Allegations Against Smokey Robinson
Smokey Robinson, a renowned figure in the music industry, has been accused by four women who worked as housekeepers for him of serious misconduct. According to a complaint filed with the Supreme Court of Los Angeles, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter, these women claim to have been subjected to rape, sexual battery, and bodily harm while working in Robinson’s residential buildings, particularly in his house in Chatsworth, California.
Details of the Allegations
The complaint lists several charges against Robinson, including negligence, sexual battery, bodily harm, false imprisonment, and creation of a hostile work environment. Additionally, the women allege that they were not paid the minimum wage for their work. Robinson’s wife, Frances Robinson, is also named as a defendant in the complaint. The women claim that she failed to take corrective measures to prevent Robinson’s alleged misconduct, despite being aware of his previous actions of sexual misconduct.
The Plaintiffs’ Accounts
The four plaintiffs, referred to as Jane DOE 1, Jane DOE 2, Jane DOE 3, and Jane DOE 4, claim to have worked for Robinson over various periods. Jane DOE 1 worked for Robinson on weekends from January 2023 to February 2024. Jane DOE 2 was employed by Robinson from 2014 to 2020. Jane DOE 3 worked for Robinson from February 2012 to April 2024, and Jane DOE 4 was employed from October 2006 to April 22, 2024. All four women claim that they were forced to endure repeated sexual assault and harassment by Robinson.
Fear of Reporting
The women claim that they did not report their allegations to the authorities due to fear of losing their livelihood, fear of reprisals against their families, public embarrassment, loss of shame, and humiliation. The first three Jane Does also feared adverse effects on their immigration status. Furthermore, they allege that Robinson frequently shouted at them using ethnically pejorative words and language.
Specific Incidents
Jane DOE 1 alleges that Robinson would assault her after driving his wife to the nail salon on weekends. Upon returning home, Robinson would call her to his bedroom, where he would be dressed only in his underwear. The suit claims that Robinson would then start kissing Jane DOE 1 on the mouth, neck, and breasts, and describes incidents of digital, oral, and penile penetration. Jane DOE 1 claims that she would protest and resist his sexual assault but to no avail, and that Robinson assaulted her at least seven times.
Jane DOE 2 claims that Robinson’s sexual advances were constant and predictable, and alleges that he assaulted her in various rooms in his house where there were no cameras, such as the laundry room or garage. Jane DOE 2 claims that Robinson would summon her and immediately start penetrating her digitally, causing her painful pain, and then rape her. She alleges that Robinson threatened her if she refused to have sex with him and claims that he sexually assaulted her 23 times.
Jane DOE 3 claims that Robinson sexually assaulted and raped her during most of her employment, at least 20 times. Jane DOE 4 alleges that Robinson first sexually assaulted her in 2007, a year after she began working as a housekeeper, personal assistant, cook, and hairdresser for him and Frances Robinson. She claims that he raped her in his house in Las Vegas after she had accompanied him from Los Angeles.
Response from Robinson’s Representative
A representative of Robinson did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The allegations against Smokey Robinson are severe and have significant implications. The women’s claims of fear, intimidation, and sexual assault are disturbing and warrant a thorough investigation. As the case unfolds, it will be important to consider the evidence and the impact of these allegations on all parties involved.