Famend singer and songwriter Smokey Robinson is now underneath felony investigation following allegations of sexual battery and rape made by his former housekeepers. In line with NPR, the alleged crimes span from as early as 2007 to as lately as 2024. The events concerned are in search of $50 million in damages.
Robinson is being accused by 4 ladies, who’ve chosen to stay nameless, of sexual abuse on quite a few events throughout their time working within the singer’s Los Angeles residence previous to their resignation. Every girl has recounted her personal expertise of rape and sexual assault involving Robinson, together with one account during which she was coerced into having intercourse with him instantly after he had showered.
The accusers’ authorized illustration, Harris & Hayden, argues that the ladies had been taken benefit of as a result of their weak dwelling situations. The stakes had been particularly excessive given their immigration standing and the extraordinarily low wages they earned. Because of this, counsel contends they lacked the assets to defend themselves or pursue authorized motion till now.
Robinson’s authorized crew, consisting of Christopher Frost, believes that the ladies need to extort cash from the Motown legend and have faith that the case will end in Robinson being discovered not responsible. In a press release from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Division, Robinson’s authorized crew defined that whereas that is an energetic case, they’re nonetheless within the infancy phases and haven’t any additional feedback right now.
At the moment, there has solely been a civil lawsuit filed so it’s unclear as to what proof can be introduced on both aspect’s protection. Robinson has continued onward along with his musical performances with one most lately being on the Beau Rivage Theatre in Mississippi, seemingly not addressing these allegations.
Smokey Robinson joins the rising checklist of Black male celebrities in highly effective positions being accused of misusing their affect, together with Invoice Cosby, R. Kelly, and Sean “Diddy” Combs.