Smokey Robinson Faces $50 Million Lawsuit Over Sexual Assault Allegations

The music legend Smokey Robinson is being sued for $50 million by four anonymous women who allege sexual assault and a hostile work environment. The lawsuit raises significant questions about labor rights and the influence of celebrity status in the United States.

In a surprising turn of events, Smokey Robinson, the renowned Motown singer and songwriter, is facing serious allegations of sexual assault from four unnamed housekeepers who have filed a lawsuit seeking $50 million in damages. The complaint was lodged in Los Angeles Superior Court, accusing the 85-year-old musician of multiple offenses, including sexual battery, false imprisonment, negligence, and gender violence, while also addressing several labor violations related to wages, breaks, meal times, and overtime pay.

In addition to Robinson, the lawsuit names his wife, Frances Robinson, alleging that she contributed to a hostile work environment through the use of "ethnically pejorative words and language." There has been no immediate comment from the representatives of either Robinson or his wife, and the allegations have not been independently verified.

Robinson, who is known for timeless hits such as "My Guy" and "My Girl," has had a celebrated career marked by his role as a talent scout and major recording artist within Motown. His extensive contributions to music have earned him spots in both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, leading many to view him as an iconic figure in the industry.

The accusations against Robinson raise concerns about power dynamics and the vulnerability of workers in low-wage positions. According to their attorney, John Harris, the women—who are of Hispanic descent and were paid below minimum wage—report feeling "powerless" due to Robinson's immense fame and status. The lawsuit refers to the plaintiffs as Jane Doe 1, 2, 3, and 4 for their protection, citing instances of alleged sexual misconduct occurring from 2006 onward.

The women allege disturbing details about how Robinson summoned them to various parts of his properties in Chatsworth, Bell Canyon, and Las Vegas, often when his wife was absent. They describe encounters where he would emerge naked from the shower and force them into sexual acts, taking place in specific locations within his residences, including a so-called "blue bedroom." One of the women claims she was raped in the laundry room and garage, which were reportedly out of sight from the closed-circuit cameras.

Aside from the allegations of sexual assault, the lawsuit outlines several labor violations, indicating that the women worked grueling hours—often ten hours per day, six days a week—without receiving minimum wage or overtime pay. They also state that holiday rates were not offered while they endured a hostile work environment, ultimately leading them to resign out of fear and distress.

As of now, no police reports or criminal charges have been filed against Robinson, nor is there a criminal investigation into the matter, as indicated by a spokesperson for the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office. The Los Angeles Police Department has yet to comment on the developing story.

The broad implications of this lawsuit not only address the ethical issues surrounding workplace conduct but also shine a light on the potential misuse of power by public figures in the entertainment industry. As the case unfolds, it raises critical discussions about accountability, labor rights, and the challenges faced by individuals in vulnerable professional situations.