Motown icon Smokey Robinson is facing a $50 million (£37 million) lawsuit filed by four anonymous women who accuse the 85-year-old of sexual assault and workplace violations.
Filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, the complaint alleges sexual battery, false imprisonment, negligence, and gender-based violence, along with multiple labor violations, including failure to provide proper wages, breaks, and overtime pay.
Robinson’s wife, Frances Robinson, is also named in the lawsuit. She is accused of fostering a hostile work environment and allegedly using racially offensive language.
The women—identified only as Jane Does 1 through 4 for privacy—previously worked for the Robinsons as housekeepers and, in one case, a personal assistant, cook, and hairdresser. The alleged misconduct dates back as far as 2006 and reportedly took place at Robinson’s residences in Chatsworth, Bell Canyon, and Las Vegas.
According to the court documents, the women claim Robinson frequently summoned them when his wife was away and forced them into sexual acts, often emerging nude or using threats to keep them from leaving. Specific incidents described include assaults in bedrooms, laundry rooms, and garages—areas the lawsuit notes were not monitored by security cameras.
At a press conference in Los Angeles, the women’s attorney, John Harris, described the plaintiffs as Hispanic women earning below minimum wage. “They were in vulnerable positions with limited resources and felt powerless against Mr. Robinson’s stature,” he said.
The lawsuit also details claims of labor exploitation, with the women stating they worked 10-hour days, six days a week, without receiving proper pay, overtime, or holiday compensation. They allege they resigned due to the hostile and abusive work conditions.
To date, no criminal charges have been filed, and law enforcement agencies, including the Los Angeles Police Department, have not opened a formal investigation. A spokesperson for the Los Angeles County District Attorney confirmed the office is not currently reviewing the case, as it has not been presented by police.
Robinson’s representatives have not publicly responded to the allegations, and the BBC has reached out for comment. The claims in the lawsuit remain unverified at this time.
Robinson, born William Robinson Jr., is a legendary figure in American music, known for writing and performing hits such as My Girl, Shop Around, and The Tracks of My Tears. He has been inducted into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame and is credited with contributing to over 4,000 songs throughout his career.
