Context:

Smokey Robinson is facing a $50 million lawsuit from four anonymous women who accuse him of sexual assault and various labor violations. The accusations include instances of sexual battery, false imprisonment, and gender violence, with the alleged incidents occurring over several years starting in 2006. The women, who were employed as housekeepers and a personal assistant, claim Robinson forced them into sexual acts at his properties when his wife was away. Frances Robinson, Smokey's wife, is also implicated in the lawsuit for creating a hostile work environment and using derogatory language. Despite the serious allegations, no criminal charges have been filed, and representatives for the Robinsons have not responded to the claims, which have not been independently verified by law enforcement or media outlets at this time.

Dive Deeper:

• The lawsuit filed in Los Angeles superior court accuses Smokey Robinson of sexual battery, false imprisonment, negligence, and gender violence, along with numerous labor violations such as unpaid wages and lack of overtime pay.

• The accusers, who remain anonymous under pseudonyms Jane Doe 1, 2, 3, and 4, have detailed numerous alleged assaults occurring in various locations on Robinson’s properties, where he used physical barriers and threats to prevent their escape.

• Three of the women served as housekeepers, while the fourth performed duties as Robinson’s personal assistant, cook, and hairdresser, with all claiming to have been subjected to sexual misconduct over a period stretching back to 2006.

• Smokey Robinson's wife, Frances, is named in the lawsuit for allegedly contributing to a hostile work environment, including the use of ethnically pejorative language towards the employees.

• John Harris, the lawyer representing the women, highlighted their vulnerable positions as low-wage Hispanic workers, emphasizing their lack of resources to protect themselves against the alleged assaults.

• The women also allege severe workplace violations, such as being forced to work long hours without appropriate compensation, and claim they were driven to quit due to the hostile environment and misconduct.

• Despite the gravity of the allegations, no police reports or criminal charges have been filed, and the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office has not reviewed the claims as no case has been presented by law enforcement.