Smokey Robinson Accused of Sexual Assault and Rape by Former Housekeepers
LOS ANGELES – Legendary Motown artist Smokey Robinson is facing serious allegations from four former housekeepers, who have filed a lawsuit accusing him of repeatedly sexually assaulting and raping them over a period spanning from 2007 to 2024.
The lawsuit, filed Tuesday in Los Angeles Superior Court, demands at least $50 million in damages, citing not only the alleged assaults but also claims of labor violations such as a hostile work environment, excessively long hours, and failure to pay wages.
Representatives for the 85-year-old Robinson did not respond to requests for comment.
Allegations of Abuse and a Hostile Work Environment
The women, who have chosen to remain anonymous and are listed as Jane Does in court filings, accuse Robinson of sexual misconduct that occurred when they were alone with him at his Los Angeles home. The alleged assaults took place over several years, with each woman saying that Robinson sexually assaulted and raped them against their will.
“We believe Mr. Robinson is a serial rapist who needs to be held accountable,” attorney John Harris stated during a press conference. Harris, who represents the four women, described the singer’s actions as “despicable” and said they were necessary to stop him from further abusing others.
All of the women eventually quit their jobs due to the abuse, but not without enduring years of fear, shame, and anxiety over retaliation, public exposure, and, in some cases, concerns about their immigration status.
“They feared losing their jobs and the ability to support their families,” Harris explained. “The shame they felt made it impossible for them to speak up sooner.”
The Allegations and Impact
The suit also targets Robinson’s wife, Frances Robinson, accusing her of enabling her husband’s alleged misconduct, despite knowing about the assaults. It also claims that she contributed to the toxic work environment, with reports of verbal abuse and ethnic slurs directed at the women.
The plaintiffs’ allegations vary in detail, but each woman paints a similar picture of repeated sexual abuse. One woman claims she worked for the Robinsons for 12 years, being assaulted at least 20 times during her employment. Another worked from 2014 to 2020 and says she was assaulted more than 20 times. Two others also describe similar experiences, with one of them working for the Robinsons for nearly two decades.
The women, who were unaware of one another’s experiences at the time, are now standing together in their quest for justice, according to their attorneys. Despite the heavy emotional toll, they have refused to identify themselves publicly, opting to keep their faces masked during the press conference.
Legal Action and Requests for Compensation
In addition to seeking monetary compensation for the abuse and alleged labor violations, the lawsuit includes multiple charges, including sexual battery, false imprisonment, and gender-based violence. Although no amount of money can truly compensate the women for their suffering, their attorney, Harris, argues that the $50 million is a reasonable figure given the severity of the alleged offenses.
While the women have not yet filed criminal charges against Robinson, their attorneys have emphasized that the matter could still be pursued in the criminal justice system. The decision not to report the incidents to police was largely due to the same fears of retaliation and personal consequences that prevented them from coming forward earlier.
Smokey Robinson’s Legacy and Future
Robinson, an iconic figure in the music industry, is known for his incredible career both as a member of the Miracles and as a solo artist with classic hits like “Tears of a Clown” and “The Tracks of My Tears.” His work as a producer and songwriter helped define the Motown sound, making him one of the most influential figures in American music.
As the case progresses, the future of Robinson’s legacy in the music industry may be further called into question, especially as the lawsuit’s allegations gain attention. Robinson’s legal team has yet to respond publicly to the accusations, but with a court hearing scheduled, this case is poised to remain in the headlines.
As more details unfold, the lawsuit shines a light on the serious allegations of abuse that have been hidden behind the fame and success of one of Motown’s most celebrated stars.\
Source: AP News – Smokey Robinson accused by former housekeepers of sexual assault and rape
