Motown superstar Smokey Robinson is making headlines after filing a $500 million defamation lawsuit against four former housekeepers who have accused him of sexual assault. The lawsuit, filed in California, asserts that the women made "false and extremely damaging" allegations as part of an "extortionate" plot.
Robinson and his wife, Frances, claim these supposed victims, who used pseudonyms in their May lawsuit, had friendly relations with them, even going on holidays together. The singer has vehemently denied all accusations and argues that the allegations are financially motivated.
The women, identified only as Jane Doe 1, 2, 3, and 4, allege incidents dating back to 2006, where Robinson purportedly pressured them into sexual encounters. They claim their anonymity was necessary due to fears of losing their jobs or facing backlash from their families, and they seek at least $50 million in damages through this jury trial.
Adding to the complexity of this case, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department has launched a criminal investigation against Robinson, which he embraces, stating, "exposure to the truth is a powerful thing." The 85-year-old artist is a Motown legend known for hits like "My Girl" and has been credited with writing over 4,000 songs, earning spots in both the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
