Smokey Robinson Defamation Lawsuit: Accusers & Lawyers Sued
Smokey Robinson is fighting back. In a stunning move, the iconic Motown singer has filed a defamation lawsuit, targeting four of his former housekeepers and their legal team who accused him of sexual assault.The suit alleges the women attempted extortion before filing their initial complaint, seeking a staggering $500 million in damages. Robinson’s attorneys are also moving to dismiss the original case, arguing the accusers used false names as the news broke. News Directory 3 is following this story closely. Simultaneously, the accusers’ lawyer calls Robinson’s actions intimidation. How will the legal drama unfold,and what’s the strategy behind these claims? Discover what’s next in this developing story.
Smokey Robinson Files Defamation Suit Against Sexual Assault Accusers
Updated May 28,2025
Motown legend Smokey Robinson has launched a defamation lawsuit against four former housekeepers who recently accused him of sexual assault and abuse. The lawsuit, filed wednesday in Los Angeles Superior Court, alleges the women attempted too extort robinson before filing their initial complaint earlier this month.
Robinson,85,also filed a motion to dismiss the original lawsuit,arguing it was filed under false names. The four women,identified as Jane Does 1-4,claimed Robinson assaulted them during their employment at his Chatsworth,California,home. They are seeking at least $50 million in damages.
The defamation lawsuit claims the housekeepers were treated with kindness and never reported any abuse while employed. Robinson’s attorneys assert the women initially demanded $100 million before proceeding with legal action.The suit accuses the plaintiffs of creating a “media circus” and making false statements against Robinson and his wife, Frances.
The women’s attorney, John Harris, along with his law firm partner Herbert Hayden, responded by calling Robinson’s lawsuit an attempt to silence and intimidate survivors. They plan to file a motion to strike the complaint,citing California’s law against strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPP).
“Plaintiffs did not have the right to create a media circus of a press conference, and use that platform to slander the Robinsons,” the suit reads.
Harris had previously referred to Robinson as a “serial and sick rapist” and a “serial assaulter” during a press conference. The women claim they remained silent initially due to fear of losing their jobs and embarrassment.
The original lawsuit alleges multiple instances of assault against the women, spanning from 2012 to 2020. One woman claimed Robinson assaulted her at least 23 times.The lawsuit details disturbing allegations of Robinson’s behavior, including forcing himself on the employees in his home.
Robinson’s defamation lawsuit names the four Jane Does, attorney John Harris, and his law firm, among others.He is seeking damages of at least $500 million, citing defamation, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and invasion of privacy.
“it is a baseless and vindictive legal maneuver designed to re-victimize,shift blame and discourage others from coming forward,” Harris and Hayden saeid in a statement Wednesday in response to the suit.
What’s next
The legal battle is expected to continue with motions to dismiss and strike the respective lawsuits. The smokey Robinson case remains under criminal inquiry,though no charges have been filed.