Music icon Smokey Robinson has filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles in response to sexual assault allegations made against him.
He is seeking $500 million (£370 million) in damages from his accusers.
According to court documents obtained by Dailymail.com, Smokey Robinson asserts that he and his wife, Frances, have always treated their employees with respect and dignity.
The legendary Tracks of My Tears singer described the lawsuit brought by four of his former employees as a form of extortion.
Robinson has firmly denied any wrongdoing, even stating that he regarded the women involved as “extended family.”
Both Smokey Robinson and his attorney noted that over the course of their employment, the couple had given the women gifts such as concert tickets, emergency funds for dental care, and other personal support.
The Robinsons have named the four women in their countersuit, which includes claims of defamation, emotional distress, financial elder abuse, invasion of privacy, and civil conspiracy, among other allegations.
Robinson has also called for the plaintiffs to be identified publicly, arguing that anonymity is unrealistic now that media coverage has begun.
The singer had previously been named in a $50 million (£37 million) lawsuit filed by the four women, accusing him of sexual battery, assault, false imprisonment, and gender-based violence.
Robinson maintains his innocence, and the allegations are currently being investigated.
