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 girls filed a single lawsuit, in Los Angeles County, alleging that they had been raped at his numerous properties in California and Las Vegas, in keeping with the grievance. They’re in search of $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 (Could 6) that they’re all Hispanic girls incomes beneath minimal wage. “As low-wage employees in weak positions, they lacked the assets and choices vital to guard themselves from sexual assaults,” the legal professional stated, in keeping with The New York Instances.
Three of the ladies feared that reporting Robinson’s habits would threaten their immigration standing, in keeping with the lawsuit. Robinson’s spouse, Frances Robinson, allegedly knew in regards to the assaults, however continued to berate, mistreat, and direct “racially-charged” language on the girls. 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, in keeping with the lawsuit. One stated the singer sexually assaulted her at the very least 23 occasions between Could 2014 and February 2020.
A spokesperson for Los Angeles County’s district legal professional’s workplace instructed The Instances that no felony expenses have been filed. A consultant for Robinson didn’t instantly reply to Pitchfork’s request for remark.
In case you or somebody you understand has been affected by sexual assault, we encourage you to achieve 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