Kaylah Walton
Smokey Robinson, the iconic artist renowned for classics like “The Tracks of My Tears,” is embroiled in serious accusations of sexual assault and rape from four former housekeepers. A lawsuit, submitted on May 6 in Los Angeles Superior Court, alleges that the 85-year-old music legend engaged in repeated misconduct from 2007 to 2024.
This legal dispute has elicited a strong response throughout the entertainment industry, casting a shadow over Robinson’s illustrious career as a defining figure in the creation of the Motown sound.
The lawsuit includes alarming accounts, stating that Robinson assaulted these women when they were alone in his Los Angeles residence. According to reports by AP News, “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.”
The plaintiffs, who were employed by Robinson across the 17-year span, are pursuing over $50 million in damages for reasons including sexual battery, assault, false imprisonment, and violations related to gender and labor laws, citing a hostile work environment and extended hours without fair compensation. One of the women, who worked there from 2012 to 2024, claims she faced assault at least 20 times during her employment.
Robinson faces significant lawsuit alleging years of abuse
Frances Robinson, his wife, has also been named in the lawsuit, accused of supporting her husband’s actions despite supposedly being aware of his previous misconduct. Allegations suggest that she contributed to a toxic work atmosphere by using ethnic slurs, worsening the situation for the employees.
The women, some of whom worked concurrently for the Robinsons, initially remained silent about their experiences but have since connected over the shared trauma, as reported by their lawyers. Robinson’s representatives have yet to address the allegations, leaving fans and the public eagerly anticipating an official response.
The timing of this lawsuit complicates Robinson’s legacy. Celebrated for his distinctive falsetto and hits like “I Second That Emotion,” Robinson has enjoyed a celebrated career, recently receiving the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2023. However, these claims have ignited conversations on social media, with mixed reactions from fans, some expressing disbelief and others asserting that “Smokey Robinson’s legacy might take a hit with these allegations—shocking news.” As the legal case progresses, it is set to highlight issues of power dynamics and accountability within the entertainment sector as the women seek justice for their experiences.
