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Legendary Motown singer, Smokey Robinson has filed a defamation lawsuit against 4 of his ex – employees who had accused him of rape. He is currently using the women for defamation of character and elder abuse. The women, who filed a $50 million lawsuit anonymously, allege that Robinson sexually assaulted them multiple times between 2007 and 2024 while they were employed as housekeepers. They also accuse Robinson’s wife, Frances, of enabling the abuse and creating a hostile work environment.
Robinson’s legal team has submitted evidence, including text messages and photographs, to demonstrate friendly interactions between the Robinsons and the plaintiffs, suggesting a close relationship that contradicts the allegations.
In a legal response, Robinson has denied all the allegations, calling them “outrageous lies manufactured by bitter former employees looking for a payday.” According to Robinson’s legal team, the four women had demanded $100 million in exchange for not filing their complaint, a demand Robinson’s lawyers say amounted to extortion.
“These allegations are not only completely false, they are designed to destroy my legacy and reputation built over six decades,” Robinson stated in a press release issued through his attorney, Christopher Frost. “I have always treated every employee in my household with dignity and respect. These claims are malicious and deeply hurtful.”
In an interview with People, attorney Christopher Frost said, “We have concrete evidence that contradicts their entire story. What’s happening here is nothing less than a shakedown attempt against a vulnerable public figure.”
The lawsuit has drawn widespread media attention, given Robinson’s iconic status as a singer, songwriter, and former Motown executive. Known for hits like “Tracks of My Tears” and “Cruisin’,” Robinson is regarded as one of the architects of the Motown sound. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987 and received the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song in 2016.
