In a significant legal development, legendary singer Smokey Robinson and his wife, Frances, have been accused by four former employees of sexual misconduct and creating a hostile work environment.
According to Fox News, the lawsuit, filed anonymously by the accusers, outlines years of alleged abuses at various locations, including Robinson's residence in Chatsworth, spanning from 2006 to 2024.
The legal claim initiated by the four women, identified only as Jane Doe 1 through 4, alleges a prolonged period of abusive behavior. This legal action implicates both Smokey and Frances Robinson in multiple accusations of gender-based violence and labor violations.
Among the allegations, the lawsuit details instances of sexual battery, assault, and negligence. The accusers are demanding compensation and punitive damages totaling $50 million due to the severity of their experiences.
According to the lawsuit, the most prolonged series of alleged abuses occurred in Smokey Robinson's Chatsworth home. It was here that Jane Doe 1 and 3 reported the majority of their distressing experiences, which they claim spanned several years.
Jane Doe 1 claims that Smokey Robinson sexually assaulted her at least seven times. She also alleges that she consistently faced sexual harassment during her tenure, finally leading to her resignation in February 2024.
Jane Doe 2's interactions with Robinson allegedly began in 2016. She claims that Robinson not only assaulted her but also threatened her. She recalls being summoned to comply with his demands under duress.
Jane Doe 4's allegations not only involve Smokey but also Frances Robinson. She alleges that Frances screamed at her using ethnically charged language, contributing to the hostile work environment. This accusation highlights the complicity claimed against Frances in the lawsuit.
The role of Frances Robinson in these accusations is critical, as the lawsuit claims she failed to intervene in her husband's misconduct despite being aware of it. This alleged negligence has brought her directly into the legal challenges facing the couple.
The lawsuit portrays a grim picture of the working conditions under the Robinsons. Claims include failure to pay minimum wage, denial of overtime wages, and the absence of legally mandated breaks.
Among the more severe allegations is from Jane Doe 3, who claims that Robinson raped her multiple times. She also highlights an instance where Robinson attempted to pay her for compliance, an offer she refused.
Jane Doe 1 expressed her futile attempts to stop Robinson's advances by reminding him of his marriage, to which she claims he showed blatant disregard. These continuous advances contributed greatly to her decision to leave. The detailed accusations from each Jane Doe in the lawsuit paint a disturbing pattern of behavior that spans nearly two decades, reaching into 2024.
As of now, Smokey Robinson's representatives have not provided any comments regarding the allegations. The silence from the Robinson camp has drawn significant attention, given the gravity of the accusations. The lawsuit also includes specifics on how the purported actions of Smokey and Frances Robinson have severely impacted the plaintiffs both emotionally and psychologically. According to the complaint, the plaintiffs were "severely harmed and humiliated."
The legal process is now set to unveil more details as the case progresses, with the plaintiffs seeking not only damages but also a spotlight on what they argue has been a long-ignored issue under the Robinsons' roof. The legal and professional repercussions for Smokey Robinson continue to develop as more individuals pay close attention to how this case unfolds in the media and court. This lawsuit could potentially serve as a pivotal moment in the broader discussions regarding accountability and the treatment of employees in private employment settings.