Music icon, 85, sues sexual assault accusers for $500,000,000

Metro

2 days ago

Legendary Motown singer Smokey Robinson has filed legal documents in Los Angeles seeking $500million (£392m) in damages from four former employees who have accused him of sexual assault.
The lawsuit, which follows civil allegations brought by the women, was reported by DailyMail.com, which claims to have reviewed the legal filings submitted by Robinson's legal team.
According to the publication Robinson, 85, and his wife Frances assert in the court documents that they consistently treated their household staff with respect and generosity.
In the filings, Robinson strongly denies all allegations of sexual misconduct and claims that the plaintiffs were treated as 'extended family.'
The documents reportedly outline various acts of kindness and support the couple extended to the women during their employment, including gifts such as concert tickets, vehicles, financial help for dental emergencies, and more.
As part of the defense, Robinson submitted evidence intended to demonstrate the friendly nature of his relationship with the plaintiffs.
One example cited in the documents is his attendance at the graduation dinner of a plaintiff's child and the gifting of a vacation.
The Daily Mail also reports that Robinson's legal team submitted text messages sent by the plaintiffs, including messages such as 'Love you,' 'Happy birthday… God bless you,' and invitations to personal events.
The countersuit reportedly includes claims of defamation, intentional infliction of emotional distress, financial elder abuse, invasion of privacy, and civil conspiracy.
Robinson is also asking the court to publicly identify the plaintiffs, arguing that media outlets have already begun reporting on the case, making anonymity impractical and unfair.
As of now, no criminal charges have been reported, and the case remains a civil matter.
The four former employees alleged repeated sexual assault and harassment at his Los Angeles-area home and other locations, including Las Vegas.
The women, identified in the complaint as Jane Doe 1 through 4, also name Robinson's wife, Frances, as a defendant, accusing her of creating a hostile work environment and failing to intervene despite alleged prior knowledge of her husband's behavior.
The plaintiffs are seeking a jury trial and at least $50 million in damages (approximately £40 million).
In a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, the couple's attorney, Christopher Frost, called the claims 'vile' and 'false,' describing the suit as 'an ugly method of trying to extract money.'
He added that the defense plans to file a motion to dismiss based on inconsistencies and timeline issues in the complaint.
According to the suit, the alleged assaults span from 2007 to 2024 and include claims of rape, sexual battery, false imprisonment, and failure to pay minimum wage. The women allege a pattern of predatory behavior and emotional abuse, claiming Robinson used his position to isolate and exploit them. More Trending
The lawsuit also accuses Frances Robinson of verbal abuse and the use of 'ethnically pejorative language,' contributing to what the plaintiffs describe as a toxic work environment.
A news conference addressing the lawsuit was scheduled for Tuesday in Los Angeles, according to Variety.
Smokey Robinson, a central figure in the rise of Motown, is known for hits like Cruisin' and Tracks of My Tears, and has received numerous honors including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and the National Medal of Arts.
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