Allegations Surface Against Smokey Robinson by Former Housekeepers

Four women who previously served as housekeepers for famed Motown musician Smokey Robinson have come forward with allegations of sexual assault against him. They claim that over the years, they were subjected to repeated abuse while attending to their duties at his residences.

The legal action, initiated in Los Angeles, names the accusers as Jane Does 1 through 4. According to the lawsuit, Mr. Robinson, aged 85, is alleged to have committed acts of sexual assault against each woman during their employment at his properties in locations including Los Angeles, Ventura County, California, and Las Vegas.

Throughout this period, the lawsuit claims, his spouse, Frances Robinson, neither intervened nor put a stop to these purported acts, despite allegedly being aware of the misconduct.

Intimidation and Exploitation Accusations

Three of the women purportedly refrained from notifying law enforcement about Mr. Robinson's conduct due to apprehensions related to their immigration status, as further detailed in the charges. The suit also encompasses charges against the couple for false imprisonment, fostering a hostile work environment, and not compensating the housekeepers with fair wages.

Representatives for Mr. Robinson have not yet responded to requests for a statement on the matter.

During a press briefing in Los Angeles, attorney John Harris, representing the plaintiffs, remarked, 'All four of our clients share a similar story. They are Hispanic women employed as domestic workers by the Robinsons, earning less than the statutory minimum wage.'

He further added, 'As individuals in low-wage positions, they found themselves without the means or opportunities to defend themselves from sexual harassment during their employment.'