Four women have filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles on May 6, accusing legendary singer Smokey Robinson of sexual assault and rape. The women, who were employed as housekeepers in the Robinson household, claim the abuse took place over several years, beginning in 2007. According to the lawsuit, Smokey Robinson sexually assaulted the women when his wife, Frances Gladney Robinson, was not at home. The women describe being summoned to private areas in the house, where the alleged assaults occurred.
The plaintiffs accuse Robinson of forced oral sex, digital penetration, and intercourse without their consent. Two of the women also claim Robinson ejaculated inside them without protection. The suit alleges that Robinson would sometimes prepare for the assaults by laying a towel down on the bed. The women are suing for sexual battery, assault, false imprisonment, and gender violence, seeking damages of at least $50 million.
Frances Robinson is also named in the lawsuit. Though she is not accused of participating in the assaults, the women argue she was aware of her husband’s previous misconduct and failed to take action. Additionally, they claim she created a hostile work environment by using racially insensitive language, imposing excessive workloads, and denying legal breaks. As of now, neither Smokey nor Frances Robinson have publicly commented on the allegations.
