Motown legend Smokey Robinson has switched to a third lawyer in three months to defend him in a high-stakes sexual assault lawsuit. The 86-year-old icon is currently facing a $50 million civil suit, which alleges that he sexually assaulted six workers at his Los Angeles-area home. Robinson has consistently denied all allegations brought against him.
Court records obtained by Billboard reveal a rapid turnover in Robinson’s defense counsel. He was initially represented by Christopher Frost, known for his work with Jane’s Addiction guitarist Dave Navarro. Frost departed the case in June for reasons that remain undisclosed. He was subsequently replaced by David Kenner, a high-profile attorney previously associated with Suge Knight and Fugees rapper Pras Michel.
Kenner’s tenure on the case was brief, lasting only two months. In August, he filed a motion to withdraw as counsel, citing a “breakdown in the attorney-client relationship.”
Following these departures, Anahita Sedaghatfar has stepped in to represent the double Hollywood Walk of Fame inductee. Her first appearance in court occurred on Tuesday, September 15, where she filed the necessary paperwork with Superior Court Judge Kevin C. Brazile to formally substitute in as the new lead attorney.
Sedaghatfar, who is also a recognized television legal analyst, confirmed she is “honoured to represent” both Robinson and his wife, Frances, who is also named in the lawsuit for allegedly enabling the conduct. Regarding the transition, Sedaghatfar noted, “Changing attorneys during the course of litigation is not unusual and is in fact common. My clients unequivocally deny the allegations, and I look forward to presenting the facts, addressing the evidence and vigorously advocating on their behalf.”
In addition to the civil litigation, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has been conducting a separate criminal investigation into the matter based on police reports filed by the accusers. To date, no criminal charges have been filed. The trial for the civil litigation is currently scheduled to begin on October 11.
