Smokey Robinson Countersuit: Accusers Respond
Facing a $500 million countersuit, smokey Robinson’s accusers are fighting back. Attorneys for the former employees, who allege sexual assault and wage theft, will file an anti-SLAPP motion to combat Robinson’s legal move. The anti-SLAPP motion aims to dismiss the singer’s countersuit, which the accusers’ legal team calls a ”baseless and vindictive legal maneuver.” The initial lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles, accused the Motown legend of sexual misconduct and wage violations. Robinson’s legal team, alleging extortion, is also challenging the accusers’ anonymity. News Directory 3 provides further details on this developing story. Discover what’s next in this ongoing legal battle.
Smokey Robinson Countersuit faces Anti-SLAPP motion in Sexual Assault Case
Smokey Robinson’s legal battle with four former employees has intensified. The employees, who earlier accused the Motown legend of sexual assault and wage violations, now face a $500 million countersuit from Robinson. Attorneys for the accusers, John Harris and Herbert Hayden, announced they will file an anti-SLAPP motion to dismiss Robinson’s suit.
The Harris & Hayden law firm characterized Robinson’s countersuit as an attempt to silence his accusers. They argue the suit is a ”baseless and vindictive legal maneuver” intended to discourage others from coming forward. The initial lawsuit,filed May 6 in Los Angeles County Superior Court,alleges sexual misconduct and failure to pay overtime.
Robinson’s countersuit claims defamation, invasion of privacy, and financial elder abuse. Legal documents include alleged text messages and photos intended to contradict the employees’ claims. The singer, 85, alleges the former employees, who worked for him and his wife Frances Robinson between 2006 and April 2024, are fabricating allegations to exploit the couple’s wealth.
The counterclaim asserts the employees “stayed with the Robinsons year after year” and “vacationed together” with Frances robinson, suggesting a familial relationship. However, Robinson’s legal team believes the employees “harbored resentment” and conspired to unlawfully enrich themselves.
Harris and Hayden maintain their clients are committed to seeking justice. They stated the countersuit “mischaracterizes the facts and seeks to punish his victims for speaking out.”
Robinson’s legal team also filed a motion to strike the initial lawsuit, challenging the accusers’ anonymity. They argue this anonymity prejudices Robinson’s defense.
Earlier in may, Robinson’s attorney, Christopher frost, called the sexual assault lawsuit an “ugly method of trying to extract money” and labeled the allegations “vile” and “false.” The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has launched a criminal investigation into the allegations.
Robinson briefly told the Daily Mail, “I am appalled,” regarding the allegations.
What’s next
The court will consider the anti-SLAPP motion, possibly impacting the future of both lawsuits. The criminal investigation by the Los Angeles county Sheriff’s Department remains ongoing.