Smokey Robinson Faces $50M Lawsuit: Four Women Allege Sexual Assault

Smokey Robinson Faces Serious Allegations

Iconic Motown artist Smokey Robinson is facing accusations of sexual assault and misconduct from four women, referred to as Jane Does 1, 2, 3, and 4. These women worked as housekeepers for Robinson and filed a lawsuit in a Los Angeles court on May 6. The lawsuit includes serious charges such as sexual battery, false imprisonment, negligence, and gender violence, with a total of $50 million sought in damages.

In addition to Robinson, the lawsuit names his wife, Frances Robinson, and highlights multiple labor violations. These include not paying minimum wage, lack of overtime pay, incorrect wage statements, and creating a hostile work environment.

Robinson’s career has spanned decades since he co-founded the famous Motown group, The Miracles, in 1955. He has written or produced over 4,000 songs and has been inducted into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame. However, his impressive reputation is now overshadowed by these allegations.

The legal team representing the plaintiffs, led by attorney John Harris, pointed out that the women’s lower socioeconomic status made it hard for them to come forward. “They are Hispanic women earning below minimum wage, and they felt vulnerable,” Harris explained during a press conference in Los Angeles.

The lawsuit reveals a troubling pattern in the accusers’ testimonies. Three of the women claim that Robinson assaulted them in a specific room at his Chatsworth home. One woman alleges that she was raped at both his Las Vegas and Bell Canyon residences, while another claims to have been assaulted in the laundry room and garage where cameras couldn’t capture the events.

Harris didn’t hold back when discussing the gravity of the situation. “We believe Mr. Robinson is a sick and serial rapist that must be stopped,” he stated firmly.

Moreover, all four women allege that Frances Robinson fostered a hostile work environment. They accuse her of using derogatory language and failing to address her husband’s known behavior. Attorney Herbert Hayden commented, “We believe she was aware of the misconduct and used their status to keep the women in check.”

As of now, there have been no criminal charges or police reports filed against Smokey Robinson. This situation not only raises questions about accountability and workplace safety but also reflects broader social issues related to power dynamics in the workplace. Statistics show that many sexual assault victims are reluctant to report incidents due to fear of retaliation and lack of resources.

While the lawsuit is still in the early stages, it serves as a stark reminder of the challenges vulnerable workers face and the importance of addressing misconduct in all professions. For more insights on workplace harassment and the legal framework around it, both the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the National Women’s Law Center offer valuable resources.

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