Smokey Robinson and his wife, Frances, are fighting back hard against sexual assault accusations with a massive $500 million defamation countersuit.
Filed on May 28, the cross-complaint targets the four women who sued Robinson earlier this month, accusing him of repeated sexual assault, as well as their lawyers, who publicly called him a “serial and sick rapist” during a May 6 press conference.
The countersuit accuses the plaintiffs, all former employees of the Motown legend, of defamation, intentional infliction of emotional distress, financial elder abuse, and more. Robinson’s legal team says the women made “gratuitous and slanderous allegations” at what they call a “media circus” press event. According to the filing, the accusers knew the statements were false but went ahead anyway, misleading the public and damaging Robinson’s reputation.
At the May 6 press conference, the accusers wore sunglasses and masks to hide their identities, while attorney John Harris labeled Robinson a “serial and sick rapist.” Harris and his partner Herbert Hayden responded to the countersuit by calling it “nothing more than an attempt to silence and intimidate the survivors.” They claimed Robinson’s countersuit is a “baseless and vindictive legal maneuver” designed to punish the women for speaking out and prevent others from coming forward. They vowed to file an anti-SLAPP motion to strike the countersuit and seek attorneys’ fees.
The original lawsuit against Robinson was filed on May 6 and demands $50 million. The accusers claim Robinson “repeatedly forced his fingers and penis into their vaginas, causing severe and excruciating pain” without consent. They also allege he used “physical barriers, force, threats of force,” and locked doors to keep them trapped during the assaults.
Robinson’s wife Frances, whom he married in 2002, was named in the complaint as well. The plaintiffs allege she had “full knowledge of his prior acts of sexual misconduct” and did nothing to stop him, even after allegedly settling other cases involving Robinson’s similar alleged assaults.
In their countersuit, the Robinsons claim they treated these women like “extended family,” pointing to photos and text messages showing holidays and vacations together. The complaint says the Robinsons “did not abuse, harm, or take advantage” of the plaintiffs and instead treated them with “kindness and generosity.” They accuse the women of greed, saying the lawsuit was only filed after the Robinsons refused to pay an initial $100 million demand.
The countersuit also accuses the women of financial elder abuse, arguing the false allegations caused the couple, who are senior citizens, to lose income and assets meant for retirement and personal care. The filing says Frances Robinson is “distraught” not only because of the baseless claims but also because she feels “betrayed.”
Robinson’s lawyers also filed a motion to strike the original lawsuit on the grounds that the accusers’ anonymity prejudices the couple’s defense and misleads the public. The women remain anonymous as Jane Does 1 through 4 in court records.
All four women say they resigned from their jobs due to Robinson’s alleged abuse but never reported it earlier because they feared losing their jobs, facing family retaliation, and suffering public humiliation. They also said Robinson’s celebrity status made them feel threatened and intimidated.
The complaint details the scope of the alleged assaults: Jane Doe 1 says she was assaulted at least seven times, Jane Doe 2 claims 23 assaults, Jane Doe 3 alleges being raped over 20 times across 12 years, and Jane Doe 4 says the abuse began in 2007 and continued until she quit in 2024.
On May 7, Robinson told the Daily Mail he was “appalled” by the accusations.
The accusers’ attorneys stand firm, calling their clients’ claims “truthful” and condemning Robinson’s “despicable criminal acts.” Robinson’s attorney, Christopher Frost, called the ongoing sexual assault investigation a “desperate attempt,” noting police must investigate since a report was filed.
The plaintiffs’ lawyers said they’re “pleased” the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department has opened a criminal investigation and that their clients will fully cooperate to seek justice for themselves and others who may have been assaulted.
This case is far from over. Robinson’s $500 million countersuit shows he’s fighting back fiercely against the allegations and the damage to his reputation, while the original lawsuit and ongoing criminal investigation continue to unfold.
Jamie Wells has a knack for getting the inside scoop on Hollywood’s biggest stars and up-and-coming talent. With a sharp eye for industry trends and an ear for viral moments, Jamie covers everything from red-carpet events to behind-the-scenes drama in movies, TV, and celebrity culture.
