**Smokey Robinson Takes Legal Action Against Sexual Assault Accusations**

In response to serious allegations, Smokey Robinson and his wife Frances are fighting back against claims made by former housekeepers in a high-profile legal battle.

Motown legend Smokey Robinson has initiated a landmark $500 million (£370 million) defamation lawsuit against four former housekeepers who have accused him of sexual assault. The lawsuit, filed in California on Wednesday, argues that the allegations are "false and extremely damaging" and claims that the women fabricated their accusations in what the Robinsons describe as an act of "extortion."

In the court documents, the singer and his wife, Frances, contest the anonymity granted to the plaintiffs, who filed their lawsuit under the pseudonyms Jane Doe 1, 2, 3, and 4. The Robinsons assert that their relationship with the women was amicable, highlighting that they traveled together as families and celebrated holidays as close friends. The lawsuit emphasizes that the Robinsons treated the plaintiffs "with the utmost kindness and generosity."

The allegations against the 85-year-old musician, who is also under criminal investigation for sexual assault in Los Angeles, involve claims of inappropriate conduct that allegedly began in 2006. The women, who are of Hispanic descent, cited fears over job security, familial repercussions, and emotional distress as reasons for delaying their allegations until now, with some expressing concerns about potential impacts on their immigration status.

They are seeking at least $50 million (£38 million) in damages and a jury trial for their claims. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department has opened its investigation into the allegations. Robinson welcomed this investigation, asserting that "exposure to the truth is a powerful thing."

Renowned for his significant contributions to music, Robinson has penned numerous hits during his illustrious career, including classics like Mary Wells' "My Guy" and "The Temptations' "My Girl." He boasts a legacy cemented in both the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, with credits on over 4,000 songs.