Smokey Robinson denies sexual assault allegations
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Robinson and his wife Frances denies sexual assault allegations in a new lawsuit filed by four former employees.
Motown legend Smokey Robinson has strongly denied allegations of sexual assault made by four former employees. In a lawsuit filed on Tuesday, the women—who were housekeepers employed by Robinson—accused the 85-year-old singer-songwriter of sexual battery, including rape, as well as false imprisonment and labor violations. The lawsuit alleges incidents dating back to 2006 and claims the women were pressured into sexual encounters.
In a statement to the BBC, Robinson’s lawyer, Christopher Frost, called the allegations “vile” and “false,” describing them as a tactic to extort $50 million from the music icon. Robinson, known for his significant contributions to Motown, including writing hits such as “My Guy” for Mary Wells and “My Girl” for The Temptations, is also celebrated for his own songs like “Tracks of My Tears” and “Tears of a Clown.” His work has earned him prestigious positions in both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, with credits on over 4,000 songs.
The lawsuit also names Robinson’s second wife, Frances, accusing her of contributing to a hostile work environment and failing to prevent her husband’s alleged misconduct. The women, who are of Hispanic descent, filed under pseudonyms due to the sensitive nature of the allegations and their concerns about retaliation, immigration status, and public embarrassment. They are seeking at least $50 million in damages and have requested a jury trial.
Although no police reports or criminal charges have been filed, the women’s lawyers have made strong statements against Robinson, calling him a “serial and sick rapist” who must be held accountable. Robinson’s legal team responded angrily, accusing the plaintiffs’ attorneys of trying to turn the case into a media spectacle and urging the public to reserve judgment until the facts of the case are fully revealed. They plan to seek the dismissal of the lawsuit and challenge the public statements made by the plaintiffs’ attorneys.
The lawsuit’s contents have sparked significant public interest, especially considering Robinson’s revered legacy in the music industry and his iconic status as one of Motown’s most influential artists. As the case moves forward, both sides are preparing for an intense legal battle.
Robinson’s legal representatives have emphasized that they will present evidence to counter the accusations and have made it clear they intend to fight the lawsuit vigorously. They also warned that any statements made by the plaintiffs’ legal team to the press would be challenged as being outside the bounds of what is typically permissible in a legal context.
While this lawsuit is yet to be resolved, it has certainly attracted widespread attention, given Robinson’s legendary status in the world of music and his public persona as a beloved figure in pop culture.
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