Smokey Robinson Sexual Assault Accusers Allowed to Remain Anonymous

Smokey Robinson’s four sexual assault accusers are allowed to stay anonymous, a judge ruled last week. The women filed a sexual misconduct suit in May, and Robinson filed a countersuit.

The four women who accused Motown mainstay Smokey Robinson of sexual misconduct in a lawsuit filed in May are permitted to remain anonymous, at least for now. On Thursday, September 11, a judge ruled that the women, all of whom are former employees of the 85-year-old Robinson, can continue as Jane Does as the case moves forward.

The judge’s decision follows Robinson’s legal team’s motion to dismiss the women’s complaint in May. According to his lawyer, their continued anonymity made it difficult for the defense to subpoena witnesses.

But Judge Kevin C. Brazile said he doesn’t believe the women’s identities need to be revealed so early in the case, but “maybe later.” A trial date has been set for October 11, 2027.

“We are very pleased that the Court has denied the Robinsons’ motion to strike our clients’ complaint and has affirmed their right to remain anonymous throughout these proceedings,” said John Harris, the plaintiff’s attorney, in a statement. “This ruling protects the privacy and safety of Jane Does One through Four and ensures that survivors can continue to seek justice without fear of retribution or public exposure. We will continue to advocate vigorously on their behalf and ensure that their voices are heard when they have their day in court.”

Meanwhile, Christopher Frost, an attorney for the Motown star, reportedly told the court that Jane Doe Three is Jane Doe Two’s sister. Further, he alleges that the former brought the latter “into the fold years after” she was allegedly assaulted by Robinson. “That’s the kind of information they want to hide,” Frost reportedly said.

The four women sued Smokey Robinson on May 6, alleging that the star repeatedly sexually abused them while they were under his employ. He allegedly used “physical barriers, force, threats of violence,” and more to stop them from leaving during the alleged assaults.

All four women say they have resigned from their jobs working for the Robinsons because of the alleged misconduct. Further, they assert they did not report the misconduct to authorities out of fear of “familial reprisal, public embarrassment, shame, and humiliation,” as well as feeling “threatened and intimidated” by Robinson’s celebrity status.

Robinson’s wife, Frances, was also named in the lawsuit with allegations that she had “full knowledge of his prior acts of sexual misconduct” and “failed to take appropriate corrective action” to prevent further misconduct. This, they say, is after the Robinsons allegedly settled similar cases with other women.

A few weeks after the Jane Does’ filing, the Robinsons filed a $500 million countersuit, accusing the four women of defamation with their “gratuitous and slanderous allegations.”