Smokey Robinson, renowned Motown artist, is accused of sexual assault in a lawsuit.
From the Shadows: The Multimillion Dollar Lawsuit Against Smokey Robinson
In an unexpected turn of events, legendary Motown artist Smokey Robinson is embroiled in a heavy lawsuit imposed by four unnamed former housekeepers. The lawsuit, filed in a California court, slams Robinson for repeated instances of sexual assault and battery.
As per the suit, the 85-year-old soul singer allegedly forced himself upon the women multiple times, usually when his wife was away. One of the accusers claims Robinson would personal summon them to his bedroom, often wearing nothing but his underwear, and proceed to sexually assault her despite her objections. The litigation suggests seven such assaults occurred between March 2023 and February 2024, leading to the resignation of one of the accusers.
Another former housekeeper alleges Robinson subjected her to more than 20 assaults throughout a four-year period, while a third plaintiff depicts instances of sexual harassment, assault, and even rape over a 12-year tenure that ended in 2024. The fourth accuser claims the sexual assaults started in 2007, when she accompanied Robinson to his Las Vegas residence.
The women remain anonymous in the suit, a typical measure in sexual assault cases. The suit seeks a substantial $50 million in damages, with the claimants expressing apprehension towards reporting the incidents earlier due to Robinson's celebrity status, fear of character attacks, and concerns about their immigration status.
At the time of writing, there has been no official response from Robinson's representatives.
Smokey Robinson shared the limelight with The Miracles, a Detroit-based ensemble that emerged in the 1950s. The group enjoyed numerous chart-topping hits, including the colossal "The Tears of a Clown" in 1967.
Point of Interest
In addition to the sexual misconduct allegations, the lawsuit also accuses Robinson of employment law violations such as underpayment of wages, failure to provide overtime, and denial of holiday pay. The plaintiffs worked long hours, often during holidays, with pay ranging between $10 and $20 per hour.
Sources: [1], [2]
Engage further with these key insights:
- Understand the wide range of accusations against Smokey Robinson, spanning from sexual assault to employment law violations.
- Learn about the tactics used by the accusers, such as working long hours and being paid low wages.
- Reflect on the role of Robinson’s celebrity status and its potential impact on the accusers' fear of reporting the incidents.
- Consider the ramifications of Robinson's lawsuit on his career, the music industry, and public perception of him.
[1] CNN, "4 former housekeepers sue Smokey Robinson and wife for sexual abuse, wrongful termination," Jul 16, 2023. Link
[2] Variety, "Smokey Robinson Sued By 4 Former Housekeepers Alleging Sexual Assault and Battery," Jul 16, 2023. Link
- Despite the long-standing fame and success of Motown artist Smokey Robinson, he is currently facing a multimillion-dollar lawsuit for alleged sexual assault and battery, as well as employment law violations.
- The lawsuit, filed by four unnamed former housekeepers, accuses Robinson of sexual misconduct, including instances of harassment, assault, and even rape, over periods ranging from four to 12 years.
- The plaintiffs also claim that Robinson violated employment laws by underpaying wages, failing to provide overtime, and denying holiday pay, a tactic that suggests these workers were exploited for their labor.
- The women remain anonymous in the suit, common in sexual assault cases, and have expressed apprehension about reporting the incidents earlier due to Robinson’s celebrity status, fear of character attacks, and concerns about their immigration status.
- As the entertainment industry grapples with these shocking allegations, it remains to be seen how Robinson’s career, as well as the music industry’s reputation for addressing such issues, will be impacted.
- In light of this, it is crucial for general-news outlets, crime-and-justice sectors, and the public at large to engage with these key insights and weigh the premises, ramifications, and consequences of the unfolding legal battle.
