Smokey Robinson Fires Back Against Sexual Assault Lawsuit

Photo Credit: Frances Gladney and Smokey Robinson by Gage Skidmore / CC by 2.0

Smokey Robinson says he is ‘appalled’ over the claims he sexually assaulted multiple housekeepers, who are now suing him.

Motown legend Smokey Robinson is staunchly denying the sexual assault allegations made against him by four former housekeepers. Robinson’s attorney, Christopher Frost, released a statement on behalf of his client, calling the claims an effort to extort money from the singer.

Robinson was accused of sexual misconduct in a lawsuit filed Tuesday by four anonymous former employees. Further, his wife, Frances Gladney, is also named in the lawsuit for her alleged role in perpetuating a toxic work environment.

“As this case progresses, the evidence (the crucial element that guides us) will show that this is simply an ugly method of trying to extract money from an 85-year-old American icon—$50 million dollars, to be exact,” said Frost. “Through this process we have seen the bizarre theatrics of [Tuesday’s] news conference, as the plaintiffs’ attorneys outlined vile false allegations against Mr. and Mrs. Robinson.”

“We will also be asking the Court to address that in their statements to the press about Mr. Robinson, the plaintiff’s attorneys have reached beyond the bounds of liberties that even lawyers are typically allowed in this context,” the attorney’s statement continues. “We will have more to say on this matter, as we fiercely defend our clients against these false allegations and work to protect their good names.”

According to the plaintiffs, during their employment between 2007 and April 2024, Robinson summoned them into a bedroom multiple times, where he forced unwanted sexual contact. They claim Gladney not only had “full knowledge” of the assaults and did nothing to stop them, but allegedly scheduled weekly nail salon appointments that would ensure Robinson was “home alone” with a housekeeper. Frances Gladney is also accused of being a bully who “screamed” at the women and called them names.

In a call with The Daily Mail, Robinson said he was “appalled” about the claims against him, but the 85-year-old then began “mumbling incoherently,” and “did not sound well.” Shortly after, he “became lucid” again, and quickly ended the call by saying, “I can’t speak about this right now.”

The four plaintiffs wish to remain anonymous and are listed only as Jane Doe in the filings. One of the accusers says she was assaulted seven times, while another said she was raped “without a condom” at least 23 times.

The lawsuit comes on the heels of Robinson’s latest album, What the World Needs Now, which was released last month.

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