Smokey Robinson Files $500 Million Counter-Complaint Against Former Employees, Claiming Slander and Elder Abuse

Yahoo

28-05-2025

Smokey Robinson has filed a $500 million counter-complaint against four former female employees who had sued him earlier this month for $50 million and alleged sexual battery, assault and false imprisonment.
Robinson filed his cross-complaint with his with Frances against the Jane Does and their legal representatives, accusing them of slander, intentional infliction of emotional distress and financial elder abuse.
More from Variety
Smokey Robinson Sexual Assault Allegations Under Criminal Investigation; Singer's Attorney Calls Lawsuit 'Manufactured'
Smokey Robinson Sued by Former Female Employees Alleging Sexual Assault and Battery
MusiCares Dinner for Smokey Robinson and Berry Gordy Features Salutes From Brandi Carlile, Sheryl Crow, Samara Joy and More
In the suit, reviewed by Variety, counsel for the Robinsons describe the allegations as 'fabricated in support of their extortionate scheme' and that they had treated the employees as 'extended family.' 'The Robinsons did not abuse, harm or take advantage of Plaintiffs; they treated Plaintiffs with the utmost kindness and generosity,' reads the filing, which describes how the Robinsons vacationed with the accusers, offered them financial support and celebrated holidays together.
The suit states that the women made pre-litigation demands for $100 million or more, which were not met, prompting them to '[create] a media circus and [make] a public spectacle of themselves.' It points out that John W. Harris, who reps the women, publicly described Robinson as a 'serial and sick rapist' and a 'serial assaulter.' It also notes that the accusers are hiding their identities by filing anonymously and 'hoping to convince the general public of a half story.'
Harris did not immediately respond to Variety's request for comment.
Counsel for the Robinsons claims that the women never brought up any indication of a hostile workplace. They state that at least one of the women left employment and then returned, 'undercutting their claims that Plaintiffs were too afraid to report any alleged abuse.' The counter-claim suggests that the women could have potentially been behind the theft of financial records and gold coins, and says that one woman took Frances' cell phone and deleted all of their text exchanges, photos and identifying information.
In tandem with the cross-complaint, the Robinsons filed a motion to strike the suit and have them refile for failure to file under their real names. It states that filing under a fictitious name violates the California Code of Civil Procedure: 'Plaintiffs may only use fictitious names when permitted under statute or after presenting a clear case to the court that extenuating circumstances have created an overriding privacy interest. Neither applies here.'
The four Jane Does initially sued in early May, detailing similar allegations of repeated assault and harassment. All Does stated that they did not take action against Robinson for fear of losing their livelihood, familial reprisal or embarrassment. Some of them were fearful it could affect their immigration status.
Over a week later, a criminal investigation was launched into the allegations. 'The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Special Victims Bureau is actively investigating criminal allegations involving William Robinson AKA 'Smokey Robinson,'' read a statement from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. 'The investigation is in the early stages, and we have no further comment.'
Best of Variety
'Harry Potter' TV Show Cast Guide: Who's Who in Hogwarts?
New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week
Emmy Predictions: Talk/Scripted Variety Series - The Variety Categories Are Still a Mess; Netflix, Dropout, and 'Hot Ones' Stir Up Buzz