According to the civil lawsuit, the alleged crimes were committed between 2007 and 2024. The four women claim that Smokey Robinson waited until he was alone with them at his home in Los Angeles, and then raped and sexually exploited them.
We believe that Robinson is a sick rapist who must be stopped, says the women's lawyer John Harris at a press conference.
The 85-year-old Robinson has not commented on the matter.
The four women remain anonymous due to fear of reprisals and possible consequences for their residence permits in the USA, according to the lawyer. All of them have resigned from their employment with Smokey Robinson, even though several of them continued to work for many years.
Having to tell their husbands and children about these despicable acts filled them with shame. So, despite their horrific experiences, all four women remained silent, says John Harris.
According to the women's lawyers, it is the same fears that prevent them from reporting Smokey Robinson to the police.
The damages of 50 million dollars, equivalent to approximately 480 million kronor, are also claimed due to labor law violations such as excessively long working days and an unsafe working environment. Robinson's wife is also being sued.
Smokey Robinson was one of the biggest hit-makers of the 1960s, both as a solo artist and with the group The Miracles. Known songs include, among others, "Tears of a Clown" and "The Track of My Tears".
He was a central part of the legendary record label Motown Records in Detroit, both as an artist, producer, and songwriter for other artists.
Source: AP
