Smokey Robinson’s legal team just got another shake-up. The Motown legend is now on his third attorney in three months as he fights a $50 million civil lawsuit filed by six former household employees who accuse him of sexual assault at his Los Angeles-area home. Attorney Anahita Sedaghatfar took over the case on September 15, replacing David Kenner, who cited a breakdown in the attorney-client relationship when he withdrew.
Robinson, 86, has consistently denied the allegations and says the lawsuit is an attempt to extract money from him. He filed counterclaims against his accusers, though his defamation claims were partially dismissed and are now under appeal. In a statement, his new attorney said that changing counsel during litigation is common and that her clients unequivocally deny the allegations.
The civil trial is currently scheduled for October 2027, and separately, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is investigating police reports filed by the accusers. No criminal charges have been filed. With the case years from a resolution and the legal headlines piling up, the story is likely to keep drawing attention to bigger questions about celebrity accountability and how civil and criminal cases unfold in parallel.
What do you think: does a drawn-out legal battle change how you view a legendary artist’s legacy? Let us know in the comments.
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Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.