A private assistant and three former housekeepers for Smokey Robinson have accused the Motown legend of sexually assaulting them dozens of occasions throughout their tenure as employees. The nameless ladies filed a single lawsuit, in Los Angeles County, alleging that they had been raped at his numerous properties in California and Las Vegas, based on the grievance. They’re looking for $50 million in damages.
Although the ladies’s identities haven’t been revealed, John W. Harris, a lawyer for the ladies, stated at a information convention yesterday (Might 6) that they’re all Hispanic ladies incomes beneath minimal wage. “As low-wage staff in weak positions, they lacked the sources and choices essential to guard themselves from sexual assaults,” the lawyer stated, based on The New York Times.
Three of the ladies feared that reporting Robinson’s conduct would threaten their immigration standing, based on the lawsuit. Robinson’s spouse, Frances Robinson, allegedly knew concerning the assaults, however continued to berate, mistreat, and direct “racially-charged” language on the ladies. The Robinsons are additionally accused of false imprisonment and quite a few labor violations.
The ladies all labored for Robinson, now 85 years previous, for various spans between 2006 and 2024, based on the lawsuit. One stated the singer sexually assaulted her at the least 23 occasions between Might 2014 and February 2020.
A spokesperson for Los Angeles County’s district lawyer’s workplace instructed The Occasions that no legal fees have been filed. A consultant for Robinson didn’t instantly reply to Pitchfork’s request for remark.
For those who or somebody you already know has been affected by sexual assault, we encourage you to succeed in out for help:
RAINN Nationwide Sexual Assault Hotline
https://rainn.org
1 800 656 HOPE (4673)
Disaster Textual content Line
SMS: Textual content “HELLO” or “HOLA” to 741-741
