Context:

Four women who worked as housekeepers for Smokey Robinson have filed a lawsuit accusing the singer of sexual assault, revealing that they were abused repeatedly while his wife, Frances Robinson, was complicit in creating a hostile work environment. The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles, claims Mr. Robinson raped the women numerous times across different locations, including Los Angeles, Ventura County, and Las Vegas, while paying them below minimum wage and denying overtime. The women, identified as Jane Does 1 through 4, feared reporting the abuse due to their immigration status and now seek $50 million in damages. Frances Robinson is accused of being aware of the misconduct and using her influence to keep the women in vulnerable positions, further exacerbating their working conditions with racial insults and excessive demands. Despite the serious allegations, Mr. Robinson's representatives have not commented, and no criminal charges have been filed yet as the district attorney's office has not received any reports from law enforcement.

Dive Deeper:

• Four former housekeepers of Smokey Robinson have accused the Motown singer of sexual assault, alleging that he abused them multiple times while his wife, Frances Robinson, ignored the misconduct and contributed to a hostile work environment.

• The lawsuit filed in Los Angeles identifies the women as Jane Does 1 through 4 and outlines repeated instances of rape by Mr. Robinson at his homes in Los Angeles, Ventura County, and Las Vegas, alongside claims of false imprisonment and wage violations.

• The women, who are Hispanic and were paid below minimum wage, feared coming forward due to their immigration status and are now seeking $50 million in damages for the abuse they endured over many years.

• Frances Robinson is accused of being aware of her husband's actions and exacerbating the situation by racially berating the women, denying them breaks and meals, and utilizing their reliance on wages to maintain control.

• The lawsuit details graphic accounts of the assaults, with specific timelines for each Jane Doe, highlighting a pattern of abuse that persisted despite the women's vulnerable positions as low-wage workers.

• While the allegations have surfaced publicly, Smokey Robinson's representatives have not responded, and the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office has not received any formal reports from law enforcement regarding potential criminal charges.

• Smokey Robinson, known for his contributions to the Motown era, has continued public engagements, including promoting a new album and performing live, amidst these serious accusations.