(KTLA) — Smokey Robinson is under criminal investigation.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department issued a statement on Thursday confirming that its “Special Victims Bureau is actively investigating criminal allegations involving William Robinson AKA ‘Smokey Robinson.’”
“The investigation is in the early stages, and we have no further comment,” the LASD added.
While investigators declined to identify the specific charges, their efforts are most likely connected to sexual misconduct allegations made in a lawsuit filed earlier this month.
Four former employees of Robinson, 85, are suing him and his wife, Frances, alleging sexual battery, assault, false imprisonment, gender violence and creating a hostile work environment.
Specific instances of the alleged misconduct include rape, forceful touching of the women’s bodies without their consent, and illegal withholding of their pay, especially when working overtime, beginning in 2007 and ending last month.
The women, who are suing anonymously, claim Frances Robinson knew of her husband’s alleged misdeeds and did nothing to stop the abuse.
They’re seeking $50 million from the legendary Motown singer, who told the Daily Mail that he is “appalled” by the accusations.
Robinson’s lawyer Christopher Frost denied the claims, calling them “false” and “vile” in a statement to KTLA.
“We ask anyone following this case to reserve judgment as the evidence comes to light and all the actual facts of the case unfold,” he continued. “We will be addressing the numerous aspects of the complaint that defy credulity as well as issues relating to purported timelines, inconsistencies, and relationships between the plaintiffs and others.”
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