Overview
- Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Kevin C. Brazile on Thursday dismissed the Robinsons’ defamation counts under California’s anti-SLAPP law.
- Anti-SLAPP protects speech on public issues and requires proof of “actual malice,” which the judge said the Robinsons did not show by clear and convincing evidence.
- Parts of the countersuit survive, including claims tied to alleged theft, deletion of phone data, conversion, invasion of privacy, and limited elder-abuse and emotional-distress claims.
- The former employees’ civil case, filed in May 2025 and seeking about $50 million over alleged sexual assault and labor violations, now moves toward a trial tentatively set for next year.
- The accusers’ lawyer called the decision a powerful victory, while the Robinsons’ attorney said the ruling is incorrect and pledged to keep challenging the claims.