Music legend Smokey Robinson accused of sexual assault by 4 former employees

The music industry has been rocked by shocking allegations as four former housekeepers of Smokey Robinson have come forward with claims of repeated sexual assault and rape. In a lawsuit filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, the women allege that the Motown legend assaulted them between 2007 and 2024, seeking at least $50 million US in damages.

According to the lawsuit, the women say that Robinson would wait until he was alone with them in his Los Angeles home before assaulting them, despite their objections. The women, identified as Jane Does in court documents, detailed harrowing experiences of abuse and fear of retaliation, public shame, and impact on their immigration status.

The women, who worked for Robinson and his wife, Frances, over the span of several years, described a pattern of assault that led them to eventually quit their jobs. Despite their shared experiences, they kept the assaults hidden from each other out of fear and shame.

The lawsuit also names Frances Robinson as a defendant, accusing her of enabling her husband’s behavior and creating a hostile work environment with ethnic slurs. The legal team representing the women emphasized the gravity of the misconduct and the need for accountability, seeking damages for sexual battery, assault, false imprisonment, and gender violence.

While the women’s lawyers acknowledged that the assaults warrant criminal investigation, the women have not filed police reports due to the same fears that initially kept them from speaking out. The case raises questions about power dynamics and accountability in the music industry, where icons like Smokey Robinson have enjoyed long and celebrated careers.

Born William Robinson, the singer-songwriter has had a storied career in the music industry, with hits like “Shop Around” and “The Tracks of My Tears” as part of The Miracles. Robinson’s contributions to Motown Records and the broader music landscape have earned him accolades, including induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Despite the allegations, Robinson recently released a new album, “What The World Needs Now,” and is scheduled to resume touring. The lawsuit against him serves as a stark reminder of the importance of holding powerful figures accountable for their actions and providing support for survivors of sexual violence.