Smokey Robinson Accused of Sexual Assault by Former Employees

Los Angeles, California – Music legend Smokey Robinson, 85, is facing serious allegations in a newly filed civil lawsuit that claims he sexually assaulted four former employees over nearly two decades. The lawsuit, filed on May 6, 2025, in Los Angeles Superior Court, has drawn significant attention and demands $50 million in damages.

The plaintiffs, referred to as Jane Does 1-4, worked as domestic staff in Robinson’s Chatsworth mansion from 2006 to 2024. They accuse Robinson of sexual battery, sexual assault, and gender violence, among other offenses. The suit alleges that Robinson’s wife, Frances Robinson, was aware of the alleged abuse and failed to take action.

According to the complaint, the incidents began in 2007 and continued until the present. The women describe a pattern of misconduct, including forceful touching and coercive behavior, often in areas of the home where they believed they would be safe from surveillance.

One former employee, who claims to have been assaulted by Robinson since 2016, detailed that he would summon her to secluded areas within the house, including laundry rooms and garages, where security cameras were not present. She alleges that he would threaten her if she did not comply with his advances.

Another plaintiff shared that she experienced similar abuses shortly after beginning her job in 2023 at the age of 83. She states that Robinson would rush home after taking his wife to the salon, leaving her alone in vulnerable situations.

All four plaintiffs claim they did not consent to Robinson’s advances and that they endured a hostile work environment, exacerbated by Frances Robinson’s alleged verbal abuse and use of racial slurs. Legal filings also indicate the women did not receive proper wages, including unpaid overtime and holiday pay.

The lawsuit sheds light not only on the personal trauma experienced by the women but also raises broader concerns regarding labor practices and workplace safety within the entertainment industry. Their attorney, speaking at a press conference, stated that Robinson exploited his celebrity status to maintain power over the victims.

As of now, Smokey Robinson and his legal team have not publicly commented on the allegations. This lawsuit poses a significant legal challenge for the singer and could lead to substantial implications for his career and reputation.

The proceedings are expected to unfold in the months ahead, with discovery hearings that may involve testimonies from additional employees or associates, further illuminating this troubling case.