Motown icon Smokey Robinson, 85, is facing a criminal investigation in Los Angeles, propelled by serious allegations of sexual assault made by four anonymous housekeepers. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department confirmed that it has officially launched a probe into the matter, noting that the inquiry is currently in its "early stages." This investigation follows the filing of a lawsuit on May 6 in Los Angeles Superior Court, where the plaintiffs accuse Robinson of multiple offenses including sexual battery, false imprisonment, negligence, and gender violence.
The singer-songwriter has categorically denied all allegations. His attorney, Christopher Frost, claims that the assertions stem from a desire to exploit Robinson's fame and fortune, welcoming the police scrutiny as an opportunity to reveal the truth. "We feel confident that a determination will be made that Mr. Robinson did nothing wrong," Frost stated, suggesting that the allegations are an attempt to sway public perception and create a notable media frenzy. He characterized the initiation of the investigation as a reaction to the formal complaint filed by the plaintiffs, dismissing their claims as fabrications intended to malign both Robinson and his wife, who is also implicated in the suit for allegedly fostering a hostile work environment.
The alleged incidents, spanning back to 2006, reportedly entail coercive sexual encounters orchestrated by Mr. Robinson. The women, all of Hispanic descent, had previously refrained from making their claims public out of fear of reprisal that could jeopardize their livelihoods and personal safety, as well as concerns regarding their immigration status. They are pursuing damages of at least $50 million (£38 million) through a jury trial.
Once a prominent figure in the music industry, Smokey Robinson helped shape the Motown sound, contributing hits like "My Girl" for The Temptations and "My Guy" for Mary Wells, among thousands of other credits. Following the legal filing, the plaintiffs’ legal representatives publicly denounced Robinson, labeling him a "serial and sick rapist" and insisting he "must be stopped." However, Robinson's legal team has condemned this press conference as an unusual attempt to engage public opinion in the allegations, asserting that they will respond with legal recourse and call for the case to be dismissed.
Frost urged observers to remain impartial as more facts regarding the ongoing investigation emerge.
