Entertainment – Music legend Smokey Robinson suffered a legal setback this week after a Los Angeles judge declined to dismiss sexual harassment and labor-related claims brought by two anonymous accusers in an ongoing civil case.
The ruling, issued Monday by Kevin Brazile, allows the claims filed by two plaintiffs, identified in court documents as Jane Doe 2 and Jane Doe 5, to proceed, despite arguments from Robinson’s legal team that the allegations were filed beyond the statute of limitations.
Robinson, 86, had asked the court to throw out the claims because both women ended their employment years ago, one in 2020 and the other as far back as 2011. His attorneys argued that while recent changes in California law may revive certain sexual assault claims, they should not extend to related labor allegations such as unpaid wages or hostile work environment claims.
However, the court determined that it was too early in the legal process to dismiss the case. Judge Brazile noted that recent legislative changes could potentially allow older claims tied to alleged sexual misconduct to move forward, particularly when they are part of a broader pattern of alleged abuse.
In his ruling, the judge pointed to the plaintiffs’ claims of ongoing coercion and a power imbalance, writing that such allegations may justify reconsideration of time-barred claims. He emphasized that the legal threshold to proceed had been met, allowing the case to continue toward further factual development.
Attorneys representing the accusers argued that the alleged misconduct created an environment where the women were unable to assert their rights earlier. According to their legal filings, the plaintiffs describe a pattern of intimidation and control that discouraged them from coming forward sooner.
Robinson’s legal team strongly pushed back against those claims. Following the ruling, his attorney reiterated that the decision does not determine guilt or liability but simply allows the case to proceed.
“We continue to vigorously defend Mr. and Mrs. Robinson against these malicious allegations and to pursue our own lawsuit against the plaintiffs,” Robinson’s lawyer said in a statement.
The broader lawsuit, filed in 2025, seeks $50 million in damages and includes multiple plaintiffs who allege repeated incidents of sexual misconduct while employed by Robinson in California and Nevada. The claims span several years, with some allegations dating back to 2007.
In addition to the initial filings, the case has expanded in recent months. A fifth accuser, described as a former car-detailing valet, attempted to join the lawsuit in November, alleging inappropriate advances. Robinson’s legal team dismissed the effort as a “last-ditch” attempt to generate publicity and force a financial settlement. Two additional plaintiffs were formally added through an amended complaint filed in late December.
Authorities have also taken notice of the allegations. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department previously confirmed that its Special Victims Bureau is reviewing the claims.
Robinson and his wife have denied all allegations and have filed a countersuit against the accusers, citing defamation and elder abuse.
As the case moves forward, the court is expected to examine evidence and testimony in greater detail, with both sides preparing for what could become a high-profile legal battle involving one of Motown’s most iconic figures.
By the Midtown Times Staff
