Smokey Robinson was the subject of a previously unreported sexual assault investigation in 2015, the L.A. County District Attorney’s Office confirms — but the case didn’t lead to criminal charges due to insufficient evidence, not a dismissal of the alleged victim’s credibility.
D.A. Confirms Investigation, No Charges Filed
TMZ reports that the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department handed the 2015 case over to prosecutors, who reviewed the evidence but ultimately declined to file charges. According to the D.A.’s office, the decision was based purely on the lack of sufficient evidence, not because the claims were deemed baseless.
Importantly, sources confirm the woman involved in that 2015 case is not one of the four anonymous women currently suing the Motown legend for sexual battery, assault, false imprisonment, and gender-based violence.
Attorneys for Current Accusers Speak Out
Attorneys John Harris and Herbert Hayden, who represent Jane Does 1 through 4 in the latest civil lawsuit, responded to the D.A.’s statement by emphasizing the difficult road faced by sexual assault survivors — especially when the accused is a high-profile public figure.
“The statement released by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office confirms that charges were not filed against Mr. Robinson due to insufficient evidence — not because the claims lacked merit,” the attorneys told TMZ.
They added that five women have now come forward with allegations of sexual misconduct against Robinson and are united in their pursuit of justice.
Smokey Denies All Claims, Calls It a “Shakedown”
Robinson, 84, has strongly denied all allegations against him. He recently filed a countersuit, labeling the current lawsuit a “shakedown.” His legal team maintains that the singer is being targeted because of his celebrity status.
Attorney Christopher Frost released a statement on Smokey’s behalf, saying:
“We are pleased that this statement has been released in which the LA District Attorney has confirmed there was no basis to file charges a decade ago.”
“One unfortunate aspect of celebrity is that it is not uncommon to be the target of spurious and unsubstantiated allegations. Mr. Robinson looks forward to the conclusion of the current investigation, and has no doubt that a similar determination will be reached here.”
New Lawsuit and Ongoing Investigation
Of the four women suing Robinson, three have already filed police reports, prompting a new investigation by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
While Smokey maintains his innocence and questions the motives of his accusers, the growing number of women coming forward has intensified public scrutiny — and further complicated the legacy of one of Motown’s most celebrated artists.
What’s Next?
- The current civil case is ongoing.
- A new criminal investigation is active.
- More updates are expected as both sides prepare for legal proceedings.
