Singer Smokey Robinson investigated for rape and sexual assault

 The Los Angeles Police Department announced an investigation into American soul music legend Smokey Robinson, following a complaint against the singer alleging rape and sexual assault against four former housekeepers.

The Sheriff's Department is investigating criminal charges against William Robinson, known as "Smokey," according to a statement sent to Agence France-Presse on Thursday.

"The investigation is still in its early stages, and we have no further comment," the statement added.

Robinson, now 85, made his name with Detroit's Motown soul label with his band The Miracles. His hits in the 1960s, including "The Tracks of My Tears," "Oo Baby Baby," and "The Tears of a Clown," were among his most popular hits.

Four former housekeepers filed a complaint against him in early May.

One of the plaintiffs said she was "sexually harassed, assaulted, and raped" during her 12-year employment with the singer, which lasted until 2024.

Another alleged that she was sexually assaulted seven times between March 2023 and her resignation in February 2024. She explained that the singer would summon her to his room at his villa in Los Angeles and greet her in his underwear before assaulting her, despite her refusal.

Another housekeeper said she was assaulted more than 20 times over four years.

The final plaintiff reported that the singer began abusing her in 2007, when she accompanied him to his second home in Las Vegas.

The plaintiffs requested anonymity.

Their attorneys, John Harris and Herbert Hayden, welcomed the opening of a criminal investigation. "Our clients intend to fully cooperate with the ongoing investigation... in order to achieve justice for themselves and others who may have been victims of similar attacks by him," they said in a joint statement to AFP.

The lawsuit seeks damages of at least $50 million.

The lawsuit also accuses Frances Robinson, the singer's wife, of covering up the alleged abuse. In early May, she told AFP she was "shocked" when she learned of the complaint.