Smokey Robinson under criminal investigation over sexual assault allegations in Los Angeles
The allegations, detailed in a lawsuit filed on May 6, accuse the 85-year-old singer-songwriter of sexual battery, false imprisonment, negligence, and gender violence. The women, who remain unnamed in court documents as Jane Doe 1 through 4, claim incidents dating back to 2006 and allege that Robinson pressured them into sexual acts.
All four plaintiffs are of Hispanic descent and stated they delayed coming forward due to fear of job loss, family repercussions, embarrassment, and concerns about their immigration status. They are seeking at least $50 million in damages and a jury trial.
Robinson has strongly denied the accusations. His attorney, Christopher Frost, described the allegations as a financial ploy and 'manufactured' to damage the reputations of Robinson and his wife, who is also named in the suit and accused of fostering a hostile work environment.
Frost welcomed the police investigation, stating that it would reveal the truth and that Robinson had done nothing wrong. He called the public statements from the plaintiffs' legal team a 'bizarre' attempt to create a media spectacle.
Robinson is a celebrated figure in music history, known as Motown's first hitmaker and credited with writing classics such as 'My Girl' and 'Tracks of My Tears.' He is a member of both the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's Special Victims Bureau confirmed it is actively investigating the allegations but declined further comment. Robinson's legal team plans to respond formally and seek dismissal of the case.
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