Renowned Motown icon William “Smokey” Robinson faces serious allegations of sexual assault and misconduct, as purported by four women—referred to as Jane Does 1, 2, 3, and 4—who served as housekeepers for the Robinson family.
A lawsuit lodged in the Superior Court of Los Angeles on May 6 outlines charges including sexual battery, false imprisonment, negligence, and gender violence, seeking a total of $50 million in damages on behalf of the four plaintiffs.
The legal action also implicates Robinson’s wife, Frances, citing a range of alleged labor violations such as failure to pay minimum wage, neglect in compensating overtime, inaccuracies in wage statements, and fostering a hostile work environment.
Robinson’s formidable reputation within the music industry, stemming from his establishment of the Motown group the Miracles in 1955, has earned him credits on over 4,000 songs, including productions for iconic artists like the Temptations and Marvin Gaye. He boasts inclusion in both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
According to the complaint, filed by the Los Angeles law firm Harris & Hayden, Robinson’s elevated status constituted an intimidating presence that discouraged the victims from coming forward earlier. Attorney John Harris, at a news conference in Los Angeles, delineated the stark contrast between Robinson’s prominence and that of his accusers.
“They are Hispanic women employed by the Robinsons, earning below minimum wage,” Harris asserted. “In their precarious positions, they lacked the means to safeguard themselves against these assaults.”
Harris highlighted the distress experienced by these women, noting their apprehension over missed wages and the ensuing inability to provide for their families.
The allegations reveal not only a common background among the accusers but also a disturbing pattern of misconduct. Jane Does 1, 3, and 4 assert they were assaulted by Robinson in a designated “blue bedroom” at his Chatsworth residence, where he reportedly took precautions to preserve the bed linens. Jane Doe 4 also alleges rape occurring at his residences in Las Vegas and Bell Canyon. Jane Doe 2 recounts a harrowing incident of rape in the laundry room and garage, areas obscured from surveillance.
“We believe Mr. Robinson is a dangerous, habitual offender who must be held accountable,” Harris declared.
Additionally, the plaintiffs assert a toxic work environment fostered by Frances Robinson, who allegedly employed derogatory ethnic language. The complaint contends she failed to intervene in her husband’s alleged misconduct, despite being aware of prior incidents of sexual misconduct that had previously resulted in settlements.
“We believe she was cognizant of her husband’s actions and exploited their societal status to manipulate the vulnerable women working for them,” attorney Herbert Hayden asserted.
As of now, according to Hayden and Harris, no criminal charges or police reports have emerged against Robinson.
Vocabulary List:
- Allegations /ˌæl.əˈɡeɪ.ʃənz/ (noun): Claims or assertions that someone has done something illegal or wrong typically made without proof.
- Misconduct /ˌmɪsˈkɒn.dʌkt/ (noun): Behavior that is not acceptable or is improper especially in a professional setting.
- Negligence /ˈnɛɡ.lɪ.dʒəns/ (noun): Failure to take proper care in doing something resulting in damage or injury.
- Hostile /ˈhɒs.taɪl/ (adjective): Unfriendly; antagonistic or opposed.
- Plaintiffs /ˈpleɪn.tɪfs/ (noun): Individuals who bring a case against another in a court of law.
- Accountable /əˈkaʊn.tə.bəl/ (adjective): Required or expected to justify actions or decisions; responsible.
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