In a significant development, Motown icon Smokey Robinson is under investigation by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department relating to serious sexual assault allegations. This inquiry unfolds shortly after a lawsuit was filed last week by four anonymous housekeepers, who collectively accuse the 85-year-old musician of sexual battery, false imprisonment, negligence, and gender violence.
The sheriff's department confirmed that the investigation is in its early stages. Robinson's lawyer, Christopher Frost, has vehemently denied the claims, suggesting that the lawsuit is a financially motivated attempt to tarnish his client's reputation. He expressed confidence that the truth would emerge, affirming that Robinson acted appropriately.
The lawsuit was filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, where the plaintiffs, identified only as Jane Doe 1, 2, 3, and 4, allege numerous instances of coercive behavior dating back to 2006. The women, of Hispanic descent, reported they had hesitated to come forward due to fears over job security, familial repercussions, and potential harm to their immigration status. They are seeking upwards of $50 million in damages and a jury trial.
Robinson, a hallmark of the Motown sound, famously wrote classics such as "My Guy" and "My Girl," and is recognized in both the Rock & Roll and Songwriters Halls of Fame. Following the lawsuit's announcement, the women’s lawyers conducted a press conference where they labeled Robinson as a "serial and sick rapist," while claiming that action was necessary to protect future victims.
In reaction, Robinson's legal representatives called the press event “bizarre,” aiming to turn public opinion against him. They have stated that they intend to file for dismissal, encouraging the public to withhold judgment as the case evolves. As the investigation progresses, more details are expected to unfold in what has become a complex and sensational legal battle.