Smokey Robinson sues accusers and their lawyers, claiming defamation

Motown legend Smokey Robinson on Wednesday filed a lawsuit alleging defamation by four former housekeepers who earlier this month in a lawsuit accused him of sexual assault and abuse.

LOS ANGELES — Motown legend Smokey Robinson filed a lawsuit Wednesday alleging defamation by four former housekeepers who accused him in a lawsuit this month of sexual assault and abuse.

Lawyers for Robinson also filed a motion in Los Angeles County Superior Court seeking to have the complaint against him dismissed, arguing that it was filed under false names.

Robinson, 85, was sued in early May by four women identified in court documents as Jane Does 1-4. They alleged Robinson assaulted them while they worked as low-wage housekeepers at his home in the Los Angeles suburb of Chatsworth.

Robinson has denied the allegations.

In addition to the civil lawsuit, which seeks no less than $50 million, a law enforcement source told NBC News two weeks ago that Robinson is under criminal investigation. No charges have been filed.