Smokey Robinson strikes back with $500M countersuit, accuses ex-employees of slander and elder abuse

Music legend Smokey Robinson has fired back at four former employees who recently filed a $50 million lawsuit against him, escalating the legal battle with a stunning $500 million counterclaim.

The original lawsuit, filed earlier this month by four anonymous women—referred to as Jane Does—accused the Motown icon of sexual battery, assault, and false imprisonment.In a cross-complaint filed alongside his wife Frances Robinson, the 84-year-old singer has accused the women and their legal team of slander, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and financial elder abuse. The new filing, obtained by Variety, paints the women’s claims as “fabricated in support of their extortionate scheme” and asserts the Robinsons regarded them as “extended family.”According to the court documents, the Robinsons say they had shared holidays, vacations, and financial support with the accusers—actions they argue reflect kindness and trust, not misconduct. The filing alleges that the women initially made pre-litigation demands exceeding $100 million, and after those demands were not met, they allegedly orchestrated a “media circus” to pressure the couple.The Robinsons also take aim at the accusers’ attorney, John W.

Harris, who has publicly referred to Robinson as a “serial and sick rapist.” The cross-complaint criticizes the Jane Does for concealing their identities while allegedly pushing a “half story” to sway public opinion.While Harris did not respond to Variety’s request for comment, the Robinsons’ legal team insists that the former employees never reported a hostile work environment, and even claim that at least one woman left employment and later returned—undermining claims of ongoing fear or abuse.

The filing goes further to suggest possible involvement in theft, including the disappearance of financial documents, gold coins, and the erasure of text messages and images from Frances Robinson’s phone.In a parallel motion, the Robinsons are also asking the court to strike the original lawsuit for failing to comply with California’s rules on anonymous filings. According to the filing, plaintiffs must demonstrate a clear and exceptional privacy concern or have legal grounds to remain unnamed—standards the Robinsons argue were not met.The four Jane Does originally came forward in early May, alleging repeated instances of assault and harassment over the course of their employment. All four stated they were too afraid to report the alleged behavior earlier, citing concerns over job security, family backlash, or their immigration status.Shortly after the civil suit was filed, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department confirmed that a criminal investigation into the allegations is underway. In a public statement, the department noted that its Special Victims Bureau is currently in the early stages of reviewing the case involving William “Smokey” Robinson.As the courtroom showdown unfolds, the legal drama surrounding one of music’s most beloved figures appears far from over.