Four ladies who previously labored as housekeepers for Smokey Robinson and his spouse, Frances Robinson, have filed a civil lawsuit towards him in Los Angeles Superior Court.
The lawsuit accuses the Motown legend of repeated sexual assault, harassment, and different severe misconduct throughout their employment.
The swimsuit, filed Tuesday, identifies the plaintiffs anonymously as Jane Doe 1 via 4.
The ladies allege that Robinson, 85, subjected them to ‘repeated sexual assaults and sexual harassment’ at his Chatsworth residence and different places, together with a house in Las Vegas.
The criticism additionally names Frances Robinson as a defendant, citing her position in making a hostile work atmosphere and failing to intervene regardless of allegedly being conscious of her husband’s previous misconduct.
The ladies are in search of a jury trial and basic damages of a minimum of $50million USD (approx. £40m).
Jane Doe 1 labored for the couple from March 2023 to February 2024. Jane Doe 2 was employed from May 2014 to February 2020. Jane Doe 3 labored in the Robinsons’ family from February 2012 till April 2024.
As per Variety, the swimsuit claims that Jane Doe 1 labored on weekends, when Robinson usually took Frances to the nail salon. After dropping off his spouse, Robinson would pace house to be alone with the Jane Doe.
Jane Doe 2 was assaulted on at the least 23 completely different events, in accordance with the swimsuit, with the alleged assaults starting in the latter half of 2016.
The swimsuit claims that after texting Jane Doe 2 to return to completely different areas of the home, he would ‘immediately grab her and begin to penetrate her vagina with his fingers, causing her excruciating pain, and then would proceed to rape her.’ The swimsuit additionally claims Robinson ‘would enjoy ejaculating all over [her] face, much to his satisfaction and her abject humiliation.’
Jane Doe 3 allegedly was raped at the least 20 occasions.
Jane Doe 4 labored not solely as a housekeeper but in addition served as Frances Robinson’s private assistant, cook dinner, and hairdresser from October 2006 till April 2024, when she resigned.
The lawsuit claims Robinson known as her into his bed room and locked the door, and after showering, started sexually assaulting. The swimsuit claims he assaulted her at the least seven occasions.
Her criticism contains allegations of sexual assault starting in 2007 throughout a visit to Las Vegas with Smokey Robinson.
All 4 ladies describe comparable patterns of misconduct and allege that they finally resigned as a result of abuse and poisonous circumstances.
In addition to sexual assault, the plaintiffs accuse Robinson of false imprisonment and gender-based violence.
The lawsuit additional alleges that Frances Robinson verbally abused the ladies and used ‘ethnically pejorative words and language’ whereas yelling at her husband, contributing to a hostile and unsafe work atmosphere.
The plaintiffs’ authorized workforce is predicted to handle the media at a information convention Tuesday afternoon in Los Angeles, Variety studies.
A singer, songwriter, producer, and report govt who performed a foundational position in the event of Motown and trendy soul music, Smokey Robinson was born in Detroit in 1940.
He first gained fame because the frontman of The Miracles, with hits like Shop Around, You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me, and The Tracks of My Tears.
As each a performer and a prolific songwriter, Robinson was essential to the success of Motown Records, penning songs not just for The Miracles but in addition for artists like The Temptations, Mary Wells, and Marvin Gaye.
Robinson served as Vice President of Motown, shaping the label’s creative path throughout its golden years.
Over the course of his profession, Robinson has received quite a few accolades, together with induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and the National Medal of Arts.
Metro has contacted representatives of Smokey Robinson for remark.
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