Smokey Robinson, the legendary Motown singer, has been making headlines recently not just for his music, but also due to accusations of sexual assault. His wife, Frances Robinson (formerly Gladney), has also been named in the lawsuit against him. Here’s a closer look at who Frances is and her relationship with the Grammy Award-winning singer.
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Smokey and Frances first crossed paths in Los Angeles, where they were part of a group of friends who celebrated various occasions together. Despite a significant age gap of 12 years, the pair discovered they shared the same birthday, February 19. Their relationship took a turn after bonding over trying coconut shrimp for the first time at a joint birthday dinner, with Smokey jokingly claiming he married Frances because of that shared experience.
The couple kept their romance under wraps before tying the knot in May 2002. Concerned about potential gossip within their friend group, Frances preferred to keep their relationship private initially to avoid any unwanted attention. Smokey has credited Frances with inspiring his music, with some of his songs, such as “I Keep Calling,” being influenced by their courtship.
Frances, an interior designer, played a significant role in redesigning the couple’s homes, including a mansion in Chatsworth, California. She introduced elements that catered to Smokey’s needs, such as a designated space for his golf gear and an at-home theatre. In addition to their ventures in the music industry, the couple also collaborated on a skincare line targeting people of color called Skinphonic.
In 2018, Smokey and Frances expanded their ventures by launching Smokey Robinson Wines. Based in Frances’ hometown of Pittsburgh, the wine collection features varieties named after some of Smokey’s iconic songs. However, recent developments have overshadowed their entrepreneurial pursuits, as Smokey faces serious allegations of sexual assault and misconduct.
A recent lawsuit filed by four former employees accuses Smokey Robinson of various forms of misconduct, including sexual battery, assault, and creating a hostile work environment. Frances was also named in the suit, with one plaintiff alleging that she was aware of Smokey’s past misconduct and failed to address it. The legal action seeks damages in excess of $50,000, shedding light on a troubling chapter in the couple’s lives.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the allegations surrounding Smokey Robinson and the involvement of his wife Frances have sparked significant public interest. Fans and observers alike are closely following the developments in this case, which could potentially have far-reaching implications for the couple’s personal and professional lives.
Amidst the turmoil of these accusations, the legacy of Smokey Robinson’s music and the contributions of Frances in their joint ventures remain significant aspects of their intertwined narrative. Whether the couple can weather this storm together or face further challenges ahead remains to be seen, as the complexities of their relationship unfold in the public eye.