Smokey Robinson attends the screening for "The Apollo" during the 2019 Tribeca Film Festival on April 24, 2019, in New York. (AP Photo)
A lawsuit filed on Tuesday in Los Angeles Superior Court accuses legendary Motown artist Smokey Robinson of sexually assaulting and raping four of his former housekeepers. The women, who worked for Robinson between 2007 and 2024, are seeking at least $50 million in damages. The lawsuit also highlights labor violations, including long working hours, lack of pay, and a hostile work environment.
Disturbing Allegations of Abuse Against Smokey Robinson
The women claim that Robinson repeatedly assaulted them in his Los Angeles home when they were alone with him. They allege that the abuse took place despite their objections. The lawsuit paints a picture of a serial predator who exploited his power over vulnerable employees.
“We believe that Mr. Robinson is a serial and sick rapist, and must be stopped,” said John Harris, the women's attorney, during a press conference. He emphasized that the women remained silent out of fear of retaliation, public shame, and potential repercussions on their immigration status.
Fear and Silence for Years
The women say they endured the abuse for years before finally quitting their jobs, despite the traumatic experiences. Many of them feared losing their jobs and the financial stability that came with them. "Having to tell their husbands and children about these actions left them filled with shame," Harris said. "As low-wage earners, they also feared missing a paycheck, being unable to feed their families, or paying rent."
The plaintiffs, who remain anonymous in court documents and are referred to as Jane Does, appeared at the press conference with their faces covered by masks. They did not speak but stood alongside their attorneys.
Robinson’s Wife Accused of Enabling Abuse
The lawsuit also names Frances Robinson, Smokey's wife, as a defendant. The plaintiffs claim that Frances Robinson was aware of her husband's alleged sexual misconduct and enabled the abuse. She is accused of fostering a hostile work environment, including using ethnic slurs and berating the women.
Repeated Assaults Over Years
One woman, who worked for the Robinsons from 2012 to 2024, claims she was assaulted at least 20 times during her employment. Another woman, who worked from 2014 to 2020, says she endured 23 assaults. A third woman, who quit in 2024 after a year of working with them, alleges at least seven incidents of sexual assault. A fourth woman, who also worked as Frances Robinson's personal assistant, hairdresser, and cook for 18 years, described similar experiences but did not specify how often the assaults occurred.
The women, who worked at different times but some simultaneously, kept their experiences hidden from each other until recently. They are now supporting one another as they face this shared trauma.
Seeking Justice and Compensation
The lawsuit seeks damages for sexual battery, assault, false imprisonment, and gender violence, among other allegations. While the women believe the assaults are criminal in nature, they have not filed police reports due to their ongoing fears.
"Obviously, no amount of money can compensate these women for what Mr. Robinson put them through," said Harris. However, he added that the $50 million in damages is justified due to the severity of the misconduct.
Legacy of Smokey Robinson at Risk
Smokey Robinson, a prominent figure in the Motown era, is known for his chart-topping hits like "Tears of a Clown" and "The Tracks of My Tears." As a member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, Robinson is celebrated for his contributions to music. However, these allegations have the potential to tarnish his legacy and raise serious questions about his behavior behind closed doors.
