Motown legend Smokey Robinson has responded to sexual misconduct allegations with a massive $500 million countersuit, claiming four former housekeepers fabricated abuse claims in an attempt to extort him.
At a Glance
- Smokey Robinson filed a $500 million countersuit against four women who accused him of sexual abuse from 2007 to 2024
- The four former housekeepers previously filed a $50 million lawsuit against Robinson, claiming sexual assault occurred at his Chatsworth home
- Robinson and his wife Frances Gladney maintain they treated the accusers “with the utmost kindness and generosity”
- Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is investigating the allegations following a police report
- Both sides have accused each other of financial motives, with Robinson’s team calling it an “extortionate plan” and the women’s attorney describing the countersuit as intimidation
Robinson Files Massive Countersuit
Legendary Motown singer Smokey Robinson, 85, has filed a $500 million countersuit against four former housekeepers who accused him of sexual misconduct. The countersuit comes in response to the women’s initial $50 million lawsuit that alleged Robinson committed various acts of sexual abuse, including rape, at his Chatsworth home between 2007 and 2024. The accusers, identified only as Jane Does in court documents, have also implicated Robinson’s wife Frances Gladney, claiming she was aware of the alleged abuse but failed to intervene.
Robinson’s legal team has filed a motion to dismiss the women’s initial lawsuit, arguing it was improperly filed under fictitious names. The countersuit accuses the women of elder abuse, civil conspiracy, and inflicting emotional distress. According to court documents, Robinson and his wife maintain they have evidence contradicting the women’s claims, including friendly text messages and photos showing one of the accusers vacationing with Robinson’s wife.
Conflicting Claims and Ongoing Investigation
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has confirmed they are investigating the allegations following a police report filed by the accusers. Robinson’s attorney, Christopher Frost, has characterized the women’s lawsuit as financially motivated and an attempt to create a media spectacle. The countersuit details how Robinson and his wife allegedly treated the women as “extended family,” providing them with gifts, concert tickets, vehicles, and financial assistance over the years.
The women’s attorney, John Harris, has responded by describing Robinson’s countersuit as a Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP) intended to silence and intimidate the accusers. Harris claims the women remained silent about the alleged abuse for years due to fear of humiliation and potential job loss. The legal team representing the accusers has announced plans to file an anti-SLAPP motion against Robinson’s countersuit.
Serious Allegations and Strong Denials
The accusations against Robinson are particularly shocking given his iconic status in American music history. As a singer, songwriter, and record producer, Robinson was instrumental in shaping the distinctive Motown sound with hits like “Tracks of My Tears” and “Cruisin’.” He also wrote songs for other famous artists including The Temptations and Mary Wells, cementing his legacy in the music industry.
“We believe that Mr. Robinson is a serial and sick rapist, and must be stopped”, said attorney John Harris.
Robinson’s legal team has strongly denied all allegations, with attorney Christopher Frost expressing confidence that Robinson will be cleared of wrongdoing. Frost described the lawsuit as “a desperate attempt to prejudice public opinion.” The sharp contrast between the women’s serious allegations and Robinson’s emphatic denial sets the stage for what could be a lengthy and contentious legal battle, with both sides seeking substantial monetary damages and making serious accusations about the other’s motives and conduct.
