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Judge Tosses Key Defamation Claims in Smokey Robinson’s $500 Million Countersuit

The decision underscores free-speech protections for accusations against public figures by requiring proof of actual malice.

Overview

  • A Los Angeles judge dismissed major defamation claims in the Robinsons’ countersuit after finding the accusers’ statements involved a matter of public interest.
  • The court said the couple did not show actual malice, which is the higher bar public figures must meet to win a defamation case.
  • Some counterclaims will proceed, including allegations of stolen property and deleted data from the Robinsons’ phones, along with conversion and invasion of privacy.
  • Six former employees sued in May 2025 over sexual assault and labor-law violations and are seeking at least $50 million in damages.
  • Lawyers for both sides issued dueling statements as the plaintiffs’ case advances and the remaining counterclaims move into further pretrial steps.