Smokey Robinson, the 85-year-old Motown legend and former Motown Records founder, has filed a $500 million cross-complaint against four anonymous former employees who accused him of sexual assault, sexual misconduct, and false imprisonment. The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, asserts that the accusers fabricated their claims as part of an extortion scheme, claiming they were treated as family members and received significant personal and financial support during their employment.
The cross-complaint, obtained by Fox News Digital, details that the Robinsons, who have been married for 25 years, treated the accusers like extended family, sharing holidays, birthdays, and even providing financial assistance, including a car, dental surgery, and thousands of dollars in monetary support. The lawsuit alleges that the accusers, represented by law firm Harris & Hayden, initially sought $100 million before initiating their $50 million lawsuit, which was later expanded to include claims of negligence and labor code violations.
The lawsuit accuses the accusers of creating a media spectacle, including a press conference where their attorneys, including John Harris, publicly labeled Robinson as a ‘serial and sick rapist.’ The document claims that the accusers’ actions, such as deleting messages and fabricating their identities, undermine any credible claims of abuse. Additionally, the cross-complaint alleges that the accusers may have stolen valuables, including gold Krugerrands, from the Robinsons during their tenure as housekeepers, further supporting the claim they were motivated by financial gain.
Meanwhile, the accusers’ own $50 million lawsuit, filed on May 6, details multiple instances of alleged sexual assault and harassment by Robinson. Jane Doe 1 claims to have been assaulted seven times during her employment, citing fear of losing her job and immigration status as reasons for not reporting the incidents. Jane Doe 2 alleges that Robinson would send her to secluded areas of his mansion for forced sexual encounters, often threatening to make Frances Robinson ‘mean’ to her if she refused. Jane Doe 3 describes being raped 20 times and allegedly offered money to allow unwanted sexual contact. Jane Doe 4, who worked in Las Vegas, claims Robinson sexually assaulted her during her tenure as his housekeeper and personal assistant.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has opened an investigation into the allegations, though no charges have been filed. The Robinsons’ legal team has also filed a motion to dismiss the accusers’ lawsuit, citing violations of California’s Civic Code due to the use of fictitious names. This legal battle has drawn significant public attention, with both sides presenting starkly different narratives about the nature of their relationship and the validity of the allegations.