Four anonymous housekeepers have filed a lawsuit against Smokey Robinson, the renowned Motown artist, seeking $50 million (£37 million) in damages. The complaint, lodged in a Los Angeles superior court, accuses the 85-year-old singer of sexual assault, sexual battery, false imprisonment, negligence, and gender violence. Additional allegations of labor violations concerning wages, breaks, meal periods, and overtime pay have also been cited.
The lawsuit includes claims against Robinson’s wife, Frances Robinson, alleging she fostered a hostile work environment and made use of derogatory language. As of now, representatives for the Robinsons have not provided any comments regarding the lawsuit.
Smokey Robinson, born William Robinson Jr., is celebrated as one of the original hitmakers of Motown, having penned numerous chart-topping tracks like “My Guy” by Mary Wells and “My Girl” by the Temptations. His career spans decades, and he has been recognized with prestigious accolades, including induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, with credits on over 4,000 songs.
The plaintiffs feel their positions have historically left them vulnerable. Their legal representative, John Harris, noted in a press conference that the women, who are Hispanic, were employed by the Robinsons at less than minimum wage. He stated, “As low-wage women in vulnerable positions, they lacked the resources and options necessary to protect themselves from sexual assaults.”
Identified only as Jane Doe 1, 2, 3, and 4 to protect their identities due to the sensitive nature of the allegations, the women allege a range of inappropriate behaviors spanning several years, starting in 2006.
According to court documents, the allegations detail instances where Robinson reportedly called the women to various locations in his residences in Chatsworth, Bell Canyon, and Las Vegas, particularly when his wife was not present. The claims describe disturbing scenarios, including Robinson emerging naked from showers and compelling them to engage in sexual acts.
Three of the plaintiffs allege that they were assaulted in the “blue bedroom” of Robinson’s Chatsworth home, during which the singer would lay down a towel to shield the bedding. Another accuser claims she was raped in the laundry room and garage of the same residence, where closed-circuit cameras could not capture the incidents.
During these purported assaults, the women allege that Robinson employed physical barriers and threats to prevent their escape.
Along with the allegations of sexual misconduct, the lawsuit also outlines various workplace violations. The women state they worked ten-hour days, six days a week, without receiving the required minimum wage or overtime compensation. They assert that holiday work was performed without the appropriate holiday pay.
Ultimately, all four women say they resigned due to the alleged sexual misconduct and the hostile workplace conditions.
As of now, no formal criminal charges have been filed against Smokey Robinson, nor have any police reports been submitted. A spokesperson for the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office indicated that the claims are not under investigation, as law enforcement has not presented a case for review. The Los Angeles Police Department has also refrained from commenting on the matter.
