Smokey Robinson Loses Defamation Claims Against Rape Accusers

Legendary musician Smokey Robinson’s claims against four houekeepers who accused him of sexual assault were trimmed by a Los Angeles judge.

Judge Kevin C. Brazile said that statements made during a press conference about the alleged assaults constitute protected speech under California’s anti-SLAPP statute, which shields communications related to matters of public interest, according to minutes from an April 23 motion hearing.

William “Smokey” Robinson Jr. said the press statements were defamatory, but the judge struck all defamation-based claims. A few portions of his cross-complaint were allowed to proceed, specifically allegations related to theft and deletion of evidence from Robinson’s ...