$50 Million Lawsuit Filed Against Motown Legend Smokey Robinson by Former Housekeepers Alleging Years of Sexual Abuse

Victor Nwoko
May 6
2 min read

Smokey Robinson at the American Music Awards 50th Anniversary Special in Los Angeles.

Four former housekeepers have filed a $50 million lawsuit against legendary Motown singer and songwriter Smokey Robinson, alleging that he sexually assaulted them repeatedly over a period spanning nearly two decades. The civil suit, filed Tuesday in Los Angeles County Superior Court, also names Robinson's wife, Frances Robinson, accusing her of contributing to a hostile work environment through verbal abuse and racial slurs.

The plaintiffs, all Hispanic women, filed anonymously under the pseudonyms Jane Doe 1 through 4 to protect their privacy. They allege that Smokey Robinson, 85, committed sexual battery, assault, false imprisonment, and gender-based violence against them while they worked in his Chatsworth, Los Angeles, residence between 2007 and 2024. The women also claim wage theft and labor violations, stating they were denied proper compensation for their work.

Smokey Robinson and his wife Frances are being sued by four former employees who allege labor violations, a hostile workplace and sexual misconduct.

According to the lawsuit, Jane Doe 1 alleges Robinson summoned her to a bedroom on multiple occasions, where he forcibly penetrated and sexually assaulted her at least seven times. The final incident allegedly occurred on February 17, 2024—just two days before Robinson's 84th birthday. Jane Does 2 and 3 each reported experiencing at least 20 similar assaults. Jane Doe 4's allegations have not been publicly detailed but are included in the broader complaint of sustained abuse.

In addition to the sexual misconduct allegations, the lawsuit asserts that Frances Robinson verbally attacked the employees using racially charged and degrading language, contributing to a toxic work atmosphere. The plaintiffs say their reluctance to report the alleged abuse earlier was driven by cultural stigma, fear of losing their jobs, and Smokey Robinson's high-profile status in the entertainment industry.

Smokey Robinson has been accused of sexual abuse by a handful of women, according to a new lawsuit.

At a Los Angeles press conference, three of the women appeared in person, wearing masks and sunglasses, while the fourth joined remotely. Attorney John Harris, who represents the plaintiffs, emphasized the severity of the allegations, stating, "Obviously no amount of money can compensate these women for what Mr. Robinson subjected them to. But given the gravity of Mr. Robinson's despicable and reprehensible misconduct, this amount is clearly warranted."

Law enforcement has not yet initiated a criminal investigation. A spokesperson for Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman confirmed that no case is currently under review because law enforcement has not submitted one. The Los Angeles Police Department has declined to comment.

Robinson, a major figure in the rise of Motown in the 1960s, is best known for his work as the lead singer of The Miracles and for solo hits such as “Tears of a Clown.” He is regarded as one of the most influential songwriters in American music history.