Investigation opened in rape, sexual assault allegations vs Smokey Robinson

Smokey Robinson attends the screening for “The Apollo” throughout the Tribeca Movie Competition 2019 on 24 April 2019 in New York. (Photograph by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP, File)

LOS ANGELES – The Sheriff’s Division of Los Angeles County stated on Thursday 15 Might that it has opened a felony investigation Rape and accusations of sexual violence Towards Motown Music Luminary Smokey Robinson.

The Division stated in a press release that its Particular Sufferer’s company is “lively analysis into felony accusations” in opposition to Robinson.

Final week 4 former housekeepers of Robinson introduced a lawsuit during which he claimed that he repeatedly raped and sexually abused them, in some instances for years whereas they labored for him.

The lawsuit that’s introduced within the Los Angeles Superior Courtroom is searching for not less than $ 50 million compensation on the alleged assaults, the ladies say they happened between 2007 and 2024.

Robinson’s lawyer stated there was no advantage in opposition to the allegations in opposition to the 85-year-old musical icon that was among the many best hit makers of the sixties.

The lawyer, Christopher Frost, stated on Tuesday that the one motive for the go well with is ‘real gigbiness’.

“We’re satisfied {that a} dedication shall be made that Mr. Robinson has carried out nothing fallacious, and that it is a determined try to hurt public opinion and make a media circus much more than the plaintiffs may create earlier,” Frost stated.

John Harris and Herbert Hayden, the attorneys for the ladies, say that they’re pleased to listen to that legislation enforcement is pursuing allegations.

“Our prospects are planning to totally cooperate within the ongoing investigation of Lasd within the pursuit of justice for themselves and others who could have been attacked by him in the identical manner,” stated the attorneys.

The Sheriff assertion stated the investigation is at an early stage and no different particulars can be supplied.

Robinson’s lawyer stated final week that the allegations “are gullibility” and are filled with inconsistencies.

The 4 girls, whose names weren’t made public, declare that Smokey Robinson would wait till he was alone with them in his home in Los Angeles after which sexually abuses and raped. A girl stated she labored for Robinson from 2012 to 2024 and was attacked not less than 20 instances. One other stated that she labored for him from 2014 to 2020 and was attacked not less than 23 instances.

Harris referred to as Robinson a “serial and sick rapist” that have to be stopped.

At a press convention of 6 Might whether or not the ladies had spoken with the police, Hayden stated no, however felt the allegations deserved that the legislation enforcement grew to become concerned.

All accusators stated they ultimately stopped attacking. And all stated they feared to come back ahead about concern of retaliation, public disgrace and potential results on their immigration standing.

Robinson Tied a lot of hits as a central a part of the Motown Information machine – each together with his group The Miracles and as a solo artist, with songs akin to “Tears of a Clown” and “The Tracks of My Tears.” He additionally wrote and wrote songs for different Motown artists, together with the ‘My Woman’ of the Temptations’.

He’s a member of each the Rock & Roll Corridor of Fame and the Songwriters Corridor of Fame. /ra