Judge dismisses Smokey Robinson’s defamation claim against rape accusers – BBC

A Los Angeles judge has dismissed a defamation lawsuit filed by Motown legend Smokey Robinson against three women who accused him of sexual assault. The ruling represents a significant setback for the 84-year-old singer in his legal battle against allegations he has vehemently denied.

Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Teresa Beaudet ruled that Robinson’s defamation claim fell short of the legal standards required to proceed. The judge determined that the accusations made against Robinson were protected speech under California law, which has strong provisions safeguarding statements made about matters of public interest.

Robinson, whose illustrious career spans over six decades and includes hits like “The Tracks of My Tears” and “Being With You,” filed the defamation lawsuit in February after the three women publicly accused him of sexual misconduct allegedly occurring between 1965 and 1968. The singer categorically denied these allegations, calling them “false, fabricated, and deeply offensive.”

According to court documents, the women had initially threatened to file a lawsuit against Robinson under California’s Sexual Abuse and Cover Up Accountability Act, which temporarily suspended the statute of limitations for certain sexual assault claims. Before filing any formal legal action, the women’s attorneys contacted Robinson with their claims, which his legal team characterized as an attempt to extract a financial settlement.

In response, Robinson took the unusual step of filing a preemptive defamation lawsuit, seeking to clear his name and prevent what his attorneys described as “reputation-damaging false allegations.” The strategy aimed to shift the legal burden back to his accusers, forcing them to prove their claims in court.

Judge Beaudet’s dismissal relied heavily on California’s anti-SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation) statute, designed to prevent powerful entities or individuals from using defamation lawsuits to silence critics. The court found that the women’s statements qualified for protection under this law.

“The court has determined that the defendants’ communications are protected activity under the anti-SLAPP statute,” Judge Beaudet wrote in her ruling. “The plaintiff has not demonstrated a probability of prevailing on the merits of his defamation claim.”

The ruling comes during a period of heightened public awareness around sexual misconduct allegations in the entertainment industry. Since the #MeToo movement gained momentum in 2017, numerous high-profile entertainers have faced similar accusations, with varying legal outcomes.

Robinson’s attorney, Andrew Brettler, expressed disappointment with the ruling but indicated they are considering their options for appeal. “We respectfully disagree with the court’s decision and maintain that Mr. Robinson has been the target of demonstrably false accusations,” Brettler stated. “We are evaluating all available legal remedies, including an appeal.”

Attorneys for the three women, who have remained anonymous in court filings, welcomed the decision as a victory for survivors of sexual abuse. “This ruling affirms that survivors have a right to come forward with their experiences without fear of retaliatory litigation,” said their representative, who declined to comment on whether the women still plan to file their own lawsuit against Robinson.

Robinson’s legacy in American music is substantial. As a founding member of Motown Records and a prolific songwriter, he helped shape American popular music in the 20th century. His contributions earned him induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and numerous Grammy Awards. Robinson also served as vice president of Motown Records, where he was instrumental in discovering and developing other legendary artists.

Legal experts note that the dismissal of Robinson’s defamation claim does not constitute a finding on the merits of the sexual assault allegations themselves, which remain unproven in court. Rather, the ruling focuses on whether Robinson’s lawsuit met the legal threshold to overcome California’s strong protections for speech on matters of public concern.

The case highlights the increasingly complex legal landscape surrounding historical allegations of sexual misconduct, particularly in the entertainment industry, where powerful figures must navigate both legal defenses and potential damage to long-established reputations and legacies.