Smokey Robinson accused of sexual assault by 4 women

Four anonymous housekeepers are suing Smokey Robinson for $50 million. They accuse the Motown legend of sexual assault.

The complaint was filed in Los Angeles superior court. It claims sexual battery, false imprisonment, and negligence. The lawsuit also mentions gender violence and labor violations related to wages and breaks.

Robinson's wife, Frances Robinson, is also named in the suit. She allegedly contributed to a hostile work environment using offensive language.

Representatives for the Robinsons did not respond to requests for comment. The accusations have not been independently verified.

Smokey Robinson is known for hits like "My Guy" and "My Girl." He was a talent scout and prominent artist at Motown. He has credits on over 4,000 songs and is in both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Songwriters Hall of Fame.

The women felt intimidated by Robinson's reputation, according to their lawyer John Harris. They are Hispanic women earning below minimum wage while employed by him.

The women are suing under pseudonyms Jane Doe 1, 2, 3, and 4 due to the nature of the allegations. Three were housekeepers; one was his personal assistant, cook, and hairdresser.

According to court documents, Robinson summoned them when his wife was away. He allegedly emerged naked from showers and forced them into sexual acts starting in 2006.

Jane Does 1, 3, and 4 claim he assaulted them in his Chatsworth home’s "blue bedroom." They say he laid down a towel before these assaults occurred.

Jane Doe 2 alleges that Robinson raped her in the laundry room and garage where cameras could not see. During these incidents, they claim he used physical barriers to prevent escape.

The lawsuit also details workplace violations. All four women worked ten hours a day for six days without minimum wage or overtime pay. They also worked holidays without holiday rates.

They quit due to alleged sexual misconduct and a hostile work environment. The BBC has reached out to Robinson's representatives for comment on the lawsuit.

No police reports or criminal charges have been filed against him yet. A spokesperson for the Los Angeles County District Attorney stated that no case has been presented by law enforcement. Los Angeles police had no further statement on this matter.