Los Angeles: Motown icon Smokey Robinson is facing serious accusations after four former female employees filed a lawsuit alleging sexual battery, including rape, false imprisonment, and multiple labor violations.
The civil suit, filed Tuesday, claims the alleged incidents occurred as far back as 2006 and involve deeply disturbing allegations of coerced sexual acts and workplace misconduct. The women, who are all of Hispanic descent and identified only as Jane Doe 1 through 4, say they remained silent for years due to fear of job loss, family backlash, potential harm to their immigration status, and public humiliation.
The lawsuit not only names Smokey Robinson but also includes his second wife, Frances, accusing her of contributing to a hostile work environment and failing to intervene in her husband's alleged behavior. The women are seeking at least $50 million in damages and have requested a jury trial. During a press conference held by their attorneys, Robinson was described as a “serial and sick rapist,” a claim that immediately drew backlash from his legal team, who labeled the event a “bizarre” and inappropriate attempt to sway public opinion through media theatrics.
In response, Robinson’s lawyer, Christopher Frost, strongly denied the allegations in a statement to the BBC, calling them “vile” and “false.” He emphasized that no police reports or criminal charges have been filed and argued that the case is an exploitative effort to extort money from an 85-year-old musical legend. Frost stated that evidence will show the lawsuit to be a baseless smear campaign, and that the defense will be moving to dismiss the case entirely. He also criticized the plaintiffs' attorneys for exceeding legal decorum in their public accusations and announced that Robinson would respond in his own words soon.
Smokey Robinson, a cornerstone of the Motown legacy, was not only the label’s first major hitmaker but also a revered singer-songwriter with credits on over 4,000 songs. His musical influence spans decades, with classics like “My Girl,” “Tears of a Clown,” and “Tracks of My Tears” earning him spots in both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame. He also served as Motown’s vice president and worked with legendary artists such as Diana Ross, Elton John, and Dolly Parton.
While the legal process now takes its course, the allegations against Robinson mark a stark contrast to his public image as a beloved music figure. The case reflects broader issues of power dynamics, alleged exploitation, and the legal hurdles in pursuing high-profile sexual misconduct claims. As both legal teams prepare for what could be a lengthy and contentious trial, public attention remains focused on how the evidence unfolds and what it may ultimately reveal.
