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Smokey Robinson’s accusers blast his $500-million countersuit as ‘attempt to silence and intimidate’

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Smokey Robinson could potentially encounter additional legal troubles, as four ex-employees have alleged sexual misconduct and failure to pay overtime against the Motown icon, a claim made earlier this month.

Lawyers John Harris and Herbert Hayden, who are working for Robinson’s accusers, declared through a statement to The Times on Thursday that their firm plans to respond to the singer’s $500-million countersuit by filing a motion known as an anti-SLAPP motion. This move aims to dismiss the entire lawsuit, which is a California law designed to guard against baseless legal actions.

The founders of Harris & Hayden law firm stated that the countersuit is essentially an attempt to suppress and frighten the victims of Mr. Robinson’s sexual battery and assault. It is a groundless and vengeful legal tactic intended to re-traumatize, deflect blame, and deter others from speaking out.

On May 6, former employees filed a lawsuit against Robinson. In response, on Wednesday, Robinson submitted his counterclaim in the Los Angeles County Superior Court. Lawyers for the 85-year-old singer and his wife Frances Robinson (also named as a defendant) have sued the four accusers and their legal representatives for allegations including defamation, misrepresentation of truth, financial exploitation of an elder, and invasion of privacy, among other charges, according to documents obtained by The Times.

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Four former employees have filed a lawsuit against Smokey Robinson, accusing him of sexual misconduct. They are demanding a minimum compensation of $50 million and claim that both Robinson and his wife were poor managers.

As a film enthusiast, I’ve been following the recent developments regarding a high-profile singer. The legal documents he’s recently submitted include text messages and photographs that seem to portray interactions quite different from what was initially stated in the lawsuits against him.

Initially, two anonymous employees – who worked for this couple during various times between October 2006 and April 2024 – accused the singer of sexual assault on multiple occasions and claimed he failed to pay them fairly for overtime hours. They also alleged that Frances Robinson, his partner, verbally abused them. However, the new evidence seems to suggest a different narrative.

In a contradictory argument, it is suggested that the previous employees had been with the Robinsons for multiple years, even taking vacations together with the singer’s wife. They were considered more like extended family members. However, the couple alleges that these former employees harbored resentment and aimed to amass wealth by exploiting the Robinsons’ resources, as stated in the complaint.

In my opinion, the opposing side asserts that the accusations being made by the plaintiffs now are fabricated, specifically for their alleged extortion scheme. Remarkably, this claim is backed up by the comments made by their lawyers during a press conference on May 6th. Moreover, the singer alleges that not only have they been involved in this scheme, but also in a larger conspiracy to illegally enrich themselves, as suggested in legal documents, at my expense – the Robinsons.

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Smokey Robinson’s legal representative labels the accusations made in a sexual misconduct lawsuit as ‘vicious’ and ‘untrue.’ They plan on petitioning the court to discard the charges directed at the Motown legend.

Harris and Hayden assert that the countersuit distorts the truth and aims to penalize those who dared to voice their opinions.

The lawyers stated that [Plaintiffs] are determined to pursue justice, not just for themselves but for all victims who have been held back by fear of retribution. They explained that this case goes beyond their personal interests; it’s about making those responsible answer for their actions, promoting openness, and preventing power from being used to hurt or silence others.

Beyond the objection raised by the counterargument, Robinson’s lawyers also submitted a request to dismiss the original lawsuit filed against them, expressing concerns about the accusers choosing to remain anonymous. The motion claims that the anonymity of the plaintiffs is disadvantaging the defense of the Robinsons.

Previously this month, Christopher Frost, attorney for Robinson, described a sexual assault claim against his client as a malicious attempt to extort money from an elderly American legend. He labeled the accusations as despicable and untrue.

As a dedicated moviegoer, I’ve noticed that the enigmatic artist hasn’t been very forthcoming about the recent incident that led to a thorough criminal probe by the LA County Sheriff’s Department.

He offered a brief response to the Daily Mail earlier this month: “I am appalled.”

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2025-05-30 00:31

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