Smokey Robinson, renowned Motown figure, faces allegations of sexual assault.
Rewritten Article:
In a shocking turn of events, Motown legend Smokey Robinson finds himself embroiled in a multimillion-dollar lawsuit, accused of repeated sexual misconduct by four former housekeepers. The wide-ranging allegations paint a grim picture of interference in their lives and workplace, as detailed in a lawsuit filed in a Los Angeles court.
The ex-staff members claim that the 85-year-old music icon, best known for hits like "Tracks of My Tears," took advantage of them over several years, often when his wife was away from home. One of the plaintiffs recalls being summoned to Robinson's bedroom, where he assaulted her despite her protests, with up to seven such incidents documented between March 2023 and her resignation in February 2024.
Another housekeeper alleges she was assaulted more than 20 times over a four-year period, while a third claims she endured constant sexual harassment, assault, and rape throughout her 12-year employment. The fourth woman alleges the sexual assaults started in 2007 when she accompanied Robinson to his Las Vegas home.
Interestingly, none of the women are named in the lawsuit due to the usual confidentiality in cases involving claims of sexual assault. However, the lawsuit is seeking at least $50 million in damages, suggesting the gravity of the accusations.
Apparently, the women chose not to report the alleged assaults at the time, citing fear of attacks on their character due to Robinson's celebrity status and influential connections.
As for Robinson's wife, Frances Robinson, she is accused of regularly yelling at the plaintiffs in a hostile manner and using ethnically derogatory language. The plaintiffs assert that she knew about her husband's alleged misconduct and failed to take action. Furthermore, they allege they worked 10-hour days, six days a week, for wages below the minimum wage, without overtime or holiday pay.
Despite these damning claims, Robinson's legal team has dismissed them as an attempt to extort money from the music icon and has promised a robust defense against the allegations. There was no immediate response to requests for comment from Robinson's representatives.
Back in the day, Robinson was one of the founding members of The Miracles, a successful Detroit-based group that hit the charts in the 1950s with hits like "The Tears of a Clown" in 1967.
[1] Victims accuse Smokey Robinson and wife of fostering hostile work environment and sexual battery - Variety[2] Smokey Robinson Accused of Sexual Assault by Four Former Housekeepers - The Hollywood Reporter
- Amidst the general-news of a multimillion-dollar lawsuit, AI analysis in the entertainment industry raises concerns about the increasing use of confidentiality clauses in cases involving celebrities like Smokey Robinson, potentially hindering justice and accountability.
- In the realm of law and crime-and-justice, the legal team of Smokey Robinson disputes the accusations of sexual misconduct and extortion, highlighting the complexities in prosecuting high-profile individuals, particularly in cases that intertwine with the entertainment industry.
- The recent developments in law and general-news, such as the allegations against Smokey Robinson and his wife, spark a broader discussion in society about the intersection of travel (careers in the entertainment industry that involve frequent movement) and the vulnerability of employees, often women, in the entertainment and service sectors, driving a call for stricter labor laws and justice.
