Smokey Robinson Under Criminal Investigation For Alleged Sexual Assaults
Smokey Robinson, the soulful voice behind some of Motown's most timeless classics, is now at the center of a criminal investigation stemming from serious sexual assault allegations.
According to NPR, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department confirmed that they are actively investigating the 85-year-old music legend, following a civil lawsuit filed last week by four former housekeepers. The women, identified only as 'Jane Does 1 through 4,' accuse Robinson of 'sexual battery, assault, false imprisonment,' and 'maintaining a hostile work environment — allegations that span back to 2014.
The women are seeking $50,000,000 in damages and claim they endured years of abuse while working in the Robinson household. Their attorney, John Harris, claims the four clients share a common thing: all are Hispanic women, all were undocumented at the time, and all were allegedly paid less than minimum wage while facing sexual violence and fear of deportation. Harris noted that their alleged vulnerable status kept them from coming forward sooner.
During a press conference on Tuesday afternoon (May 13), Harris described Robinson as a 'serial assaulter,' stating that the women stayed silent for years out of fear. As low-wage workers living paycheck to paycheck, Harris said they felt intimidated by Robinson's fame and influence. He also noted that the women had been threatened, though he did not elaborate on the specifics.
One of the most harrowing accounts came from Jane Doe No. 1, who claims that over a period of time, Robinson would summon her to his bedroom — described in court filings as the 'blue room.' She claimed that after showering, he would emerge naked and allegedly force her into non-consensual sex on at least seven different occasions. She reportedly quit in February of this year after she could no longer endure the abuse.
The lawsuit also names Robinson's wife, Frances Robinson, as a co-defendant. According to the plaintiffs, she allegedly played a role in fostering the hostile work environment the women say they suffered in silence for years.
Robinson, however, has categorically denied the claims. While briefly speaking with the Daily Mail about the allegations, he reportedly said, 'I am appalled. I can't speak about this right now.' His attorney, Christopher Frost, also made a statement regarding the accusations calling the lawsuit 'a desperate attempt to prejudice public opinion' and 'a manufactured' attack on his reputation.
He expressed confidence that a full review of the facts will clear the singer of any wrongdoing. 'Through this process we have seen the bizarre theatrics of yesterday's news conference, as the plaintiffs' attorneys outlined vile, false allegations against Mr. and Mrs. Robinson, trying to enlist the public as an unwitting participant in the media circus they are trying to create,' he shared.
The allegations come as a shock as the 'You've Really Got a Hold on Me' has sustained his illustrious career as a pillar in Black culture and music. As frontman of The Miracles and later a solo artist, his pen and falsetto helped define the Motown Sound. With classics like 'The Tears of a Clown,' 'Being With You,' and more, Robinson earned his spot in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame amongst many other accolades.
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