Smokey Robinson responds to sexual assault allegations: “An ugly method of trying to extract money”
Smokey Robinson’s lawyer has responded to the allegations of sexual harassment, assault and rape that four former housekeepers have made against him and his wife, Frances.
Four former employees are suing Robinson for sexual assault, battery, and false imprisonment. The women filing anonymously as Jane Does are seeking minimum damages of $50 million.
Robinson’s lawyer has called the accusations “vile” and indicated that they would seek a dismissal of the lawsuit against the singer.
Attorney Christopher Frost said that as the case unfolds, evidence “will show that this is simply an ugly method of trying to extract money from an 85-year-old American icon.”
The lawyer then went on to accuse the plaintiff’s legal team of making “vile, false allegations against Mr and Mrs Robinson” in an attempt to “enlist the public as an unwitting participant in the media circus they are trying to create”.
He then suggested “numerous aspects of the complaint that defy credulity as well as issues relating to purported timelines, inconsistencies and relationships between the plaintiffs and others”. Therefore, he asked those following the news to “reserve judgment as the evidence comes to light.”
The assault was said to have happened from 2007 to 2024. All four women stated that they did not take action against the couple over fears for their livelihood, as well as familial reprisal and embarrassment. Some were also concerned that bringing a legal case might impact their immigration status.
For help, advice or more information regarding sexual harassment, assault and rape in the UK, visit the Rape Crisis charity website. In the US, visit RAINN.
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