Motown icon Smokey Robinson has secured a procedural win in the high-profile sexual battery case against him, with a judge ordering several of his accusers to hand over their mobile phones for forensic examination.
Court Orders Phone Handover Amid Data Deletion Fears
On Friday, a judge ruled in favour of the 85-year-old singer's request, compelling four of the women accusing him – identified as Jane Does 1 through 4 – to turn their phones over for imaging within ten days. The legal move, filed just days prior, argued there was a 'continued risk' that data was being deleted.
Robinson's attorney, Christopher Frost, stated his client was 'pleased with the Court’s ruling.' He elaborated that they were aware of the nature of communications between the plaintiffs and Robinson before the lawsuit was initiated. 'We are pleased to finally be able to access information that will help the court, a jury, and the public know the truth,' Frost told the Daily Mail.
The court documents revealed that the accusers had previously been served with discovery requests for their phone records but were allegedly avoiding compliance. 'With each passing day, there is more risk that data will be deleted,' Robinson's legal team contended.
Escalating Allegations and a Countersuit
The legal battle began in May when four former housekeepers filed a bombshell $50 million civil suit alleging rape, sexual battery, and false imprisonment over a period spanning nearly two decades at Robinson's homes in Los Angeles and Las Vegas.
The case expanded significantly in November when two new accusers sought to join the lawsuit. One, an unnamed male former worker (John Doe 1), claimed Robinson grabbed his hand and tried to force him to touch his erect genitals. The other, Jane Doe 5, alleged similar attempted forced contact on more than ten occasions. Both worked as housekeepers for Robinson and his wife, Frances Gladney Robinson.
Robinson has vehemently denied all allegations from the outset, calling the initial claims 'appalling.' His attorney dismissed the new accusations as 'fabricated claims' and part of an 'organized, avaricious campaign to extract money from an 85-year-old legend.'
In a robust countermove, Robinson has filed a countersuit against the initial four accusers, alleging extortion, defamation, and elder abuse.
Detailed Claims from New Accusers
The newly added male plaintiff's claims, obtained by TMZ, are particularly detailed. He alleged that while working at the Robinsons' Chatsworth residence from around 2013, he was subjected to repeated indecent exposure and that Robinson would fondle himself. The accuser claimed he would reject advances and tell Robinson to 'put some clothes on.'
The situation allegedly escalated in 2022 when Robinson 'grabbed his hand without consent and attempted to force it onto his erect penis,' after which he was fired. He returned to work a year later at Frances Robinson's request but says the behaviour continued, causing him 'humiliation, emotional distress, and ongoing fear.' He claims he finally quit after learning of similar alleged conduct towards others.
All plaintiffs in the civil suit, which also names Frances Robinson, have chosen to remain anonymous. Robinson's legal team has previously accused them of stalling the lawsuit to sabotage his tour and force a settlement.
