Latest news with #TheMiracles
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Smokey Robinson's Sexual Assault Controversy Heats Up With Criminal Investigation
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." 1940–present Motown legend Smokey Robinson is being criminally investigated by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department following allegations of rape and sexual assault from his former employees. The sheriff's department confirmed that the investigation is in its early stages on May 15 but provided no further details. The probe follows a lawsuit brought by four of Robinson's former housekeepers earlier this month. Accusing the musician of being a 'serial and sick rapist,' the lawsuit alleges that the 85-year-old assaulted the unnamed woman on dozens of occasions between 2007 and 2024 while they were employed to clean his three residences in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Ventura County, California. The suit also claims Robinson and his wife, Frances, failed to pay the woman minimum wage or overtime. They are seeking $50 million in damages. Robinson's attorney, Chris Frost, denied the allegations against him and objected to the criminal investigation. 'We feel confident that a determination will be made that Mr. Robinson did nothing wrong, and that this is a desperate attempt to prejudice public opinion and make even more of a media circus than the Plaintiffs were previously able to create,' Frost said in a statement. Smokey Robinson is a Grammy-winning singer and producer who founded the R&B group The Miracles before embarking on a successful solo career. Known as the 'King of Motown,' the Detroit native is second to only Berry Gordy in the founding of Motown. A prolific songwriter, Robinson is credited with 4,000 songs and 37 Top 40 hits, including 'Tears of a Clown,' 'Tracks of My Tears,' and 'Love Machine.' Robinson also served as vice president of Motown Records, writing and producing hits for groups such as The Temptations and Mary Wells. FULL NAME: William Robinson February 19, 1940BIRTHPLACE: Detroit, MichiganSPOUSES: Claudette Rogers Robinson (1959–1986) and Frances Robinson (2002–present)CHILDREN: Berry, Tamla, and TreyASTROLOGICAL SIGN: Pisces Smokey Robinson was born William Robinson Jr. on February 19, 1940, in Detroit. Growing up in a rough neighborhood, Robinson started out singing in local groups. His early exposure to music was quite varied. 'I grew up in a home where I had a great dose of music,' he told Rolling Stone. 'There was a lot of classical, like Beethoven and Chopin, but I also heard everything from gospel to jazz to blues.' In the early 1950s, Robinson formed the Matadors, which later became the world-famous group The Miracles. A chance meeting with record producer Berry Gordy Jr. led to a contract with Motown Records as well as an important working relationship. With Robinson as their lead singer, The Miracles scored their first big hit with 1960's 'Shop Around' and developed quite a following with their energetic R&B sound. The group has numerous hits, such as 1962's 'You Really Got a Hold on Me'—later covered by The Beatles—and 1967's 'I Second That Emotion.' Their 1965 album Going To A Go-Go included the popular tracks 'Ooo Baby Baby' and 'The Tracks of My Tears,' which was added to the National Recording Registry in 2007. More than just a frontman, Robinson composed for and produced the group. He worked behind the scenes for other Motown artists, too. Among the songs Robinson penned for Mary Wells was 'My Guy,' a 1964 release that became her only No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. Its follow-up in The Temptations' 'My Girl,' which Robinson cowrote for the group, was another chart-topper. Robinson also contributed to Marvin Gaye's sound, and the two were close friends up until Gaye's tragic death. Altogether, the 'King of Motown' was instrumental to the success of Motown Records and helped advance the popularity of soul music. Robinson went solo in 1972, creating a more mellow sound for himself. Often associated with romantic soul music, he released such successful albums as A Quiet Storm (1974) and Touch the Sky (1983). The mid-1980s were a difficult time for him as he battled a drug addiction. Robinson openly discussed his cocaine problem as well as many other personal topics in his 1989 autobiography, Smokey: Inside My Life. He has credited his recovery from substance abuse to his religious faith. After two previous nominations, Robinson went on to win his first and only Grammy Award in 1987 when his song 'Just To See Her' was named the Best R&B Vocal Performance. This was followed by Double Good Everything (1991) and the Grammy-nominated Intimate (1999). He took his work in a new direction in 2004, releasing a collection of music that reflected his spiritual beliefs entitled Food for the 2006, Robinson was selected to be a Kennedy Center Honoree for his contributions to the arts and American culture and received an honorary degree from Howard University. That year, he also put out a new album, Timeless Love, which offered Robinson's take on several classic songs, such as Cole Porter's 'Night and Day' and the Gershwin brothers' 'Our Love Is Here to Stay.' Timeless Love garnered a Grammy nod for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album, marking Robinson's sixth career nomination. The dedicated entertainer continues to record new music and maintain a busy tour schedule. In 2009, he released the studio album Time Flies When You're Having Fun. Three years later, Robinson gave an impressive performance on the television competition Dancing with the Stars. Also in 2012, The Miracles were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Additional albums from the legendary singer include Smokey & Friends (2014), a collection of duets, and Gasms (2023), his first album in nearly a decade. In February 2025, Robinson embarked on his Legacy Tour. Two months later, he put out an album of covers titled What The World Needs Now. Robinson has also served as a public speaker over the years. Exploring new business opportunities, he formed a food company called Smokey Robinson Foods, which includes a line of ready-to-eat meals. In May 2025, the singer was sued by four former housekeepers, who accused him of raping and sexual assaulting them over the course of nearly two decades. Robinson has denied any wrongdoing. Later that month, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department announced that Robinson was under criminal investigation in connection with the allegations. Fact Check: We strive for accuracy and fairness. If you see something that doesn't look right, contact us! 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RTHK
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- RTHK
Smokey Robinson under criminal investigation
Smokey Robinson under criminal investigation US singer Smokey Robinson pictured at the 50th Annual American Music Awards in Los Angeles in 2022. File photo: AFP Motown legend Smokey Robinson is under criminal investigation, law enforcement in Los Angeles said on Thursday, just days after he was sued by four former housekeepers who allege the soul singer repeatedly raped and sexually assaulted them. "The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Special Victims Bureau is actively investigating criminal allegations involving William Robinson AKA 'Smokey Robinson,'" said a statement sent to AFP. The development comes after a multimillion dollar lawsuit was filed in a Los Angeles court claiming the 85-year-old forced himself on female employees multiple times over a number of years, often when his wife was not at home. The sheriff's department would not confirm the substance of their investigation, but lawyers for the women in the suit told AFP their clients were cooperating with the probe. One plaintiff alleges the "Tracks of My Tears" singer would summon her to his bedroom in his Los Angeles area home, and greet her wearing only his underwear. He would then sexually assault her, despite her protestations, with the suit claiming there were seven such attacks between March 2023 and when she felt compelled to resign in February 2024. Another former housekeeper alleges Robinson assaulted her more than 20 times over a four-year period, while a third says in the suit that she was "sexually harassed, sexually assaulted and raped" throughout her 12-year employment until 2024. The fourth woman says the singer began assaulting her in 2007 when she travelled with him to his Las Vegas home. None of the women are named in the case, which is common in cases involving claims of sexual assault. The lawsuit, which is seeking at least US$50 million in damages, says none of the women reported the assaults at the time because they were intimidated by Robinson's celebrity, and feared attacks on their character. Robinson was one of the founding members of The Miracles, a Detroit-based outfit that came together in the 1950s. The group had dozens of chart hits, including the smash "The Tears of a Clown" in 1967. (AFP)
Kuwait Times
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Kuwait Times
Motown legend Smokey Robinson sued for sexual assault
American R&B singer, Smokey Robinson performs during the 'Michael Forever' concert in memory of the late Michael Jackson at The Millenium Stadium in Cardiff, Wales on October 8, 2011.--AFP Motown legend Smokey Robinson was facing a multimillion-dollar lawsuit on Tuesday from four former housekeepers who allege the soul singer repeatedly raped and sexually assaulted them. A lawsuit filed in a Los Angeles court claims the 85-year-old forced himself on the women multiple times over a number of years, often when his wife was not at home. One of the plaintiffs alleges the "Tracks of My Tears" singer would summon her to his bedroom in his Los Angeles area home, and greet her wearing only his underwear. He would then sexually assault her, despite her protestations, with the suit claiming there were seven such attacks between March 2023 and when she felt compelled to resign in February 2024. Another former housekeeper alleges Robinson assaulted her more than 20 times over a four-year period, while a third says in the suit that she was "sexually harassed, sexually assaulted and raped" throughout her 12-year employment to 2024. The fourth woman says the singer began assaulting her in 2007 when she traveled with him to his Las Vegas home. None of the women is named in the suit, which is common in cases involving claims of sexual assault. The suit, which is seeking at least $50 million in damages, says none of the women reported the assaults at the time because they were intimidated by Robinson's celebrity, and feared attacks on their character. Robinson's wife, Frances, who is also named in the lawsuit for allegedly creating a hostile work environment and ignoring her husband's behavior, told AFP the suit had come as a surprise. "I'm as shocked as you are," she said when reached by telephone, but declined to go into details. Robinson was one of the founding members of The Miracles, a Detroit-based outfit that came together in the 1950s. The group had dozens of chart hits, including the smash "The Tears of a Clown" in 1967. — AFP
Gulf Today
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
Motown legend Smokey Robinson sued for sexual assault
Motown legend Smokey Robinson was facing a multimillion dollar lawsuit on Tuesday from four former housekeepers who allege the soul singer repeatedly raped and sexually assaulted them. A lawsuit filed in a Los Angeles court claims the 85-year-old forced himself on the women multiple times over a number of years, often when his wife was not at home. One of the plaintiffs alleges the "Tracks of My Tears" singer would summon her to his bedroom in his Los Angeles area home, and greet her wearing only his underwear. He would then sexually assault her, despite her protestations, with the suit claiming there were seven such attacks between March 2023 and when she felt compelled to resign in February 2024. Singer Smokey Robinson and his spouse Frances Glandney attend the Pre-Grammy Gala in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, California, US, February 4, 2023. File/Reuters Another former housekeeper alleges Robinson assaulted her more than 20 times over a four-year period, while a third says in the suit that she was "sexually harassed, sexually assaulted and raped" throughout her 12-year employment to 2024. The fourth woman says the singer began assaulting her in 2007 when she traveled with him to his Las Vegas home. None of the women is named in the suit, which is common in cases involving claims of sexual assault. The suit, which is seeking at least $50 million in damages, says none of the women reported the assaults at the time because they were intimidated by Robinson's celebrity, and feared attacks on their character. Robinson's wife, Frances, who is also named in the lawsuit for allegedly creating a hostile work environment and ignoring her husband's behavior, told AFP the suit had come as a surprise. "I'm as shocked as you are," she said when reached by telephone, but declined to go into details. Robinson was one of the founding members of The Miracles, a Detroit-based outfit that came together in the 1950s. The group had dozens of chart hits, including the smash "The Tears of a Clown" in 1967. Agence France-Presse
Time of India
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Smokey Robinson calls sexual assault allegations 'vile and false'; say $50 million lawsuit is an attempt to 'extort money'
Legendary singer Smokey Robinson has strongly denied recent sexual assault allegations against him, calling them 'vile' and 'false' in an official statement released Wednesday. The singer's statement comes a day after four women filed a lawsuit accusing him of misconduct. Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, attorney Christopher Frost, who is representing Robinson and his wife, Frances Robinson, dismissed the lawsuit as a blatant attempt to extort money from the music icon. Operation Sindoor 'Operation Sindoor still ongoing': Rajnath Singh at all-party meet Operation Sindoor: Several airports in India closed - check full list Op Sindoor: 3 explosions rock Lahore, flight ops temporarily halted 'The evidence will show that this is simply an ugly method of trying to extract money from an 85-year-old American icon — $50 million dollars, to be exact,' said Frost while also criticising what he described as a 'bizarre' and 'theatrical' press conference. He also accused the alleged victims of using the media to manipulate public opinion. Frost further stated that he plans to file a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, citing what he described as 'numerous aspects of the complaint that defy credulity,' including questionable timelines, inconsistencies, and connections among the plaintiffs. Four former housekeepers of Robinson allege in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that the Motown music star repeatedly sexually assaulted and raped them while they worked for him. 'We believe that Mr. Robinson is a serial and sick rapist, and must be stopped,' the women's attorney John Harris said at a news conference. The four women each say that Robinson would wait until he was alone with them in his Los Angeles house then sexually assault and rape them over their objections. All said they eventually quit over the assaults, though in some cases it took several years. And all said they feared coming forward over fears of retaliation, public shame and possible effects on their immigration status. All four women withheld their legal names citing privacy concerns and are identified as Jane Does in court documents. They appeared at the news conference with their attorneys, but did not speak, and covered their faces with masks. The lawsuit also names Robinson's wife Frances Robinson as a defendant, alleging that she enabled his behavior despite knowing about past sexual misconduct. It also blames her for the hostile work environment, saying she berated them with language that included ethnic slurs. Robinson, a celebrated figure in American music history, is best known as the frontman of The Miracles and for his role in shaping the Motown sound. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . And don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
