Smokey Robinson’s lawyer Christopher Frost denies sexual assault allegations made against the legendary Motown artist

Smokey Robinson’s lawyer says allegations of rape and sexual assault against him in a lawsuit from four former housekeepers are “vile” and “false”.

Attorney Christopher Frost said in a statement on Wednesday that the evidence “will show that this is simply an ugly method of trying to extract money from an 85-year-old American icon”.

The suit filed in Los Angeles Superior Court on Tuesday against the Motown music luminary seeks at least $50 million in damages over the alleged assaults, which the women say took place between 2007 and 2024. Robinson’s wife, Frances Robinson, is also named as a defendant for allegedly enabling his behaviour and creating an abusive work environment.

“We will be addressing the numerous aspects of the complaint that defy credulity as well as issues relating to purported timelines, inconsistencies, and relationships between the plaintiffs and others,” Mr Frost’s statement said.

The four women each allege that Smokey Robinson would wait until he was alone with them in his Los Angeles house and then sexually assault and rape them, in some cases for many years.

The plaintiffs’ lawyers, Harris and Herbert Hayden, said in a statement Thursday in response to Frost, “We stand behind our four clients’ truthful claims, which are neither false nor vile, but clearly describe Mr. Robinson’s despicable criminal acts.”

One woman said she worked for Robinson from 2012 until 2024 and was assaulted at least 20 times in that span. Another said she worked for him from 2014 until 2020 and was assaulted at least 23 times.

All of the accusers said they eventually quit over the assaults, though in some cases it took several years. And all said they feared coming forward over fears of retaliation, public shame and possible effects on their immigration status. The same fears have kept the women from going to police to report Robinson, their lawyers said, though they also said they believe criminal investigation is warranted.

The suit seeks damages based on sexual battery, assault, false imprisonment, gender violence and other allegations.

Mr Frost said Robinson would soon address the allegations himself, and that they would be asking the court to dismiss the lawsuit.

Robinson, a member of both the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, was among the biggest hit makers of the 1960s as a central part of the Motown Records machine — both with his group the Miracles and as a solo artist, with songs including Tears Of A Clown and The Tracks Of My Tears.