Sexual assault allegations loom over Motown legend Smokey Robinson

702's Bongani Bingwa is joined by news correspondent Adam Gilchrist.

Listen below:

They say there's no smoke without fire, but it remains to be seen whether legendary soul singer Smokey Robinson will be charged over allegations made by four of his former housekeepers.

In a complaint submitted to Los Angeles Superior Court, the women accused the 85-year-old singer of various crimes, including sexual assault.

They are seeking $50 million (over R900 million) from the Tracks of My Tears singer.

"Four, so far anonymous, former housekeepers of Smokey Robinson the Motown legend are suing him for $50 million."

- Adam Gilchrist, News Correspondent

"They're accusing him of sexual battery, false imprisonment, negligence, gender violence, plus labour violations."

- Adam Gilchrist, News Correspondent

Some of the allegations also extend to Robinson's wife Francis, who according to the BBC, the accusers claim contributed to a hostile work environment, and used 'ethnically pejorative words and language'.

Robinson was a pioneering figure in Motown, responsible for writing chart-topping songs such as Mary Wells' My Guy and The Temptations' My Girl.

The latest news comes as jury selection begins in the Sean 'P Diddy' Combs trial in New York.

The music mogul faces a number of charges including racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution.

"He [Robinson] is absolutely a music legend, but is he now joining the likes of Michael Jackson, Phil Spector, Ike Turner, Garry Glitter, R Kelly and possibly P Diddy in the hall of scandal?"

- Adam Gilchrist, News Correspondent

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the discussion.