Smokey Robinson just lost an important courtroom round, and the spotlight is shifting back to the women suing him. A California judge dismissed parts of the Motown icon’s countersuit after ruling his defamation claims did not meet the legal standard required to move forward.
The Smokey Robinson lawsuit centers on four women who previously accused the singer of sexual assault. Robinson has denied wrongdoing and said the allegations were fabricated as part of an attempt to extort money from him.
According to reports, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Kevin Brazile found there was not enough evidence to prove the women acted with actual malice. The court also ruled that some of the statements challenged in Robinson’s filing were protected activity, which knocked out the defamation portion of the countersuit.
Still, the judge reportedly noted there were inconsistencies and unusual circumstances raised by Robinson’s side. That means while one lane closed, the broader fight remains active.
Now the case moves back into discovery for the women’s original lawsuits, where both sides can seek records, testimony, and evidence before future hearings expected later this year.
Robinson’s legal team says they plan to appeal.
