Motown icon Smokey Robinson is facing serious allegations of sexual assault and misconduct from four women who worked as housekeepers for him and his wife, Frances Robinson. The complaint, seeking $50 million in damages, includes charges of sexual battery, false imprisonment, negligence, and gender violence. Despite Smokey Robinson’s esteemed career in the music industry, his accusers, identified as Jane Does 1, 2, 3, and 4, felt intimidated due to his stature and their vulnerable positions as low-wage workers.

The lawsuit also highlights labor violations such as failure to pay minimum wage, overtime, and creating a hostile work environment. Attorney John Harris emphasized the accusers’ fear of financial insecurity, which prevented them from speaking out sooner. The allegations reveal a disturbing pattern of sexual assaults, with specific locations and circumstances detailed by each accuser.

Moreover, the complaint implicates Frances Robinson for allegedly enabling her husband’s behavior and maintaining a hostile work environment through derogatory language. The attorneys representing the women assert that Frances was aware of Smokey Robinson’s past misconduct and used their dependence on their jobs to silence them.

Despite these serious accusations, no criminal charges have been filed against Smokey Robinson. The legal battle sheds light on the challenges faced by marginalized workers in speaking out against powerful figures, even in the face of alleged misconduct. The case underscores the importance of addressing issues of abuse and harassment in all spheres, regardless of the perpetrator’s reputation or status.