Robin Thicke is an American singer, songwriter, and producer who has enjoyed a successful career in the music industry. The son of actor Alan Thicke and singer Gloria Loring, Robin grew up in a home brimming with talent and creativity. Over the years, Thicke has had chart-topping success, but he's also faced controversy, accusations of misogyny and allegations of inappropriate touching.
His most popular song, "Blurred Lines", released in 2013, is a clear example of the duality in Thicke's career. The catchy tune, featuring features from T.I. and Pharrell Williams, reached number one on the charts in several countries and became a worldwide hit. However, the song was not without controversy, on the Internet it became known as "the rape song". The lyrics of "Blurred Lines" have been criticized for promoting rape culture and the objectification of women. Phrases such as "I know you want it" and "You're a good girl" have been flagged as problematic for suggesting that consent is unnecessary and for perpetuating gender stereotypes. The music video, which features semi-nude women alongside clothed singers, was also criticized. Despite the controversies, Thicke defended the song, arguing that it was an artistic expression and that the accusations of misogyny were unfounded.
Emily Ratajkowski, one of the models featured in the Blurred Lines video, has accused singer Robin Thicke of sexually assaulting her. The American supermodel wrote about it: "I remember the moment he grabbed my breasts. He was standing behind me, both in profile." The model assured that in the scene they shared in the video the singer was drunk.
Robin Thicke has faced other controversies, including accusations of plagiarism in his music and personal problems that have affected his public image. In 2015, Thicke and Pharrell were sued by the family of Marvin Gaye, who claimed that "Blurred Lines" infringed the copyright of Gaye's song "Got to Give It Up". The artists were sentenced to pay millionaire compensation to the family.
Regarding the complaints about inappropriate touching, in 2013, a photo of Thicke with a fan at a party appeared on social networks, where he was seen touching the young woman inappropriately. The situation generated a scandal and further accentuated the accusations of misogyny around the singer.
Thicke's personal life has also been the subject of public scrutiny. His marriage to actress Paula Patton ended in 2014, after years of rumors of infidelity and relationship problems. Thicke tried to win Patton back through her album "Paula".
During the divorce, and the custody battle over Julian, the couple's only child, Thicke was accused of beating and spanking his six-year-old son. According to legal documents, Julian would have told his teachers at school that his father, the singer, had hit him several times and even spanked him. A source close to the case reportedly told TMZ that the school reported Julian's alleged comments to the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services.
These allegations have contributed to the controversy surrounding Robin Thicke's life and career, further fueling accusations of misogyny and questions about his personal and professional behavior. After the success of Blurred Lines, or because of the controversy the song generated, and the singer's behavior, his career stagnated, and he hasn't managed to achieve success again in a decade. Today he works in a music contest program on a television network in the United States.
