Smokey Robinson files defamation suit against former housekeepers accusing him of sexual assault

The Motown singer and his wife have denied the allegations from the outset and say the claimants have fabricated their account for the purpose of extortion

Smokey Robinson has filed a $500m (370m) defamation lawsuit against the four former housekeepers who accused the Motown star of sexual assault earlier this month.

Retaining anonymity, the women characterised Robinson, 85, as a serial and sick rapist" who had assaulted them on multiple occasions between 2007 and 2024 at three different locations. Their lawyers said that as low-wage workers in vulnerable positions, they lacked the resources and options necessary to protect themselves from sexual assaults".