assault accusations against him. The court found the evidence lacking in demonstrating the 'actual malice' needed for a defamation claim. Though the judge highlighted ...
Hanford SentinelReposted by 
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union-bulletin.comJudge tosses most of Smokey Robinson’s $500M countersuit vs. rape accusers
A judge on Thursday threw out most of Smokey Robinson’s $500 million defamation suit against four former housekeepers who accused him and his wife of labor law violations and sexual assault. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Kevin Brazile ruled there…
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Total News Sources14
Leaning Left2Leaning Right1Center6Last UpdatedBias Distribution67% Center
Bias Distribution
- 67% of the sources are Center
67% Center
L 22%
C 67%
11%
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