A Los Angeles court has partially dismissed singer Smokey Robinson's $500 million countersuit against women who accused him of sexual assault, ruling that several of his claims cannot proceed while others may continue.
Court Ruling Details
The judge threw out key elements of the lawsuit filed by Robinson and his wife, Frances Robinson, including major defamation claims against the accusers. The court found that the allegations were a matter of public interest, given that the women's press conference was broadcast on YouTube, widely shared on social media, and covered by major media outlets.
The judge also ruled that Robinson failed to demonstrate 'actual malice' on the part of the women when they spoke publicly, a requirement for defamation claims of this nature.
Claims Allowed to Proceed
However, the court did not dismiss the entire countersuit. Certain claims, including allegations that employees stole personal property and deleted information from phones belonging to the couple, were allowed to move forward.
Reactions from Both Sides
Lawyers representing the accusers welcomed the ruling. Attorney John Harris described it as a 'powerful and unequivocal victory' that allows the case against Robinson to proceed on its merits while removing significant portions of his countersuit.
Robinson's legal team, led by Christopher Frost, expressed disagreement with the decision. 'Obviously we believe the Court's ruling is incorrect in the claims it did dismiss. (Some of our claims remain.),' Frost said. He added that the defense believes there is 'plenty of evidence of actual malice' and maintained that their focus remains on proving the allegations are 'untrue and fabricated.' He also pointed to what he described as 'inconsistencies' in the women's testimony.
Background of the Case
The case stems from a lawsuit filed in May 2025 by four former housekeepers, who accused Robinson of sexual battery and other misconduct during their employment in his home.
