Instagram/Smokey Robinson Music Judge dismisses Smokey Robinson's defamation claims against ex-employees who accused him of sexual abuse, citing high legal bar for public figures. April 24, 2026 AceShowbiz - A Los Angeles judge has dismissed defamation counterclaims brought by Smokey Robinson against former employees who have accused the Motown icon of sexual abuse. The ruling, delivered on Thursday, April 23, focuses solely on the defamation aspect of the legal dispute, without addressing the validity of the underlying sexual assault allegations. Judge Kevin C.