Smokey Robinson accused of assault by former housekeepers

The Motown legend is being sued for $50m by four women who accuse him of sexual assault and rape.

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A complaint filed in Los Angeles superior court accuses the 85-year-old of sexual battery, false imprisonment, negligence and gender violence, in addition to a number of labour violations related to wages, breaks, meal times and overtime pay.

The lawsuit also names Robinson's wife, Frances Robinson, claiming she contributed to a hostile work environment, and used "ethnically pejorative words and language".

Representatives for the Robinsons did not immediately respond to requests for comment, and the accusations could not be independently verified.

Robinson was Motown's first hitmaker, writing number one hits like Mary Wells' My Guy and the Temptations' My Girl.