Smokey Robinson, the legendary Motown singer and songwriter, is facing serious legal allegations after four former employees filed a lawsuit accusing him of sexual assault and harassment. The complaint, filed in Los Angeles, details claims spanning over a decade and names both Robinson and his wife as defendants.
Here’s what we know so far about the allegations against Smokey Robinson.
Smokey Robinson’s accusation details explained
Four former employees filed a lawsuit on May 6, 2025, in Los Angeles County Superior Court accusing Smokey Robinson of sexual assault, rape, and harassment.
According to court documents obtained by PEOPLE and Reuters, four women—identified as Jane Doe’s 1 through 4—allege repeated incidents of sexual battery, assault, false imprisonment, gender violence, and labor violations while employed by Robinson between 2006 and 2024.
The plaintiffs, all former housekeepers, claim the alleged abuse took place at Robinson’s home in the Chatsworth area of Los Angeles. Jane Doe 1 alleges Smokey Robinson sexually assaulted her at least seven times, including on February 17, 2024, while Jane Doe 2 and 3 each claim over 20 assaults.
Jane Doe 4 alleges the abuse began in 2007 and continued until her resignation in 2024. The women also accuse Robinson’s wife, Frances Robinson, of contributing to a hostile work environment and using “ethnically pejorative” language.
The complaint claims Frances Robinson had “full knowledge of his prior acts of sexual misconduct and failed to take the appropriate corrective action.” One plaintiff said she resigned in 2020 due to “repeated sexual assaults,” while another said the alleged abuse began in 2016. A third claimed Robinson “raped” her from behind while she lay face down on a towel. The women allege cultural stigma, low wages, and fear of retaliation delayed their reporting.
The lawsuit seeks a minimum of $50 million in damages. Their attorney, John Harris, said, “Given the gravity of Mr. Robinson’s despicable and reprehensible misconduct … this amount is clearly warranted.” Three women appeared masked at a press conference, with a fourth joining remotely. The Los Angeles DA’s office has not received a case from law enforcement.
Robinson and his representatives have not issued a public statement.
Originally reported by Anubhav Chaudhry on ComingSoon.net.
