In a shocking turn of events, Motown legend Smokey Robinson is being sued for a staggering $50 million (£37 million) by four anonymous housekeepers who allege sexual assault. The lawsuit, filed in the Los Angeles Superior Court, accuses the 85-year-old music icon of a range of serious offenses including sexual battery, false imprisonment, negligence, and gender violence. Additionally, the complaint highlights multiple labor violations related to wages, breaks, meal times, and overtime pay.
The lawsuit also implicates Robinson's wife, Frances Robinson, who is accused of fostering a hostile work environment and using ethnically pejorative language towards the employees. As of now, representatives for the Robinsons have not responded to requests for comment, and the allegations remain unverified.
Known as Motown's first hitmaker, Smokey Robinson is celebrated for writing iconic number one hits such as Mary Wells' "My Guy" and The Temptations' "My Girl". Born William Robinson Jr. in Michigan, he not only served as a talent scout for the legendary record label but also emerged as one of its most successful recording artists. His extensive catalog includes beloved tracks like "Tracks of My Tears", "Shop Around", and "Tears of a Clown." Robinson's contributions to music have earned him prestigious spots in both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, along with credits on more than 4,000 songs.
The plaintiffs, represented by attorney John Harris, argue that Robinson's stature and reputation created an intimidating environment that left them feeling powerless. "These are Hispanic women who were employed by the Robinsons earning below minimum wage," Harris stated at a press conference in Los Angeles. The attorney emphasized that these low-wage women, in vulnerable positions, lacked the necessary resources and options to protect themselves from alleged sexual assaults.
The women, referred to in court documents as Jane Doe 1, 2, 3, and 4, have varying roles in Robinson's household; three are former housekeepers while one served as Robinson's personal assistant, cook, and hairdresser. According to the lawsuit, the alleged sexual assaults began in 2006, with Robinson summoning the women to different areas of his homes in Chatsworth, Bell Canyon, and Las Vegas, particularly when his wife was absent. The lawsuit claims that Robinson would sometimes emerge naked from the shower and force them into sexual acts.
Specific allegations state that Jane Does 1, 3, and 4 were sexually assaulted in the blue bedroom of Robinson's Chatsworth residence, where he reportedly placed a towel on the bed to protect the sheets. Jane Doe 2 claims she was raped in the laundry room and garage of the same residence, where closed-circuit cameras could not capture the events. The women allege that Robinson utilized physical barriers and threats of force to prevent them from escaping during these assaults.
Beyond the sexual assault allegations, the lawsuit details several workplace violations. All four women allege they worked 10-hour days, six days a week, without receiving minimum wage or overtime pay. They also claim they worked on holidays without proper compensation. According to the lawsuit, these women ultimately resigned due to the alleged misconduct and the hostile work environment they faced.
The BBC has reached out to Robinson's representatives for a response to the lawsuit. It's important to note that no police reports or criminal charges have been filed against the musician at this time. A spokesperson for the Los Angeles County District Attorney indicated that the women's claims are not currently under review, as law enforcement has not presented a case. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles police have declined to comment on the matter.
