Motown legend Smokey Robinson is currently facing serious allegations as four anonymous housekeepers have filed a $50 million lawsuit against him in Los Angeles superior court. The lawsuit accuses the 85-year-old singer of multiple counts of sexual assault, including sexual battery, false imprisonment, negligence, and gender violence. Additionally, they contend that he violated labor laws relating to wages, breaks, and overtime pay.
The lawsuit also implicates Robinson's wife, Frances Robinson, alleging her role in fostering a hostile work environment and using racially charged language. Neither Smokey nor Frances Robinson have commented on the claims, which remain unverified as of now.
Smokey Robinson, who was born William Robinson Jr., is a pivotal figure in Motown music history, known for writing hits like "My Guy" and "My Girl." He holds remarkable accolades, including membership in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and credits on over 4,000 songs. However, his stature, according to the accusers’ lawyer, has created an environment that left the women feeling powerless to speak out against the actions of someone so influential.
In the lawsuit, the women are using pseudonyms—Jane Doe 1, 2, 3, and 4—and allege that their experiences began in 2006. They claim Robinson would isolate them in various locations of his residences when it was just him in order to assault them, with one accusing him of raping her in the laundry room where security cameras could not capture the acts. Furthermore, the women claim he employed intimidation tactics to prevent their escape during these assaults.
Beyond the claims of sexual misconduct, the lawsuit details numerous labor violations. All four women assert that they were forced to work extensive hours—10 hours a day, six days a week—without receiving minimum wage or overtime for their efforts. They also allege they were not compensated properly for holidays worked. Due to the alleged hostile work environment and sexual misconduct, the women stated that they ultimately resigned from their positions.
As of now, no police reports have been filed, and Los Angeles authorities have not indicated that the case is under review. The BBC has reached out to Robinson's representatives for a statement but has yet to receive a response.
