Smokey Robinson faces accusations of rape and sexual assault from four former housekeepers.
Four former housekeepers of retired music mogul Smokey Robinson and his wife, Frances Robinson, have filed a lawsuit alleging serious instances of sexual assault and harassment that ultimately compelled each of them to resign from their positions. The lawsuit was lodged on Tuesday in the Los Angeles Superior Court and has drawn significant media attention due to the high-profile nature of the defendants.
The plaintiffs, identified only as Jane Does, have accused Robinson, a prominent figure in the music industry and a staple of the Motown era, of multiple offenses, including sexual battery, assault, false imprisonment, and gender violence, alongside fostering a hostile work environment. They are seeking a trial and damages amounting to at least million.
Robinson, who is now 85 years old and has been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, has yet to publicly respond to these allegations. According to court documents, the plaintiffs allege that Frances Robinson was aware of previous instances of misconduct yet failed to intervene. The lawsuit claims she not only tolerated the behavior but also contributed to a toxic atmosphere by using derogatory language against employees, further exacerbating the alleged harassment.
In addition to the claims of sexual misconduct, the plaintiffs assert that they were denied mandatory meal and rest breaks and were compensated below the minimum wage, without receiving overtime or holiday pay. One plaintiff reported that she was not compensated for time spent traveling with the couple.
The accusations from the four former housekeepers paint a disturbing picture of an abusive environment. One plaintiff recounted being summoned to Robinson’s bedroom where she alleged he assaulted her multiple times. Another reported being targeted after being maneuvered away from security cameras, with assaults occurring frequently over several years. A third individual also detailed repeated incidents of rape during her tenure.
The suit indicates that the women remained silent until now due to feelings of shame, fear of retaliation, and concerns about their job security and immigration status. This case highlights both the personal struggles of the plaintiffs and broader issues related to workplace harassment and the protection of employees in high-profile settings.
As the case unfolds, it will likely draw further scrutiny regarding the response mechanisms available for victims of workplace misconduct, especially in industries dominated by powerful figures.
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