A judge says he is poised to deny Smokey Robinson’s request to pare a lawsuit as it pertains to two of the six former domestic workers suing him for state Labor Code violations and other allegations, rejecting defense contentions they are time-barred.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Kevin Brazile issued a tentative ruling Friday in which he said he is leaning toward overruling the defense objections to the claims made by plaintiffs identified only as Jane Doe 2 and Jane Doe 5. The causes of action at issue are hostile work environment, constructive discharge, failure to pay minimum wage and overtime, inaccurate wage statements and failure to provide rest periods and meal breaks.
Robinson’s attorneys contend that the two Does’ claims are barred because their employment ended years before the case was filed last May 6, but the judge says in his preliminary decision set for hearing Monday that the claims are “susceptible” to revival by statute.
“Given the allegations of systematic control and the unique power dynamic described between the parties, the court finds that the (two Does) have sufficiently alleged a basis for potentially overcoming the (statute of) limitations bar,” the judge wrote.
According to the suit , the four original plaintiffs contend they were sexually abused at the 86-year-old music icon’s Chatsworth home and elsewhere. Two newer plaintiffs identified as Jane Doe 5 and John Doe 1 joined the case in November.
Robinson has countersued the four original Jane Does for defamation and is now opposing their effort to have the legal action dismissed through an anti-SLAPP motion. Among other things, Robinson was called a “serial assaulter” during a news conference held on behalf of the four first plaintiffs, according to his lawyers’ pleadings. The state’s anti-SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation) statute is intended to prevent people from using courts, and potential threats of a lawsuit, to intimidate those who are exercising their First Amendment rights.
Robinson’s wife, Frances Robinson, is a defendant in the underlying suit and a cross-complainant in the countersuit.