Smokey Robinson Sexual Assault Allegations - Part II
Transcript
Smokey Robinson Accused of Sexual Misconduct - Part 2
Hosted by Chance Oberstein and Jay
Jay:
Welcome back to the Sex Crimes Defense Podcast with Chance and Jay. Chance Oberstein is a defense attorney who handles sex crimes in California. I'm a media professional. This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be legal advice.
We were talking about Smokey Robinson. I don't know what to think. You know what I think people think about this case? It's like, what's gonna happen? Where did this come from? How can this be true?
If anybody bothers to read the lawsuit — and I hope they do — one thing that bothers me is that each Jane Doe uses the exact same language. It sounds so scripted.
Chance Oberstein:
Right. It's like a cookie cutter, right?
Jay:
Too cookie cutter. It's weird.
Chance:
Okay, but think about this. In your everyday experience, say you're driving on the freeway and you see a police officer pull someone over. What's your first thought?
Jay:
What did they do wrong?
Chance:
Exactly. You've already jumped to the conclusion that someone did something wrong. That same mentality applies to how people interpret civil complaints. The lawsuit is a one-sided statement. We’re supposed to presume innocence until facts are reviewed. But in social media, it’s like that police stop — people rush to judgment.
Jay:
Right. People see something on Twitter, Instagram, or in a headline, and they assume there’s a valid reason behind it — that it must be true.
Chance:
That’s the “smoking gun” theory. And it’s hard to push back against that, especially for a celebrity. The financial and reputational consequences are massive.
In general, the best response to sexual assault allegations is to remain silent and allow your attorney to build a defense. But with celebrities, legal strategy often mixes with public relations. There are several common tactics used.
Let me break them down and you can jump in if you’d like.
First, there’s challenging credibility — questioning the accuser’s motives, memory, or consistency. That can involve portraying the accuser as seeking money or fame.
Second, the consent defense — claiming the encounter was consensual. This might include messages, video, or witness testimony to support the claim.
Third, mistaken identity or false allegations — asserting that the accused wasn’t present or that the claims are fabricated.
Fourth, statute of limitations — arguing the case is too old to prosecute.
Fifth, public image management — celebrities often release carefully worded statements to deny or deflect allegations while preserving their brand.
And finally, legal settlements — many celebrities settle civil cases quietly to avoid further scrutiny, even while denying wrongdoing.
So, which of these strategies do you think Robinson’s team is using?
Jay:
I’m going to respond with a question. The average person doesn't understand all the legal nuances — that’s why we need attorneys. What you just described helps clarify that difference between civil and criminal law.
And here’s something that bothers me about this case — if it's really about sexual assault, why is there so much emphasis on pay, overtime, and underpayment? That feels like a legal tactic, not something the housekeepers would have prioritized themselves.
Also, the claims that Robinson's wife would punish them for disobedience — it just doesn't add up. And honestly, the idea that one woman was raped 30 times over 12 years? I don’t believe that.
Chance:
That’s a heavy allegation. But here’s the cost of it — there’s now a criminal investigation underway. The civil case came first, then media coverage, then criminal scrutiny.
The problem is that legal and media responses can conflict. Statements made in a civil case can damage a person’s defense in a criminal case. And these strategies — especially when they veer into victim-blaming or stereotype exploitation — can be controversial.
The legal system presumes innocence, but public opinion doesn’t wait.
Jay:
I like how you break this down logically. I get reactive, but this stuff needs perspective.
Take the Tyler Perry case — lots of detail, lots of weirdness. Shannon Sharpe? Same thing — lots of info. Justin Baldoni? That one feels vague. And Jared Leto? It’s weird, but still hard to believe. Smokey Robinson? It’s at the far end of the spectrum — weird and unbelievable.
Chance:
Right. Some of this feels manufactured. Like the civil attorneys brought the women together to synchronize their stories. It almost looks engineered to force a quiet settlement — but when that didn’t happen, it blew up into something else.
Jay:
I'm glad he filed a $500 million countersuit. That’s how you push back against slander.
Chance:
Maybe, but now he’s in the middle of a criminal investigation. That’s not how you handle a criminal defense — it’s a different ballgame entirely.
Jay:
But will they even have evidence? I mean, they allege all kinds of acts — but nobody saved any proof or DNA over two decades?
Chance:
That’s the issue. Now there are claims about camera avoidance and more — it just doesn’t sound like how real life works.
Jay:
Exactly. I’m not saying nothing happened, but I am saying the story doesn’t make sense. Some of these claims feel like total nonsense.
Chance:
I’m not here to say what’s true or false. I’m saying that early conclusions, based solely on allegations, are dangerous. We do a disservice by assuming guilt without substantiated evidence.
Jay:
Over the next few years, people will be Googling "Smokey Robinson legal update." And if he’s exonerated, it’ll be like Johnny Depp — someone who had to go through public hell to clear his name.
Chance:
Let’s see where the criminal investigation goes and whether charges are filed. That’s where it stands today.
Jay:
Maybe the women get a small settlement, maybe something did happen. But I don’t think he raped anyone. Go enjoy your tour, Smokey.
Chance:
I don’t take a position on what’s true — I’m here to explain the legal realities. Allegations don’t equal guilt. And when people assume otherwise, it’s just plain wrong.
Jay:
Thanks for joining us for this episode of the Sex Crimes Defense Podcast. We’ll see you next time.