Smokey Robinson files a 0 million countersuit against individuals accusing him of sexual assault.
In a significant legal development, Motown icon Smokey Robinson has initiated a counter-complaint seeking 0 million against four former employees who have accused him of sexual assault. Earlier this month, these individuals, previously employed as housekeepers, filed a lawsuit alleging serious charges including sexual battery, assault, false imprisonment, gender violence, and the creation of a hostile work environment.
The accusations emerged as the plaintiffs claimed that Robinson had subjected them to repeated instances of assault while isolating them at his residences in the San Fernando Valley and Las Vegas. Among their allegations, two women maintain that they were raped by Robinson more than 20 times over multiple years. The accusations have not been limited to Robinson alone; his wife, Frances Robinson, has also been implicated, with allegations suggesting she was aware of the purported abuse yet failed to intervene.
The plaintiffs, who remain unnamed, expressed that fear of job loss and potential retaliation discouraged them from reporting the alleged mistreatment. They are seeking a trial and a minimum of million in damages for their allegations, which they claim are substantiated by their traumatic experiences.
Robinson’s attorney has firmly denied these claims, labeling them as “vile” and “false.” In response to the allegations, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has opened a criminal investigation to further examine the situation.
In a counteraction, Robinson and his wife have filed a lawsuit alleging the plaintiffs and their legal representatives are guilty of slander, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and financial elder abuse. According to the counter-suit, the Robinsons assert that the allegations put forth by the plaintiffs are fabricated and part of a deliberate scheme to extort money from them.
The lawsuit argues that the Robinsons treated their former employees with kindness and generosity, underscoring positive interactions, including shared vacations and holiday celebrations. The defendants contend that the accusers did not voice their grievances during their employment, and they allude to potential misconduct by the plaintiffs involving theft of personal belongings, such as financial records and precious items belonging to the couple.
This ongoing legal dispute underscores the complexities and challenges surrounding allegations of assault within the entertainment industry, raising important questions about accountability, power dynamics, and the protection of individuals in vulnerable positions. As investigations continue, both parties are preparing for what may become a protracted legal battle that could have significant implications for all involved.