Music legend Smokey Robinson accused of sexual assault and rape by former housekeepers
Four ex-housekeepers have accused legendary American soul singer-songwriter Smokey Robinson of multiple instances of sexual assault and rape during their employment with him, according to a lawsuit filed on Tuesday. The allegations against the Motown icon were revealed this week.
The lawsuit submitted to the Los Angeles Superior Court demands at least $50 million in compensation for the claimed assaults that occurred from 2007 to 2024, along with labor law infractions such as a toxic workplace atmosphere, excessive working hours, and unpaid wages.
Each of the four women claims that when they were alone with Robinson at his home in Los Angeles, he would sexually assault and rape them despite their protests, even though he was 85 years old at the time.
"We think Mr. Robinson is a persistent and disturbed sexual predator who needs to be halted," Attorney John Harris stated during a press briefing.
Everyone stated that they ultimately resigned due to the assaults, although in certain instances it took multiple years for them to do so. They also expressed fear about speaking out because of concerns regarding potential retaliation, public embarrassment, and possible consequences for their immigration status.
Harris stated that "Facing the task of informing their spouses and offspring about these disgraceful acts filled them with intense shame and embarrassment." He added, "Consequently, during their terrible encounters with Mr. Robinson, all four women stayed quiet."
He further stated that due to their status as low-wage workers, they were all concerned about "not receiving their paychecks, which could lead to an inability to pay rent or purchase food for their families."
The four women chose to keep their legal identities anonymous due to privacy issues and are referred to as Jane Does in official court papers. At the press briefing, they were accompanied by their lawyers, remained silent, and concealed their faces using masks.
The legal action additionally targets Robinson's spouse, Frances Robinson, asserting that she facilitated his conduct even though she was aware of previous instances of sexual impropriety. The suit further accuses her of contributing to a toxic workplace atmosphere through derogatory remarks directed at them, which incorporated racial epithets.
A woman claimed she served the Robinson family from 2012 to 2024 and reported being subjected to assaults at least 20 occasions during this period. Another stated she provided service to the same family between 2014 and 2020, enduring assault on more than 23 instances within those years.
Clearly, no sum of money can make up for what Ms. Robinson subjected these women to," Harris stated. However, he mentioned that the $50 million was justified "considering the severity of Mr. Robinson's vile and unacceptable behavior.
Herbert Hayden, the plaintiffs' attorney, stated that although they believe the assaults warrant a criminal investigation, the women have refrained from filing police reports due to the same concerns that prevented them from speaking out initially.
Robinson, who has been inducted into both the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, was one of the most successful artists during the 1960s. He achieved this success not only through his work with The Miracles but also independently, thanks to hits like 'Tears of a Clown' and 'The Tracks of My Tears'.
