In a shocking development, Motown icon Smokey Robinson is facing a $50 million lawsuit filed by four anonymous women, all of whom accuse the renowned singer of sexual assault. The complaint was submitted to a Los Angeles superior court, where the 85-year-old artist is charged with sexual battery, false imprisonment, negligence, and gender violence, among other labor-related violations concerning pay and working conditions.
The complaint also implicates Robinson's wife, Frances, stating that she contributed to a hostile work environment by using derogatory language. As of now, there has been no public comment from representatives of the Robinsons, and the details of the allegations have not been independently verified.
Robinson, a key figure in Motown history, is known for crafting iconic tracks such as Mary Wells' "My Guy" and the Temptations' "My Girl." His impressive career includes lucrative songwriting credits on thousands of songs and prestigious honors in various music halls of fame.
Representing the plaintiffs, attorney John Harris emphasized the challenging position of the accusers, highlighting that they are Hispanic women who faced intimidation as low-wage workers under Robinson's influence. Their claims were made under the pseudonyms Jane Doe 1, 2, 3, and 4, reflecting the sensitive nature of their experiences involving alleged sexual misconduct.
The lawsuit describes how Robinson would summon the women to different areas of his properties in Chatsworth, Bell Canyon, and Las Vegas when his wife was absent. Allegations detail instances where he reportedly emerged naked and coerced them into sexual acts over several years, starting in 2006. According to the allegations, Robinson employed physical barriers and threats to prevent escape during these supposed encounters.
Each claimant described working ten hours a day for six days a week without receiving the legal minimum wage or overtime pay, with all asserting they ultimately left due to the alleged sexual assaults and an unsuitable workplace ambiance.
At this stage, no police complaints or criminal charges have been filed against Robinson, and authorities have stated there is no case currently under review. The Los Angeles Police Department has yet to provide a statement regarding the case, while the BBC has reached out to representatives for their official response.
