Iconic soul singer Smokey Robinson, 85, has filed a $500 million countersuit against four former employees who accused him of sexual battery and rape earlier this month, claiming that their allegations were part of an “extortionate scheme.

The famed Motown singer accuses the four women of defamation, slander, intentional infliction of emotional distress, financial elder abuse and invasion of privacy in his cross-complaint.

Motown legend Smokey Robinson is under criminal investigation in Los Angeles over accusations of sexual assault. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department confirmed it had launched a formal inquiry into the allegations,