Motown legend Smokey Robinson is facing serious allegations from four women who accuse him of repeated sexual assault and harassment over the course of nearly two decades. The claims are detailed in a workplace harassment lawsuit filed Tuesday at a courthouse in Los Angeles.
The lawsuit, filed by four unnamed women who worked as housekeepers for Robinson and his wife between 2006 and 2024, states that each woman left her job after allegedly experiencing persistent sexual misconduct by Robinson.
The plaintiffs say they were afraid to report the incidents due to the risk of losing their jobs, public shame, and fear of retaliation from someone with Robinson’s celebrity status and connections. Additionally, three of the women expressed concern that speaking out might harm their immigration status.
In the lawsuit, the women are seeking at least $50 million in damages, citing emotional trauma, gender-based violence, a hostile work environment, and multiple labor law violations.
Attorney John Harris, who represents the plaintiffs, said during a news conference that the four women, referred to as Jane Does 1 through 4, filed the lawsuit to stand up for their rights and those of other women. He called the legal action the beginning of their pursuit for justice.
The individual claims in the filing include disturbing details:
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Jane Doe 1 says she was sexually assaulted at least seven times between 2023 and 2024 while working in Robinson’s home in the Chatsworth neighborhood of Los Angeles. She alleges the assaults typically occurred on Saturdays when Robinson would return home alone after dropping his wife off at a nail salon.
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Jane Doe 2 accuses Robinson of sexually assaulting or raping her at least 23 times between 2016 and 2020, often calling her into the laundry room or garage—areas with no cameras.
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Jane Doe 3 alleges she was subjected to ongoing sexual harassment and more than 20 rapes while working in Robinson’s Chatsworth residence from 2012 to 2024. She also claims that Robinson once offered her $500 for a sexual act, which she refused.
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Jane Doe 4, who also worked as Frances Robinson’s personal assistant, cook, and hairdresser, says Robinson raped her at his Las Vegas residence in 2007 and later at his homes in Chatsworth and Bell Canyon.
All four plaintiffs say they did not consent to any sexual contact and suffered significant emotional distress as a result.
Frances Robinson, Smokey Robinson’s wife, is also named in the lawsuit. She is accused of enabling a hostile work environment by ignoring the alleged misconduct and verbally abusing staff, including using racially charged language. She is also alleged to have failed in preventing her husband’s alleged behavior.
In addition to the assault allegations, the women claim they were not paid minimum wage or overtime and were denied required meal and rest breaks during their employment.
Now 85, Smokey Robinson is a celebrated singer, songwriter, and producer known for his role in shaping the Motown sound since the 1960s. He rose to fame with his group The Miracles and went on to write hits for artists like Marvin Gaye and the Temptations. He also served as a vice president at Motown Records.
Robinson has been honored throughout his career, including induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1987 and receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Recording Academy in 1999.
His representatives have not yet issued a public response to the allegations.
