Smokey Robinson has responded to his former housekeepers with a $500 million countersuit, according to Variety.
Earlier this month, the R&B singer-songwriter, 85, was accused of sexual battery, assault, and false imprisonment by four ex-employees, referred to as ‘Jane Does’ in legal documents. Also named in the lawsuit was Robinson’s wife of 23 years, Frances, while the women alleged that the incidents, said to have involved sexual contact, occurred from 2007 to 2024.
On Wednesday (May 28), Rolling Stone reported that Robinson filed a countersuit, seeking $500 million damages for defamation and elder abuse. The “Cruisin'” vocalist claimed that he and his wife treated the women “as extended family,” financially covering their expenses for dental needs, clothing, vacations and more. They’re alleging that the Jane Does, and their lawyer, John W. Harris, concocted an “extortionate plan to take everything from the Robinsons” and “wrongfully destroy” their reputation.
One of the women was alleged to have deleted text exchanges and photos from the phone of Robinson’s wife. Another text sent to Robinson on February 19, 2020, another housekeeper wrote, “Happy birthday God bless you have a wonderful Birthday love you,” according to Rolling Stone.
In addition to claiming that their relationships with the women were appropriate, The Robinsons are urging the court to have the women refile their complaint using their legal names. The Jane Does reportedly sought $50 million in damages.
Earlier this month, Robinson denied the allegations, with his lawyer, Christopher Frost, accusing the women of trying to “extract money from an 85-year-old American icon.”
