Smokey Robinson and his wife lost a round in court Monday when a judge denied them access to any records, if they exist, of a criminal background by the original four plaintiff domestic workers suing him over alleged state Labor Code violations and sexual abuse.
Robinson, whose real name is William Robinson Jr., filed four separate, but essentially identical motions seeking to compel each of the four women to further respond to written inquiries about any criminal histories they may have, including whether they have ever been convicted, arrested or charged with any crime, and if so, the details. The four women objected, contending that the motions raised issues dealt with previously.
On Monday, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Kevin C. Brazile turned down the request by Robinson and his wife, Frances Robinson.
“All four motions are denied because plaintiffs have already provided verified responses stating under oath that they have never been convicted of, arrested for or charged with any felony or crime involving moral turpitude,” the judge ruled, noting that only prior felony convictions are admissible for character impeachment.
According to the underlying suit filed May 6, 2025, the four original plaintiffs contend they were sexually abused at the 86-year-old music icon’s Chatsworth home and elsewhere. They contend that the Motown icon raped them repeatedly, committed Labor Code violations with the cooperation of his wife and caused the four to all resign.
Two newer plaintiffs identified as Jane Doe 5 and John Doe 1 joined the case in November.
The Robinsons filed a countersuit against the original four plaintiffs alleging emotional distress and elder abuse. The Robinson are appealing the judge’s dismissal of their defamation claims against the women. Trial of the cases is scheduled for Oct. 11, 2027.