Motown Legend Smokey Robinson Denies Serious Accusations

An image shows what Smokey Robinson looked like at the height of his career.

Introduction to the Allegations

Motown music legend Smokey Robinson, 85, has denied serious accusations made against him by four former housekeepers.

The women filed a lawsuit on Tuesday, claiming Robinson sexually assaulted them, including rape. They also accused him of trapping them at work and breaking labor laws.

“I will not describe the details of the sexual assaults and rapes because they are too graphic and disturbing for this news conference,” attorney John Harris said at the Los Angeles news conference. “But you can read about them in the complaints.”

Response from Smokey Robinson’s Team

Robinson’s lawyer, Christopher Frost, said the claims are “vile” and not true. He added that the case is just a cruel attempt to get $50 million from an 85-year-old music icon.

Robinson was a major figure in Motown, writing famous songs like My Guy and My Girl. He also performed hits like Tracks of My Tears and Tears of a Clown. He’s in both the Rock and Roll and Songwriters Halls of Fame and says he’s worked on more than 4,000 songs.

Details of the Allegations

Robinson’s wife, Frances, is also named in the lawsuit. The women say she helped create a toxic work environment and didn’t stop her husband’s actions.

The four women, all Hispanic, are using fake names in court for privacy. They say the abuse began as far back as 2006 and that they were forced into sex. They say they didn’t report it sooner out of fear—some worried about losing their jobs, family backlash, or their immigration status.

The allegations against him date from between 2007 and 2024. The women, who are all anonymous in the lawsuit, allege that he sexually assaulted them at his estate in Chatsworth, California, with alleged offences also taking place at homes in Las Vegas and Bell Canyon, California.

Lawsuit and Demands

They are asking for at least $50 million and want the case decided by a jury.

No police charges have been filed against Robinson.

The women’s lawyers held a press event, calling Robinson a “serial and sick rapist” who needs to be stopped. Robinson’s lawyer called the press event “bizarre” and said it was meant to stir up public opinion unfairly.

The lawyer asked people not to rush to judgment and promised Robinson would speak for himself soon. He also said they plan to ask the court to dismiss the lawsuit and to review whether the women’s lawyers went too far in their public statements.

Sources

Sources: BBC, Detroit Free Press.

Conclusion

The allegations against Smokey Robinson are serious and disturbing. While Robinson has denied the claims, the lawsuit is ongoing, and the case will be decided by a jury. It is essential to remember that everyone is innocent until proven guilty, and it is crucial to wait for the outcome of the lawsuit before making any judgments.