Smokey Robinson Demands Swift Deposition, Seeks Sanctions on Accuser’s Counsel
Here’s the low-key drama: Smokey Robinson is asking a judge to lock in a deposition date for the woman accusing him of sexual abuse—and to dock her lawyers for dragging their feet. In new court documents filed Thursday in Los Angeles County Superior Court, the Motown legend’s team argues that Jane Doe 2’s attorneys have “unreasonably refused” to set a date for her testimony, forcing Robinson to go back to court just to move the case forward. According to the legal filing (obtained by TMZ and confirmed via court docket entries), Robinson wants the judge to compel this deposition within 14 days and slap sanctions of $4,762.50 on the opposing counsel—the exact amount Smokey and his wife Frances have logged in legal fees so far.
Robinson’s camp insists the delay is more than an inconvenience; it’s hitting his bottom line. The singer-songwriter claims that as the allegations linger without resolution, his touring schedule and related income are taking a hit. In the filing, his lawyers point out that each day the case is stalled, Robinson risks losing booking opportunities and fans who might assume there’s merit to the unproven claims. That’s a tangible business loss, they say, and the courts shouldn’t let Jane Doe 2’s team stall for time.
These accusations first went public in early May, when multiple women came forward accusing Robinson of sexual battery. Robinson has flatly denied all allegations. Back in 2015, law enforcement looked into one of the claims, but no charges were filed. Neither the plaintiffs’ attorneys nor the accusers have commented since this latest filing surfaced, though Robinson’s legal move seems aimed at forcing their hand.
The request to sanction opposing counsel is notable—while it’s not unheard of, courts typically reserve that for cases of clear misconduct or intentional delay. Robinson’s lawyers argue that refusing to even propose a deposition date crosses that line. They’re essentially telling the judge, “We’ve tried to be polite, but we’re out of patience—and out of pocket.”
As Robinson pushes to get this case moving before summer tour season hits full swing, the spotlight is on the next hearing date. Will the judge side with Robinson’s team and order the deposition within two weeks? Or will this drag on, turning a private claim into a protracted legal saga? Anyway, that’s the gist. Stay tuned.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and TMZ.com, Los Angeles County Superior Court filings
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
