Smokey Robinson, the legendary Motown singer responsible for more classic songs than you can count, is being accused of some truly egregious behavior. So far, four unnamed hotel housekeepers have sued him. They’re calling on the defendants to pay punitive damages of $50 million for sexual assault and other labor violations. The lawsuit alleges that Robinson, now 85, wielded his power and influence to intimidate and manipulate the women. Yet they claim they suffered years of exploitation on account of him.
Born William Robinson Jr. in Michigan, Smokey Robinson has had a profound impact on the music industry as both a recording artist and talent scout for Motown Records. He is celebrated for writing and performing classic songs such as “Tracks of My Tears,” “Shop Around,” and “Tears of a Clown.” He wrote and produced number one hits such as “My Guy” for Mary Wells. With “My Girl” for The Temptations, he solidified his place as a giant of the music industry.
The lawsuit describes shocking patterns of abuse, going back as far as 2006. For the housekeepers, they say Robinson often summoned them to various locations on his estates in Chatsworth, Bell Canyon and Las Vegas. They observed that this almost always occurred in the absence of his wife, Frances Robinson. In those encounters, he reportedly employed physical obstructions and threatened them with physical harm if they tried to flee.
The plaintiffs say that Robinson coerced them into different sexual acts for years. The lawsuit goes far beyond sexual assault with these serious allegations. It accuses him of sexual battery, false imprisonment, negligence and gender violence. The report leaves out many important labor violations. It shows that the women worked ten hours a day, six days a week and didn’t get minimum wage or overtime pay at all.
John Harris, the attorney representing the plaintiff ladies echoed how vulnerable the ladies are.
“They’re Hispanic women who were employed by the Robinsons earning below minimum wage,” – John Harris.
Frances Robinson, whose photo is used in the lawsuit. Instead, she is blamed for creating a culture of discrimination and harassment that enabled this behavior to flourish. The allegations, if true, would be a fatal blow to Smokey Robinson’s four-decade legacy as America’s favorite music and entertainment uncle.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the case raises serious questions about power dynamics and accountability in situations involving prominent individuals. The result has the potential to redefine Robinson’s legacy. It would send shockwaves throughout the entertainment industry, igniting further dialogue regarding workplace harassment, exploitation, and abuse.
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