AceShowbiz - Smokey Robinson has faced a significant legal ruling as a Los Angeles County judge denied his motion to dismiss sexual harassment and labor claims brought by two former employees. This decision means the lawsuit against the Motown legend can move forward.

The ruling, delivered by Judge Kevin Brazile on Monday, sided with the accusers, identified only as Jane Doe 2 and Jane Doe 5, who had ceased working for Smokey Robinson and his wife in 2020 and 2011 respectively. The judge found that California’s recently extended statute of limitations for sexual assault claims could apply to their accusations involving hostile work environments and unpaid wages.

Smokey Robinson’s defense team argued that the claims were too old to be considered due to the statute of limitations. His lawyer, Shir Davidovicz, contended that the women did not demonstrate they were prevented from filing their claims within the standard three-year period. However, the court rejected this argument.

The judge highlighted the presence of “systematic sexual coercion” and described a “pervasive pattern of coercive sexual abuse” occurring at the Robinson residences in the San Fernando Valley and Las Vegas. The ruling emphasized the power imbalance between the parties, concluding that the women had presented sufficient allegations to possibly overcome the limitations defense.

According to the court documents noted by Rolling Stone, the coercive sexual abuse claims may have obstructed the women from investigating their rights related to wages and working conditions in a timely manner. This factor was instrumental in allowing the case to proceed despite the elapsed time.

Despite this setback, Smokey Robinson and his legal team remain resolute. Christopher Frost, another attorney for the Robinsons, issued a statement affirming their intention to continue vigorously defending against what he described as “malicious allegations.” The Robinsons have also filed counterclaims against the plaintiffs, accusing them of defamation and elder abuse.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is actively investigating the claims. The judge’s ruling effectively keeps the legal path open for Jane Doe 2 and Jane Doe 5 to pursue their case, even though years have passed since their employment with Smokey Robinson ended.