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, prompting a police investigation.
Robinson denied the 'vile, false allegations' and filed a countersuit seeking $500 million, claiming the women and their lawyers had defamed him by labeling him a 'serial and sick rapist' during a press conference.
On Thursday, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Kevin Brazile stated there was insufficient 'clear and convincing' evidence proving that the women made their accusations with 'actual malice', as is required under California defamation law.
To show 'actual malice', a public figure must demonstrate that the speaker of the statement knew its falsity or had serious doubts about its truth.
Judge Brazile noted that while there was some evidence supporting Robinson's case, it did not meet the 'clear and convincing' threshold needed for defamation claims.
Although the defamation claim was dropped, the judge allowed other aspects of Robinson's countersuit—concerning emotional distress and allegations of financial elder abuse—to proceed.
John Harris, representing the accusers, referred to the decision as a 'powerful and unequivocal victory for our clients and for survivors everywhere who refuse to be silenced'.
Harris criticized Robinson's countersuit as a blatant attempt to intimidate the women into silence regarding their accusations of sexual assault.
The women, referred to as Jane Does in legal documents, are also suing Robinson's wife, Frances, for failing to prevent the alleged misconduct.
The Robinsons' lawyer stated their belief that the judge's ruling was 'incorrect' and asserted there was ample evidence of malice among the accusers' legal representatives.
Robinson faces a criminal investigation by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department regarding these allegations, although no charges have been filed to date.
Known as a pivotal figure in Motown, Robinson is celebrated for writing many classic hits, including 'My Guy' and 'My Girl', and is a two-time inductee into the Rock & Roll and Songwriters Halls of Fame.
