Motton legend William "Smoke" Robinson was accused of sexual assault and misconduct by four women - identified only as the works of Jane 1, 2, 3 and 4, who were the stewards of the Robinsons.
The complaint filed in the Los Angeles Superior Court on May 6 lists allegations including sexual assault, false imprisonment, negligence and gender violence. The complaint demanded $50 million in compensation from the four women.
The lawsuit also cited Robinson’s wife, Frances Robinson, and listed a range of suspected labor breaches, including failure to pay minimum wages, failure to pay overtime, inaccurate wage statements and hostile working environments.
Smokey Robinson's towering status was established in the music industry for decades, starting with his founding of Motown Group The Miracles in 1955. Robinson claims to have the credibility of more than 4,000 songs, including The Temptations and Marvin Gaye, who has attractions in both the Rock and Roll Hall and Songwriter Hall.
According to a complaint filed by Los Angeles firm Harris & Hayden, Robinson’s status is greater than life, which is an intimidating factor in the allegations. Attorney John Harris spoke at a Los Angeles press conference, contrasting Robinson's identity with the identity of his accuser.
"They are Hispanic women hired by Robinson women, who are paid less than the minimum wage," Harris said. "Because low-wage women are in a vulnerable position, they lack the resources and options necessary to protect themselves from sexual assault."
Harris stressed the vulnerability of Robinson accusers.
"They are all worried that they missed the compensation day and were unable to pay rent or buy food for their families," Harris said.
The complaints show not only the accusers’ background, but their allegations. Jane did 1, 3 and 4, and all Robinson sexually assaulted them in the "blue bedroom" of his Chatsworth residence and put down a towel to protect the sheets. Jane Doe 4's account includes rape charges in Robinson Las Vegas and Bell Canyon House. Jane Do 2's allegations state that Robinson raped her in the laundry room and garage of his Cathsworth residence, where CCTV cameras could not be seen.
"We believe Mr. Robinson is an illness and serial rapist and must stop," Harris said.
The four women also claimed Frances Robinson's hostile working environment, noting that she always used "racially derogatory words and language." The complaint states that she failed to stop her husband’s sexual assault, “Although he fully understands his previous sexual behavior, he resolved the case with other women who have suffered and experienced similar sexual assaults.”
"We believe she is aware of the misconduct of her husband Smokey Robinson and she has used their identity and the client's dependence on living wages to put them under control," said attorney Herbert Hayden.
According to Haydn and Harris, no police report or criminal charges have been filed against Robinson.