Musical icon Smokey Robinson has taken legal action in Los Angeles following allegations of sexual assault made by four of his former housekeepers. He is suing them for $500 million.
Robinson, 85, a legend in the Motown music scene, stated in legal documents obtained by Dailymail.com that both he and his spouse Frances have always treated their employees with respect.
The Being with You performer in the litigation likened the legal efforts of the four former employees suing him to a shakedown.
The renowned artist, known for hits like “Cruisin’,” vehemently refuted the accusations made by the women. According to the legal documents, he considered the housekeepers as part of his ‘extended family.’
The singer-songwriter and his attorney noted that he and his spouse gifted the four plaintiffs with concert tickets, vehicles, cash for emergency dental procedures, and other amenities over the timeframe in which they worked for him.
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Musical legend Smokey Robinson has filed legal papers in response to allegations of sexual assault, suing his accusers for $500 million. Pictured in NYC last month
The Detroit-born musical icon also brought evidence to depict the friendly nature of the relationships he had with his employees.
In one case he went to the graduation dinner for one of his housekeeper’s children, according to legal docs.
Another piece of information the Tears of a Clown artist submitted as evidence shows a friendly text message one of the people suing sent to the musical legend.
Other evidence submit by Robinson’s team was an image of the singer’s wife Frances vacationing in Cabo San Lucas Mexico with one of the plaintiffs who is accusing him of sexual assault.
According to legal docs, the tropical vacation was for the plaintiff’s birthday, and Robinson said he and his spouse foot the bill for the excursion.
Some of the other communications sent from the plaintiffs to The Tracks of My Tears entertainer, he claimed in legal docs, include sentiments such as: ‘Love you;’ ‘Happy birthday … God bless you;’ ‘Happy Birthday have a wonderful day;’ and ‘My son invites you to his graduation dinner on Saturday.’
The couple said in court docs that the women who work for him ‘had the ideal access to take advantage of them’ because they knew where their most valuable possessions were kept.
The Being with You performer at The Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, Wales in 2011
Robinson is seen arriving at the CBS Mornings show on April 24 in NYC
Robinson has denied all of the allegations against him, which are under probe
Smokey and Frances have named the four plaintiffs in the lawsuit, alleging defamation of character, emotional distress, financial elder abuse, invasion of privacy and civil conspiracy, among other charges.
Smokey also filed legal docs, requesting that is accusers be publicly named, as the media has already commenced reporting details of the story, making it impractical for them to stay anonymous.
Robinson was named in the $50 million suit from the four plaintiffs, who say the veteran performer had committed acts of sexual battery, assault, false imprisonment and gender violence.
The initial lawsuit from the four former employees was filed earlier this month in Los Angeles Superior Court.
In it, the four women claimed that between the years of 2027 and 2024, Robinson and his wife presided over a hostile work environment which included violations of labor statutes, such as wages which went unpaid.
The women said that Robinson strategically cornered them when they were by themselves in the home to commit acts of sexual assault on them.
A lawyer for one of the plaintiffs, John Harris, said that they ‘believe that Mr. 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.’
The Motown icon submit to the court a series of communications indicating he had a friendly relationship with the women suing him. Pictured in NYC in 2019
Robinson has denied the allegations against him, which are under probe. Pictured in LA in 2023
The housekeepers said that they resigned from their positions of employment under Robinson and his wife, their lawyer said.
They told the court that they remained silent for years over the alleged mistreatment due to worries over retaliation from Robinson, public humiliation and potential complications with their immigration situations.
The housekeepers Robinson is accused of abusing were all in dire financial situations when they worked for the musical artist, Harris said, and were worried about ‘missing a payday, and not being able to afford rent or buy food for their families.’
Harris – who says Robinson also committed acts of false imprisonment and gender violence in the legal filing against the musical artist – explained how the plaintiffs came up with the number of $50 million they are suing Robinson for.
‘Obviously, no amount of money can compensate these women for what Mr. Robinson put them through,’ said the attorney. ‘But he said the $50 million was warranted ‘based on the gravity of Mr. Robinson’s despicable and reprehensible misconduct.’
Robinson has denied all of the allegations against him, which are under probe.
The multitalented musical mainstay, who also wrote and produced a number of iconic songs, has past been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, as well as the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
