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Who receives SSI? About 7.4 million Americans receive SSI checks each month. Individuals who are disabled or retired, survivors of deceased workers, and those with limited resources are eligible to receive benefits, according to the SSA website. More than one-third […]

Smokey Robinson and his wife Frances Robinson have taken legal action against the four women who filed a lawsuit accusing the music icon of rape and sexual assault.

As Blavity reported, the four women are former employees and they filed a $50 million lawsuit against Robinson on May 6. The civil action includes 16 claims against the 85-year-old for repeatedly sexually assaulting each woman at his residences for several years.

All four women’s accounts of the events were similar, stating that Robinson wanted them to bathe and lie on top of a towel before he physically engaged with them. Additionally, they alleged that his wife was aware of what Robinson was doing and turned a blind eye to it. Court documents mention that Frances underpaid the housekeepers and subjected them to a “hostile work environment,” according to Deadline. 

Smokey Robinson’s $500M countersuit claims defamation and elderly abuse

Robinson is now under criminal investigation by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department for rape, sexual assault and creating a hostile work environment charges. The couple is now countersuing the plaintiffs in a $500 million defamation and elder abuse proceeding.

“The Robinsons did not abuse, harm or take advantage of plaintiffs; they treated plaintiffs with the utmost kindness and generosity,” the May 28-filed litigation stated, Deadline reported. “Unfortunately, the depths of plaintiffs’ avarice and greed knows no bounds.”

The Robinsons and their lawyer, Christopher Frost, revealed that the women kept increasing the price of their lawsuit. They initially wanted $1 million but then raised the dollar amount to $100 million in exchange for not pursuing the “fabricated” complaint. When their inquiry was denied, they then demanded $50 million.

Robinson says the false stories have heavily affected his long-standing career. He alleges that his latest album, What The World Needs Now, has also been impacted as a result of the allegations.

Smokey Robinson fires back by accusing the plaintiffs of stealing from his home

The day the four women took their civil case to court, they also held a press conference with their attorneys at Hayden & Harris. In response, the Robinsons had no choice but to engage in legal combat. In a separate claim, they’re hoping to have the plaintiff’s lawsuit dismissed. 

“Because of Plaintiffs’ slanderous statements, the Robinsons had no choice but to seek legal relief,” the motion mentions. “Plaintiffs may be able to make slanderous statements in a legal pleading (for now), but they are not entitled to do so in gratuitous, self-serving press conferences.”

The countersuit lists various forms of support the Robinsons claim to have provided the women, ranging from dental care to cars, while also implying that they took advantage of their generosity.

“Shortly after the Plaintiffs left their jobs, Ms. Robinson discovered that several of her financial records (including bank statements) were missing,” as detailed in the 10-claim countersuit. “At least one Plaintiff had access to and knew exactly where these records were kept.” 

Continuing in that direction, the filing alleges: “As a result of their roles as household staff, they had particular knowledge of where the Robinsons’ valuables were kept, including a hidden safe and gold Krugerrands. That safe and the valuables it contained and several gold Kruggerands were later stolen by someone who knew precisely where they were located. The Robinsons reported the theft to the police.”

The four accusers have not yet responded to Robinson’s countersuit.

Market Basket, a popular New England-based supermarket chain, is known for its affordable groceries and in-store dining options, which help it better serve its customers. However, on the business side, the company has faced issues in recent years, and its CEO is once again at the forefront of a recent investigation.

In yet another high-profile act of clemency, President Donald Trump has pardoned rapper NBA Youngboy. The move, clearing a federal gun charge that sent the rapper to prison last year, comes in a week that has seen Trump use his clemency power on several high-profile individuals.

NBA Youngboy announces pardon: ‘This moment means a lot’

Kentrell DeSean Gaulden, who performs under the stage name NBA Youngboy, posted on Instagram Wednesday to thank Trump for pardoning him; the White House later confirmed the pardon.

“I want to thank President Trump for granting me a pardon and giving me the opportunity to keep building — as a man, as a father, and as an artist,” Gaulden said in the post. “This moment means a lot. It opens the door to a future I’ve worked hard for and I am fully prepared to step into this.” Gaulden also thanked his lawyer, Brittany K. Barnett, and Alice Marie Johnson, whose sentence Trump commuted during his first term and who now serves as Trump’s “pardon czar.”

The rapper was sentenced to prison in 2024 on charges of possessing firearms despite being a convicted felon. He has already completed the prison term and home confinement that were parts of his sentence. The pardon, however, means he’ll no longer have to abide by probation terms such as mandatory drug testing, and the criminal conviction will be cleared from his record.

Trump’s history of granting clemency

Trump issued pardons or commutations to several hip-hop figures at the end of his first term in office, including rappers Lil Wayne and Kodak Black, Death Row Records co-founder Michael “Harry-O” Harris and Roc Nation CEO Desiree Perez. During both terms in office, Trump has also issued pardons to several of his supporters, including most of those convicted of crimes related to the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.

The move to wipe out NBA Youngboy’s conviction is the latest of several high-profile pardons Trump issued over the past few days. On Monday, Trump posted a video of a call to the family of Todd and Julie Chrisley, formerly stars of the reality show Chrisley Knows Best, to inform them that he was pardoning the couple of their federal fraud convictions; the Chrisleys were released from prison on Wednesday following the pardon. Also, on Wednesday, Trump announced that he was commuting the federal sentence of former Gangster Disciples gang leader Larry Hoover. However, Hoover remains in prison to serve a 200-year state sentence on murder charges.

So far, the list of people who have received clemency from Trump this week is an unusual assortment of figures. Given the president’s past practices, it’s likely that we’ll see even more pardons during his term, though who he’ll pardon next and when remain mysteries to the public.

Donald Trump has commuted former Chicago gang leader Larry Hoover, who was serving a life sentence at a Colorado prison after being convicted of murder and several other federal charges. According to ABC News, the White House confirmed the news on Wednesday.

Hoover was serving a 200-year sentence on state charges in Illinois for murdering 19-year-old William “Pooky” Young, who was a drug dealer in his neighborhood. As he was also convicted of federal charges in 1997, Hoover was sentenced to six life terms. The federal charges included conspiracy and extortion, as well as running a criminal enterprise from prison, NBC Chicago reported.

What’s next for Larry Hoover now that Trump commuted his sentence?

While Hoover is now set to be released from federal custody, he is still required to serve his 200-year sentence in Illinois. According to CBS News, it’s not clear how soon Hoover will be released from federal custody.

What are Larry Hoover’s attorneys saying after Trump commuted his sentence?

Attorney Justin Moore expressed relief on X, formerly Twitter, by writing: “After nearly 30 years in federal solitary and over 50 years behind bars, Larry Hoover has been granted executive clemency by President Trump. His federal life sentence is over. Justice, mercy, and redemption prevailed. The fight continues—but today, we celebrate.”

After nearly 30 years in federal solitary and over 50 years behind bars, Larry Hoover has been granted executive clemency by President Trump. His federal life sentence is over. Justice, mercy, and redemption prevailed. The fight continues—but today, we celebrate. #Clemency— Justin A. Moore, ESQ. (@_ja_moore) May 28, 2025

Per CBS News, Moore also released a statement along with attorney Jennifer Bonjean: “The Courts have demonstrated a complete unwillingness to consider Mr. Hoover’s considerable growth and complete rehabilitation. Despite the Court’s unwillingness to do the right thing, Mr. Hoover has been able to keep his voice alive through the incredible work of many advocates and supporters. Thankfully, Mr. Hoover’s pleas were heard by President Trump who took action to deliver justice for Mr. Hoover.”

Michael Sumler, who was a longtime member of Kool & the Gang, has died in a car crash in Georgia‘s Cobb County.

According to Vibe, the 71-year-old star, also known as “Chicago Mike,” was driving on the highway around midnight on Saturday when he collided with another car and died at the scene. Shortly before the crash, Sumler held a concert at the Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre in Mableton, Georgia, Fox 5 Atlanta reported.

“We are saddened by the death of musician Michael Sumler. ‘Chicago Mike’ contributed so much to the music and entertainment communities,” Mableton Mayor Michael Owens said in a statement, per Fox 5. “His style and energy added flare and excitement to Kool and the Gang for decades. The city of Mableton, council members and I join his family, friends and fans in mourning his loss.”

What is the music industry saying about Michael Sumler’s death?

Adrian Meeks, head of Song Source Music Group, described the loss of Sumler as “devastating.”

“He always wanted to see other people succeed in the business that he’d been around most of all of his life,” Meeks told Fox 5. “He was the bridge, you know, for inspiring artists and songwriters and producers and musicians to the legends.”

“He’ll be dearly missed,” he added.

Greg Williams of Switch Entertainment also expressed his condolences, calling Sumler “one of these people God put on a planet to teach people how to act.”

 “He was kind, he was thoughtful, he was intelligent, he was articulate and he was the life of the party,” Williams added, per Fox 5.

According to WBLS, Robert “Kool” Bell, the last surviving original member of Kool & The Gang, said “the stage won’t be the same without Mike.”

What were Michael Sumler’s notable accomplishments during his career with Kool & the Gang?

During his three decades with Kool & The Gang, Sumler stood out as the group’s electrifying hype man. He helped the group win two Grammys and seven American Music Awards while producing 31 gold and platinum albums, Billboard reported.

The group earned recognition for hits, including “Summer Madness,” “Get Down On It,” “Celebration” and “Ladies’ Night.”

Cameron Boyce’s legacy continues to live on through the lives of those close to him.

According to People, the late actor was honored on what would have been his 26th birthday on May 28, by his friends and former Descendants costars.

Dove Cameron and Sofia Carson share emotional tributes

“I still feel you all the time. Catch you in the next life,” said actress Dove Cameron in a post shared to Instagram that featured black and white photos of the pair, including an image of them on set with other Descendants stars and a close-up of a tattoo that Cameron got to honor the late actor. “Happy birthday. I love you.”

In 2019, Boyce died in his sleep after experiencing a seizure from epilepsy complications. He was only 20 years old, yet, his mark on the world is undeniable and was very evident in the string of tributes shared on social media both following his death and in the years since his passing.

“Keep dancing in heaven, my Cam,” wrote Sofia Carson, another one of his Disney costars, in a separate post shared on Instagram. “Earth could never be the same without you. Our Angel. Our Sunshine. Our Cam.”

Kenny Ortega honors Cameron Boyce

Descendants director Kenny Ortega also took to social media to bring awareness around The Cameron Boyce Foundation, the organization created in Boyce’s honor to raise awareness around epilepsy, while also sharing that the actor was his favorite.

“Cameron, I treasure the memories of you and our coming to know one another through our creative work together,” Ortega wrote. “You will hold a place deep in my heart for always. You are still my fave. That will never change. I celebrate you today, your birth, and the everlasting light you shown in your time with us. You made every room brighter when you entered it. You are love, light and forever with us.”

Skai Jackson’s ‘Dancing with the Stars’ tribute

In 2020, Boyce’s close friend and Disney Channel’s Jessie castmate, Skai Jackson, used her performance on Dancing with the Stars to honor the late star with a dance.

“I met Cameron, obviously, on Jessie, and we just really built this bond for years and years and years,” said Jackson at the time. “And he was kind of like a big brother figure to me. He always looked out for me through everything. He really molded me into the person that I am now.”

Texas Democratic U.S. Representative Jasmine Crockett is asking Republicans to look into whether or not President Donald Trump is fit to serve. She questioned his “mental acuity” and invited others to do the same after Trump gave a speech in front of West Point graduates in which he spoke about trophy wives and said he was more investigated than Al Capone.

What did Trump say in his West Point speech?

Trump delivered a commencement address to the Class of 2025 at the United States Military Academy, also known as West Point, on Saturday. His speech quickly went viral for his remarks, which made references to trophy wives and mentioned gangster Al Capone.

“He ended up getting a divorce, found a new wife,” Trump said in reference to real estate developer Bill Levitt, according to Rolling Stone. “Could you say a trophy wife? I guess we can say a trophy wife. But that didn’t work out too well, I must tell you. A lot of trophy wives, it doesn’t work out, but it made him happy for a little while at least.”

“But he found a new wife. He sold his little boat and he got a big yacht,” Trump added.

The President also said he was more investigated than Al Capone.

“I was investigated more than the great late Alphonse Capone,” he said. “Alphonse Capone was a monster. He was a very hardened criminal. I went through more investigations than Alphonse Capone, and now I’m talking to you as president. Can you believe this?”

Trump: He ended up getting a divorce. Found a new wife. Can you say a trophy wife? It didn’t work out too well. That doesn’t work out too well, I must tell you. A lot of trophy wives. It doesn’t work out. It made him happy for a little while at least. He found a new wife. He got… pic.twitter.com/i4ig0kpW9C— Acyn (@Acyn) May 24, 2025

Crockett: It is time for Republicans to start calling him out and start questioning his mental acuity, and whether or not he is equipped to serve mentally. We know when it comes down to his criminality, he is not qualified to serve, but this is just absolutely deplorable. pic.twitter.com/Qz7VroXedQ— Acyn (@Acyn) May 25, 2025

Trump gave graduates words of advice regarding success by referencing South African golfer Gary Player.

“To be successful, you’re always going to have to work hard,” he said. “A great example is a great athlete, Gary Player, great golfer. He wasn’t as big as the other men that were playing against him — great, big strong guys—Gary was a smaller guy. He’s a friend of mine, he gets a little angry at people. He hits the ball just as far.”

Trump also reiterated his stance against the presence of LGBTQ+ in the military and his anti-DEI efforts.

“The job of the U.S. armed forces is not to host drag shows, to transform foreign cultures, but to spread democracy to everybody around the world at the point of a gun,” Trump said.

“We have liberated our troops from divisive and demeaning political trainings,” he added. “There will be no more critical race theory or transgender for everybody forced onto the brave men and women in uniform—or on anybody else for that matter—in this country. We will not have men playing in women’s sports.”

What did Jasmine Crockett say about Trump’s speech?

The Democratic Representative of Texas called out the speech and said it was an example of Trump being unfit to serve as President.

“I don’t think that those who have gone through West Point expected to have their commander in chief address them and start talking about trophy wives or start talking how he has so many investigations,” she said, according to Rolling Stone. “What a great reminder that you are not qualified to be the person that potentially will command troops to go into war. That is not instilling confidence whatsoever.”

Crockett: They have nothing to show for it except for those top earners being able to have their next trophy wife or buy their next yacht, or get their next plane, that doesn’t work for me. And that obviously does not work for my constituents. pic.twitter.com/7lMfVMTfsx— Acyn (@Acyn) May 25, 2025

She called on Republicans to look into his mental state and whether he is fit or not to serve.

“It is time for Republicans to start calling him out and start questioning his mental acuity, and whether or not he is equipped to serve mentally,” Crockett said. “We know when it comes down to his criminality, he is not qualified to serve, but this is just absolutely deplorable.”

She also mentioned the spending bill passed by Republicans in Congress last week. Crockett referred to it as a “cruel bill” that allows “those top earners being able to have their next trophy wife or buy their next yacht, or get their next plane.”

Burruss open’s up about her aunt’s recent health diagnosis The Real Housewives of Atlanta alum, 49, appeared in an interview with Amazon Live on Wednesday. She discussed the women of the Old Lady Gang, which includes her mom, Mama Joyce […]