{
  "id": 8086063,
  "title": "Smokey Robinson Switches to Third Lawyer in 3 Months for Sexual Assault Lawsuit",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/17/smokey-robinson-switches-to-third-lawyer-in-3-months-for-sexual",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-17T19:44:32.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Billboard",
    "slug": "billboard",
    "url": "https://www.billboard.com/pro/smokey-robinson-third-lawyer-sexual-assault-lawsuit/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Smokey Robinson's legal team has undergone a series of changes in the past three months as he faces multiple sexual assault lawsuits. Robinson, the 86-year-old Motown icon, has consistently denied the allegations. Originally represented by Christopher Frost, the case was then taken over by David Kenner, who lasted only two months before filing a motion to drop Robinson. On September 15, Anahita Sedaghatfar took over the case, stating she is \"honored to represent\" both Robinson and his wife, who is also accused in the lawsuit. Sedaghatfar claims her clients deny the allegations. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department is also conducting a separate criminal investigation due to police reports filed by the women. The case is set for trial in October 2027.",
  "summary": "The 86-year-old Motown legend has been cycling through attorneys as he fights allegations of abusing household employees.",
  "key_points": [
    "Smokey Robinson switches lawyers three times in three months",
    "86-year-old Motown icon denies sexual assault allegations",
    "Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department investigates separately"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}