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Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Smokey Robinson Countersues Former Employees for Defamation
William 'Smokey' Robinson Jr., February 2023 (for The Recording Academy) Earlier this month, four former employees of 85-year-old Motown veteran Smokey Robinson filed a lawsuit accusing the singer of multiple counts of rape and sexual assault. Now, Robinson has filed a countersuit against the plaintiffs, accusing them of defamation and seeking $500 million in damages. According to court documents obtained by Pitchfork, Robinson also filed a motion to dismiss the women's lawsuit on the basis that they did not file under their legal names (the women filed their suit anonymously). Robinson's countersuit and motion to dismiss were filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court; the former document accuses plaintiffs of 'avarice and greed,' stating that the four women are 'concocting an extortionate plan to take everything from the Robinsons' in an attempt to wrongfully destroy the Robinsons' well-built reputations.' The original lawsuit was brought forth by a personal assistant and three former housekeepers for Robinson. They allege that they were raped and sexually assaulted by Robinson dozens of times at his various homes in California and Las Vegas during their tenure as his employees. The complaint states that the women all worked for Robinson for varying spans between 2006 and 2024. They are seeking $50 million in damages. The plaintiffs filed their lawsuit anonymously for fear of repercussions. The women's attorney, John W. Harris, said in a May 6 news conference that they are all Hispanic women who earn below minimum wage. 'As low-wage workers in vulnerable positions, they lacked the resources and options necessary to protect themselves from sexual assaults,' Harris told The New York Times. The women also feared that coming forward with the allegations would threaten their immigration status, per the lawsuit. In addition to sexual assault, the lawsuit accuses Robinson and his wife, Frances Robinson, of false imprisonment and multiple labor violations. Robinson's lawyer Christopher Frost has called the allegations against his client 'false' and 'vile.' In Robinson's new countersuit, the singer's legal team claims that plaintiffs are close friends of the Robinsons, stating that they 'stayed with the Robinsons year after year,' vacationed with the Robinsons, and accepted financial help and gifts throughout the years. Robinson's complaint also mentioned plaintiffs wishing him a happy birthday via text message, as well as an invitation to the graduation dinner of one plaintiff's son. When reached by Pitchfork, lawyers for the four women accusing Robinson of sexual assault wrote: The cross-complaint filed by Mr. Christopher Frost on behalf of William 'Smokey' Robinson and Frances Robinson, is nothing more than an attempt to silence and intimidate the survivors of Mr. Robinson's sexual battery and assault. It is a baseless and vindictive legal maneuver designed to re-victimize, shift blame and discourage others from coming forward. This type of retaliatory litigation is precisely what California's anti-SLAPP laws were enacted to prevent. Jane Does 1-4 exercised their fundamental constitutional right to seek redress through the courts by filing a civil action to expose and hold accountable behavior that no one should have to endure. In response, Mr. Robinson, filed a cross-complaint that mischaracterizes the facts and seeks to punish his victims for speaking out. This cross-complaint will not stand. We are filing an anti-SLAPP motion to strike it in its entirety and will seek attorneys' fees and costs for having to defend against this abusive tactic. Jane Does 1-4 remain committed to seeking justice—not only for themselves but for all survivors who have been silenced by fear of retaliation. This case is about accountability, transparency, and ensuring that power is not used to harm or suppress others. Earlier this month, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department opened a criminal investigation into the allegations brought forth by Robinson's former employees. Robinson's attorneys offered no additional comment when reached by Pitchfork. If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual assault, we encourage you to reach out for support: RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline 1 800 656 HOPE (4673) Crisis Text Line SMS: Text 'HELLO' or 'HOLA' to 741-741 Originally Appeared on Pitchfork
New York Post
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Smokey Robinson sues his accusers for elder abuse, defamation in $500M countersuit
Smokey Robinson has filed a $500 million countersuit against his accusers, alleging elder abuse and defamation in response to their claims of sexual assault. The Motown legend, 85, earlier this month was slapped with a $50 million lawsuit from four women, who claimed to be his former employees, which included numerous disturbing allegations, including sexual battery and assault. In his filing, the 'Cruisin'' hitmaker likened the allegations against him to a shakedown, saying the women made 'gratuitous and slanderous allegations' at a 'media circus' press conference on May 6. 4 Smokey Robinson has filed a $500 million countersuit against his accusers, alleging elder abuse and defamation in response to their claims of sexual assault. Getty Images The singer, born William Robinson Jr., denied any wrongdoing and described the four women — who were his former housekeepers — as his 'extended family.' In legal documents obtained by Rolling Stone, Robinson noted that he and his spouse had gifted the four accusers — who allegedly worked as Robinson's housekeepers between 2012 and 2024 — concert tickets, vehicles and cash during their tenure. The Detroit-born musician also noted that he attended the graduation of one of his former housekeeper's children, and submitted text message evidence showing one of the plaintiff's sending him a friendly message. Elsewhere, his legal team submitted an image of Robinson's wife, Frances Gladney, vacationing in Cabo San Lucas Mexico with another one of the plaintiffs — a vacation for which Robinson footed the bill for, he claims. 4 Robinson's wife, Frances Gladney, was also named in the plaintiff's suit. Getty Images for The Recording Academy In his filing, which alleges defamation of character, emotional distress, financial elder abuse, invasion of privacy and civil conspiracy, Robinson's legal team said that the four plaintiffs 'had the ideal access to take advantage of them,' and asked that the women be named in the lawsuit. The four women named the singer in the $50 million lawsuit filed in Los Angeles Superior Court on May 6, claiming sexual battery, assault, false imprisonment, gender violence, hostile work environment, and more. Jane Doe 1 — who said she worked as a housekeeper for the couple from Jan. 3, 2023 until February 2024 — claimed she was sexually assaulted by Robinson at least seven times until her resignation. 4 The Motown legend, 85, earlier this month was slapped with a $50 million lawsuit from four women who claimed to be his former employees. AFP via Getty Images The second accuser claimed that if she refused to have sex with the 'Baby Come Close' singer, he would threaten that he'd make Frances be 'mean' to her. The third plaintiff said she had worked for Robinson from February 2012 until April 2024, and alleged she was 'sexually harassed, sexually assaulted and raped' by the musician 'at least 20 times.' Jane Doe 4 claimed Robinson first sexually assaulted her in 2007 and raped her at his temporary residence in Bell Canyon, California, in 2019. All four accusers claimed they didn't report the alleged sexual assaults out of fear of losing their livelihood, public embarrassment, shame and humiliation. 4 In his filing, the 'Cruisin'' hitmaker likened the allegations against him to a shakedown. Getty Images for Elton John AIDS Foundation John Harris, the attorney for the four women, said that they believe Robinson is 'a serial and sick rapist and must be stopped.' 'Having to tell their [spouses] and children of these despicable actions left them filled with shame and embarrassment. So throughout their dreadful experiences with Mr. Robinson, all four women remained silent,' he said in a statement.
New York Post
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Kanye West's wife Bianca Censori faces calls for her arrest after going naked in public again: ‘How do they get away with this?'
Another day, another naked public outing. Kanye West's wife, Bianca Censori, has faced calls for her arrest after she once again hit the streets in a completely see-through outfit. The 30-year-old Australian architect took to Instagram on Tuesday, May 27, to share three provocative pics with her nearly 500K followers. Advertisement 11 Kanye West's wife, Bianca Censori, has faced calls for her arrest after once again going naked in public. Getty Images for The Recording Academy 11 Censori, 30, posted three provocative pics to Instagram on Tuesday. biancacensori/Instagram While none of the posts included a caption, each picture showed Censori posing for the camera dressed in a see-through fishnet top and sheer bottoms. She complemented the surprising look with a pair of silver kitten heels. Advertisement The pics received mixed reviews as some fans condemned Censori's risqué snaps while others praised them. 'Reported for nudity!' one person commented, while another added, 'You have no shame!' 11 One Instagram user threatened to report the Australian architect over the controversial snaps. biancacensori/Instagram 11 Other fans welcomed the snaps and encouraged Censori to share more. biancacensori/Instagram Advertisement 'No respect at all,' wrote a third, as a fourth Instagram follower commented, 'Bianca, please stop.' However, others encouraged Censori to share more of the controversial pics. 'You look incredible,' wrote one fan, as another commented, 'Bianca for president!' 11 The 'Donda' rapper's wife faced similar backlash last week when she walked around Mallorca in a similar sheer outfit. BACKGRID Advertisement 11 Some witnesses questioned why Censori wasn't getting arrested for public indecency. BACKGRID 'You are the moment,' shared a third, while another commenter remarked, 'I like what Ye likes.' Censori faced similar backlash last week when she bared her naked body in a sheer outfit while out and about in Spain with her rapper-turned-fashion designer husband. The couple was filmed visiting a market in Mallorca, and locals were reportedly 'left horrified' after seeing the 'College Dropout' artist's wife almost completely nude as she moved from stand to stand. 11 Censori stepped out naked again in February while walking the 2025 Grammy Awards red carpet. Getty Images for The Recording Academy 'People were horrified,' one witness said, per 'They could be heard asking, 'Is that her real nipple?' as they walked by.' 'Kanye was standing back a little,' the source added, 'letting her browse the market.' Other witnesses questioned why Censori has not yet been arrested for breaking public indecency laws. Advertisement 11 West, 47, and his 30-year-old wife during Milan Fashion Week in February 2024. WWD via Getty Images 'Why hasn't this woman been arrested for indecency yet!?' one person asked, according to the outlet. 'We have literally seen it all, even when we didn't want to,' another witness said. 'So disrespectful to the country and their modest views.' 'How do they get away with this nudity?' one more person pressed. 'If any other non-celeb tried it, they would be arrested.' Advertisement 11 West and Censori married in 2022 shortly after the rapper finalized his divorce from Kim Kardashian. GC Images West, 47, and Censori married in 2022 shortly after the rapper's divorce from Kim Kardashian, 44, was finalized. They quickly began making headlines for their NSFW public outings, and one of Censori's most controversial displays came earlier this year when she walked the 2025 Grammy Awards red carpet naked. Although the couple was allegedly escorted out of the venue shortly after the shocking stunt, it was unclear whether they were forced out or departed voluntarily. Advertisement 11 West and Censori recently stepped out together amid divorce rumors. kanyewest/X Meanwhile, Censori's naked outing in Mallorca last week came amid divorce rumors surrounding the pair. Insiders have claimed that the Australian architect was 'frustrated' that West wouldn't allow her to pursue lucrative collaboration offers from certain fashion brands. 'She misses doing her own work,' a source told the Sun in April. 'She doesn't want to feel limited. She's a very creative person and wants to establish herself as a powerful, independent woman.' Advertisement 11 Insiders claimed that Censori 'misses doing her own work' and 'felt stuck in a cage' with West. Instagram/ye However, another insider claimed that West finally accepted Censori's ambition to do her own thing and that the split rumors are in the rearview mirror. 'Bianca has felt stuck in a cage,' that source told the outlet. 'She doesn't want to just be Kanye's wife and nothing else.' 'She's happy he finally accepted her wishes,' they added. 'Bianca is very smart and misses her independence. Hopefully, this marks a new chapter for her.'
New York Post
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Miley Cyrus reveals medical condition behind her raspy voice — and why she won't fix it
Miley Cyrus' raspy voice is no accident. The Grammy winner, 32, revealed that her signature music sound is actually the result of having a vocal cord disorder called Reinke's edema. In her May 21 interview with Apple Music's Zane Lowe, Cyrus described the disorder as 'abuse of the vocal cords.' 6 Miley Cyrus performs at the 2024 Grammy Awards. Getty Images for The Recording Academy 'Being 21 and staying up and drinking and smoking and partying after every show does not help,' Cyrus said. 'But also in my case, it does not cause it. So my voice always sounded like this — it's a part of my unique anatomy.' 6 Miley Cyrus during her interview with Zane Lowe. Apple Music/Youtube According to the Cleveland Clinic, Reinke's edema is a benign condition that causes swelling in the vocal chord. It's most common in females and with people who have a long-term history of smoking. The 'Flowers' singer explained that she has a 'large polyp' on her vocal chords 'which has given me a lot of the tone and the texture that has made me who I am.' 6 Miley Cyrus performs at Movistar Arena in Bogota, Colombia in March 2022. Getty Images for MC 6 Miley Cyrus at the 2025 Met The Met Museum/Vogue 'But it's extremely difficult to perform with,' she shared, 'because it's like running a marathon with ankle weights on.' 'Even when I'm talking sometimes, at the end of the day I'll call my mom and she'll go, 'Oh, you sound like you're talking through a radio,'' Cyrus continued. 'And that's how you know I'm really tired, because it creates that ultimate vocal fry.' 6 Miley Cyrus performs on New Year's Eve in December 2021. NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images Cyrus went on to call her condition a 'blessing' as she explained why she has no plans to get surgery to fix it. 'My voice is super unique because of it, but i do have this Reinke's edema and I have this large polyp on my chords, and I'm not willing to sever it ever, because the chance of waking up from a surgery and not sounding like myself is a probability,' she said. 'I really had it on my heart that I don't speak and don't really care to talk about this thing that's really precious and really private to me,' she added. 'But it is a real thing.' 6 Miley Cyrus at the Bud Light Super Bowl Music Festival in Los Angeles in Feb. 2022. Getty Images for Bud Light The '7 Things' singer also noted that her condition affects her touring. 'I don't lip-sync,' she said. 'I sing live, and these songs are big. I don't write little songs.' Cyrus has been busy promoting her upcoming visual album, 'Something Beautiful,' out May 30.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Michigan lawmakers renew bipartisan push for Taylor Swift-inspired ticket bot bills
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 02: Taylor Swift attends the 67th Annual GRAMMY Awards on February 02, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo byfor The Recording Academy) Michigan House lawmakers are trying again to make sure the game isn't rigged for ticket buyers with reintroduced bills to ban the use of software or bot programs to scalp online tickets and purchase them in large quantities. The initial bills, sponsored by Rep. Mike McFall (D-Hazel Park) and Rep. Mike Harris (R-Waterford Township), were passed by the House last session, but died in the Michigan Senate. They were reintroduced in March and were back up for a first round of testimony on Wednesday before the House Judiciary Committee. Live Nation, a major player in concert promotion and ticket sales, said it supports the bills, but the secondary ticket reseller StubHub remained neutral. Overall, the bills would ban people from creating bots that scrape websites for tickets and purchase them in large quantities. They would also ban users from using multiple accounts to buy tickets to circumvent or disable security features on websites to control sales volumes. 'We all have experience with trying to attend a concert or sports event only to be told that the event is sold out and only resale tickets are available at extreme markups,' McFall said. 'Bad actors will purchase excessive amounts of tickets, commonly using bots with the intent of selling the tickets at prices that can be multiple times the original face value for popular artists like Taylor Swift. Tickets with value of $250 to $500 have been commonly resold for $5,000 to $10,000.' McFall noted one instance of a ticket being resold for $17,000 in Arlington, Texas, for Swift's widely popular Eras tour. He said it harms the entertainment industry but, more importantly, harms consumers by creating an unnecessary financial barrier. The representative added that the bills would provide the Department of Attorney General with the means to investigate consumer complaints regarding scalped tickets and act against those who are misusing bots to buy several tickets at once. Harris said a staffer wrote him a script to read in committee rife with Swift lyrics. He didn't read it, much to the dismay of Rep. Kelly Breen (D-Novi), but said the package prioritizes the consumer. 'I think most of us here have constituents that have made comments or complaints about this,' he said. Harris said his bill would empower the attorney general to investigate consumer complaints on ticket sales and provide clear penalties. If passed as written, the legislation would carry a civil fine of up to $5,000 for each violation. Harris noted that one ticket sale purchase by a bot equaled one violation. 'These people are frauding the system and making it hard for the rest of us to actually take our families out and enjoy a good time at the concert,' he said. 'As a father of six, yes, I have attended a Taylor Swift concert. That was my duty as a father of four girls. I believe these are meaningful safeguards that will increase transparency and ensure a much fairer purchasing process for people here in Michigan.' Rep. Sarah Lightner (R-Springport) chair of the House Judiciary Committee, said that as a big Jimmy Buffett fan, she had a hard time getting tickets to his shows before she got on a special list, but could even then find them on a secondary reseller like StubHub. She wondered how the attorney general would begin to investigate instances where a show sold out quickly, and how would their office know if it was a case of a bot purchasing several tickets at once. McFall said a person would have to file a consumer protection complaint and that the platform, whether it be Ticketmaster, Live Nation or some other seller, would have access to information on whether a bot or multiple accounts owned by the same person purchased the tickets. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
