Judge Allows Sexual Harassment Claims Against Smokey Robinson To Proceed

A Los Angeles County judge rejected Smokey Robinson’s attempt Monday to dismiss sexual harassment and labor claims from two accusers in a $50 million lawsuit. The 86-year-old Motown legend argued that Jane Doe 2 and Jane Doe 5’s claims were too old, as they stopped working for Robinson in 2020 and 2011 respectively. Judge Kevin Brazile ruled that California’s extended lookback window for previously time-barred sexual assault claims could apply to the women’s allegations. The judge cited “a pervasive pattern of coercive sexual abuse” and noted the “unique power dynamic” between parties. Five women total have accused Robinson of sexual assault and rape while working at his San Fernando Valley and Las Vegas homes, with incidents allegedly dating to 2007. Robinson and his wife have denied all allegations and counter-sued for defamation and elder abuse.