Latest news with #JaneDoes
Fox News
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Fox News
Smokey Robinson hits back with $500M lawsuit against sexual assault accusers
Smokey Robinson has filed a $500 million cross-complaint against four anonymous former employees who accused him of sexual assault, sexual misconduct and false imprisonment in a $50 million lawsuit they filed earlier this month. In court documents filed Wednesday in LA Superior Court and obtained by Fox News Digital, the 85-year-old singer and his wife Frances sued the four Jane Does and their legal representatives for slander, financial elder abuse, intentional infliction of emotional distress, invasion of privacy, civil conspiracy and other claims. The lawsuit alleges that the accusations made by women against Robinson were "fabricated in support of their extortionate scheme." The documents further stated that "Mr. and Ms. Robinson did not view, or treat, people in their employ as just employees. They treated them as extended family." According to the cross-complaint, the Robinsons had vacationed with the accusers, exchanged gifts and celebrated holidays and birthdays together. The lawsuit stated that "Plaintiffs asked for and accepted help from the Robinsons, including several thousands of dollars, monetary support for members of at least one Plaintiff's family, clothes, dental surgery, and even a car." The documents claimed that the accusers had asked for and received concert tickets to the Motown legend's concerts for themselves and their families. The lawsuit included displays of text messages that were allegedly sent by the accusers to the Robinsons. The texts featured birthday wishes, expressions of love and an invitation to a son's graduation. "The Robinsons did not abuse, harm, or take advantage of Plaintiffs; they treated Plaintiffs with the utmost kindness and generosity," the lawsuit stated. "Unfortunately, the depths of Plaintiffs' avarice and greed knows no bounds." The lawsuit alleges that the accusers, with the assistance of their law firm Harris & Hayden, had initially sought $100 million from the Robinsons prior to filing their lawsuit. After the accusers' demands were not met, they filed the lawsuit and "created a media circus and made a public spectacle of themselves," the lawsuit stated. The documents referenced a press conference that was given by the accusers' attorneys on May 6 and attended by three of the four Jane Does. "With the assistance of their legal counsel, they paraded themselves in front of the media, wearing sunglasses and face masks for full dramatic effect," the lawsuit read. "Their counsel, John Harris, with no firsthand knowledge and without reference to the Complaint they had filed, went on to claim publicly that Mr. Robinson was a 'serial and sick rapist' and a 'serial assaulter.'" "Plaintiffs are hiding their identities, hoping to convince the general public of a half story," the lawsuit alleged. The Robinsons' team claimed that one accuser "took Ms. Robinson's cell phone and deleted all their text exchanges, photos, and identifying information." The lawsuit also suggested that the accusers could have potentially stolen from the musician and his wife during their employment. "Doe Plaintiffs had the ideal access to take advantage of the Robinsons," the documents read. "As a result of their roles as household staff, they had particular knowledge of where the Robinsons' valuables were kept, including a hidden safe and gold Krugerrands. That safe and the valuables it contained and several gold Kruggerands were later stolen by someone who knew precisely where they were located. The Robinsons reported the theft to the police." Additionally, the Robinsons' lawyers state that Frances had discovered that she was missing financial records, including bank statements, and noted "at least one Plaintiff had access to and knew exactly where these records were kept." The cross-complaint argued that the accusers "said nothing about the Robinsons that would suggest any abuse or harm." "At least one Plaintiff left the employment of the Robinsons and returned, undercutting their claims that Plaintiffs were too afraid to report any alleged abuse," the documents stated. In addition to the cross complaint, the Robinsons' lawyers filed a separate motion on Wednesday to have the accusers' lawsuit dismissed, arguing that it violated the California Code of Civic Procedure because it was filed under fictitious names. Fox News Digital has reached out to the accusers' attorneys at Harris & Hayden of Los Angeles for comment. In the lawsuit against Robison, which was filed on May 6, the accusers identified themselves as four former housekeepers who worked at his Chatsworth home between 2006 and 2024. The women alleged that the singer repeatedly assaulted and raped them during their employment. Frances, Robinson's wife of 25 years, was also accused of perpetuating a "hostile work environment." The accusers claimed Frances "failed to take the appropriate corrective action to prevent Defendant Smokey Robinson's deviant misconduct" despite having "full knowledge of his prior acts of sexual misconduct, having settled cases with other women that suffered and experienced similar sexual assaults perpetuated by him." Jane Doe 1 worked for the singer from January 2023 through February 2024 but was forced to resign due to his "repeated sexual assaults and sexual harassment against her," the suit states. She claimed Robinson sexually assaulted her "at least 7 times" while she was employed by the family. She was unwilling to report the incidents due to "her fear of losing her livelihood, familial reprisal, public embarrassment, shame and humiliation to her and her family, the possible adverse effect on her immigration status, as well as being threatened and intimidated by Defendant Smokey Robinson's well-recognized celebrity status and his influential friends and associates," documents stated. Jane Doe 2 (JD2) claimed sexual assaults began in 2016 when the "Tracks of My Tears" singer would send text messages for JD2 to meet him in areas of the Chatsworth home where closed-circuit cameras were not located. Upon arrival, she claimed he would "proceed to rape her." JD2 also claimed Robinson assaulted her at least 23 times and would "threaten her that if she refused to have sex with him, he would make Defendant Frances Robinson be 'mean' to her," the lawsuit states. Jane Doe 3 (JD3) alleged Robinson repeatedly raped her during "most of her entire employment with Defendants," which began in February 2012 and ended with her forced resignation in April 2024. She claimed Robinson "repeatedly raped" her at least 20 times, and, on one occasion, when she resisted his advances, Robinson allegedly offered JD3 "$500 to allow him to orally copulate her, an offer she refused," according to documents. Jane Doe 4 worked as a housekeeper and served as Frances' personal assistant, cook and hairdresser, beginning in October 2006. She claimed Smokey first sexually assaulted her the following year at his Las Vegas home. In addition to sexual battery and assault, the four women sued for negligence, intentional infliction of emotional distress, gender violence and a number of labor code violations. On May 15, a representative for the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department confirmed to Fox News Digital that it had opened an investigation into the allegations against Robinson. No charges have yet been filed.
Express Tribune
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Smokey Robinson files $500m counterclaim lawsuit against accusers
Motown legend Smokey Robinson has launched a $500 million defamation lawsuit against four former housekeepers who earlier this month accused him of sexual assault and abuse spanning more than a decade. Filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court on Wednesday, the suit alleges that the women – identified in the original filing as Jane Does 1–4 – fabricated their allegations to extort the 85-year-old singer. Robinson's legal team has also filed a motion seeking the dismissal of the assault lawsuit, arguing it was improperly submitted under false names. Robinson, whose career spans hits such as 'The Tracks of My Tears' and 'You've Really Got a Hold on Me,' has denied all claims of misconduct. The women, all of Hispanic descent, allege they were repeatedly assaulted while employed as housekeepers at the singer's Chatsworth residence between 2012 and 2024. Their lawsuit, filed earlier in May, is seeking at least $50 million in damages and accuses Robinson's wife, Frances, of complicity in the alleged abuse and of using ethnically derogatory language. One woman alleges Robinson assaulted her at least 23 times between 2014 and 2020, often in areas without surveillance. Another says the singer performed a ritual involving appearing nearly naked and placing a towel on his bed prior to alleged assaults. Two others describe similar experiences, with one claiming seven incidents over 13 months of employment. Robinson's defamation complaint names the four Jane Does, their attorney John Harris, his law partner Herbert Hayden, and their Los Angeles-based firm Harris & Hayden. The lawsuit singles out Harris's statements during the press conference, in which he labelled Robinson a 'serial and sick rapist.' In response, Harris and Hayden dismissed the defamation action as a 'baseless and vindictive legal manoeuvre' designed to 're-victimise' survivors. They announced plans to file a motion under California's anti-SLAPP statute, which protects individuals from lawsuits intended to suppress free speech on public matters. Earlier, it was also reported that Robinson is under criminal investigation in Los Angeles, though no charges have been filed to date. Robinson has previously stated he welcomed the inquiry, asserting, 'exposure to the truth is a powerful thing.' Robinson's civil suit claims defamation, emotional distress, and invasion of privacy. He is seeking damages of no less than $500 million.
News.com.au
16-05-2025
- News.com.au
Police investigate Smokey Robinson amid sexual assault allegations
"The investigation is in the early stages, and we have no further comment," the Sheriff's Department said in a statement. The news comes a week and a half after four women filed a lawsuit against the singer accusing him of sexually harassing and raping them. The alleged incidents date back to 2007. The four plaintiffs, all former housekeepers of Robinson's who were listed as Jane Does in the suit, said they did not contact police at the time of the alleged incidents because they were afraid of being fired and worried about their immigration status.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Smokey Robinson Under Criminal Rape Investigation After Former Housekeepers File Police Report
The post Smokey Robinson Under Criminal Rape Investigation After Former Housekeepers File Police Report appeared first on Consequence. Smokey Robinson is now facing a criminal rape investigation after his former housekeepers filed a police report with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, reports Billboard. The investigation follows a civil lawsuit filed by the same four housekeepers in the Los Angeles Superior Court on Tuesday, May 6th. In that complaint, the Jane Does accused the 85-year-old singer of repeated sexual assault occurring between 2007 and 2024. Popular Posts First Look at Nicolas Cage and Christian Bale in Madden Movie Drummer Chris Adler Opens Up on What Led to Firing from Lamb of God Morris, Alligator in Happy Gilmore, Dead at Over 80 Years Old Jazz Pianist Matthew Shipp Derides André 3000's New Piano Project: "Complete and Utter Crap" Say It in Ghor: How Andor Brought a Brand New Language to Star Wars Billy Strings Announces Fall 2025 US Tour Dates Subscribe to Consequence's email digest and get the latest breaking news in music, film, and television, tour updates, access to exclusive giveaways, and more straight to your inbox.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
4 women file lawsuit accusing Smokey Robinson of rape and sexual assault
Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Generate Key Takeaways Singer Smokey Robinson is being accused of sexual battery, assault and creating a hostile work environment in lawsuit filed by lawyers representing four of his former housekeepers on Tuesday. The four women -- all of whom are listed as Jane Does -- are accusing the Motown artist of unwanted acts toward them. Robinson's wife, Frances Robinson, is also listed as a defendant in the suit. Calling the allegations "simply an ugly method of trying to extract money from an 85-year-old American icon," Christopher Frost, the attorney for Smokey and Frances Robinson, said in a statement on Wednesday, "We will be asking the Court to dismiss the lawsuit." PHOTO: Smokey Robinson speaks onstage during the 10th annual Hollywood Beauty Awards at Avalon Hollywood & Bardot, on April 6, 2025, in Los Angeles. () "As this case progresses, the evidence (the crucial element that guides us) will show that this is simply an ugly method of trying to extract money from an 85-year-old American icon--$50 million dollars, to be exact," Frost wrote. "Through this process we have seen the bizarre theatrics of yesterday's news conference, as the plaintiffs' attorneys outlined vile, false allegations against Mr. and Mrs. Robinson, trying to enlist the public as an unwitting participant in the media circus they are trying to create." Frost added that "numerous aspects of the complaint that defy credulity" and said the plaintiffs' attorneys "have reached beyond the bounds of liberties that even lawyers are typically allowed in this context." "We will have more to say on this matter, as we fiercely defend our clients against these false allegations and work to protect their good names," Frost's statement continued. Smokey Robinson and more to be inducted into Black Music and Entertainment Walk of Fame Jane Doe 1 worked for Robinson as a housekeeper at his Chatsworth residence in Los Angeles, California, from January 2023 to February 2024, according to the complaint. The complaint said that Robinson first sexually assaulted Jane Doe 1 in March 2023 and the assault continued until her "forced resignation in February 2024." Jane Doe 2 worked as a housekeeper from around May 2014 to February 2020 at Robinson's Chatsworth home, the complaint said, and she is accusing Robinson of "repeated sexual assaults and harassment." She is accusing Frances Robinson for "failing to take the appropriate corrective action to prevent" her husband's "deviant misconduct." Jane Doe 2 is also accusing Frances Robinson of perpetuating a "hostile work environment," which included screaming at her and "using ethnically pejorative words and language," the suit said. Jane Doe 3, who worked for Robinson as a housekeeper between February 2012 and April 2024, is also accusing Robinson of sexual harassment, assault and rape, the suit said, while accusing Frances Robinson of perpetuating a "hostile work environment." Jane Doe 4 was not only was a housekeeper for Robinson at his Chatsworth residence from October 2006 to April 2024, but she was also a personal assistant to Frances Robinson, the suit said. She claimed in the complaint that Robinson first sexually assaulted her in 2007 when she accompanied him in his Las Vegas home -- and the unwanted sexual advances continued until she resigned. According to the suit, all four women were "unwilling to report" Robinson's alleged acts to authorities due to their "fear of losing" their livelihood, while bringing "reprisal, public embarrassment, shame and humiliation" to them and their families. The women are seeking a sum of no less than $50 million in damages to all causes of action, as well as a jury trial. Smokey Robinson reflects on the legacy of his longtime friend Aretha Franklin: 'She just had it' PHOTO: In this April 23, 2025, file photo, Smokey Robinson discusses the new album 'What the World Needs Now' at SiriusXM Studios in New York. (, FILE) At a press conference on Tuesday afternoon in Los Angeles, three of the four plaintiffs were present while the fourth appeared remotely. Attorney John Harris, who is representing the women, detailed the principal causes of action against Robinson and called the singer's alleged acts "despicable and reprehensible misconduct." "Our four clients have a common thread. They're Hispanic women who are employed as housekeepers by the Robinsons, earning below minimum wage," he said. "These courageous four women have collectively decided to come forward and share their experiences of being sexually assaulted by Mr. Smokey Robinson and stand up for their rights as well as the rights of other women, particularly those that may be victimized by him in the future," Harris added, calling the lawsuit "the first step of their journey to achieve that." During the question-and-answer portion of the press conference, attorneys for the Jane Does said that they haven't heard from Robinson and said that he hasn't responded to the complaint or any of the allegations. In a statement on Wednesday, Robinson's lawyer said, "We will have more to say in the coming days as we make our legal response, and in time Mr. Robinson will respond in his own words." 4 women file lawsuit accusing Smokey Robinson of rape and sexual assault originally appeared on
