Smokey Robinson, accused of rape by ex-staff, files defamation lawsuit
Global News
The original lawsuit against Robinson refers to at least 50 alleged incidents of rape dating back almost 2 decades.
NOTE: The following article contains disturbing details of sexual assault. Please read at your own discretion.
Music legend Smokey Robinson is suing four of his former employees for defamation after they filed a lawsuit against the singer in early May accusing him of sexual assault and rape.
Robinson and his wife, Frances Gladney, countersued the group of housekeepers in Los Angeles on Wednesday, accusing the women of false claims of sexual assault as part of an “extortionate” lawsuit.
The Motown legend’s accusers say they were afraid to come forward until now over fears of losing their livelihoods and immigration status — all four plaintiffs are immigrants of Hispanic descent.
The accusers, who filed their anonymous suit in Los Angeles Superior Court, are seeking at least US$50 million in damages. The women say they experienced abuse between 2007 and 2024, and labour violations including a hostile work environment, illegally long hours and lack of pay.
The singer has denied the allegations and is currently under investigation for sexual assault. His lawyers argue that the complainants are after his money.
The couple claims that the women accompanied them on family vacations and celebrated holidays together.
“The Robinsons did not abuse, harm, or take advantage of plaintiffs; they treated plaintiffs with the utmost kindness and generosity,” their lawsuit states.
