Legendary Motown artist Smokey Robinson has filed a monumental $500 million defamation lawsuit against four former housekeepers who have accused him of sexual assault. Filed in California, Robinson asserts that the allegations are "false and extremely damaging" to his reputation.
The lawsuit, which also includes his wife, Frances, argues that the alleged victims are fabricating their claims as part of an "extortionate" scheme. Robinson and his wife claim they have treated the women with kindness and generosity, even including them in family vacations and holiday celebrations.
The housekeepers, who filed under pseudonyms Jane Doe 1, 2, 3, and 4, allege that incidents of sexual coercion occurred as far back as 2006, citing fear of losing their jobs or facing family backlash as reasons for their delayed coming forward. They are seeking at least $50 million in damages and a jury trial.
In response to the accusations, Robinson has denied all wrongdoing and welcomed a criminal investigation by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, expressing confidence that the truth will prevail. Known for iconic hits such as "My Girl" and "Tracks of My Tears," Robinson's influence as both a songwriter and artist has left an indelible mark on the music industry, with credits on over 4,000 songs and inductions into multiple music halls of fame.
