Los Angeles: Legendary Motown singer Smokey Robinson has been accused of sexually assaulting four former employees, according to a workplace harassment complaint filed Tuesday in Los Angeles County. The women, who worked as housekeepers for Robinson and his wife between 2006 and 2024, allege repeated sexual misconduct that ultimately forced them to resign out of fear, intimidation, and threats tied to Robinson’s celebrity influence.
The complaint, obtained by CNN, claims Robinson subjected the women—referred to anonymously as Jane Does 1 through 4—to years of sexual assault, harassment, and labor violations, including unpaid wages and denial of breaks.
One of the women alleges Robinson assaulted her at least seven times between 2023 and 2024, often targeting moments when his wife was away. Another accuses him of raping or assaulting her more than 20 times between 2016 and 2020 in areas of the home without surveillance. The allegations also describe instances where Robinson offered money in exchange for sexual acts.
The lawsuit states that all four plaintiffs suffered emotional trauma and feared reporting the assaults due to concerns over public exposure, loss of employment, and—in some cases—immigration status. The plaintiffs seek at least $50 million in damages, citing gender violence, emotional distress, hostile work conditions, and labor code violations.
Frances Robinson, Smokey Robinson’s wife, is also named in the suit. She is accused of ignoring her husband's misconduct and fostering a hostile work environment through verbal abuse and racial slurs. The plaintiffs say neither Frances nor Smokey Robinson paid them minimum wage or provided overtime or mandated breaks.
Smokey Robinson, 85, rose to fame in the 1960s with hits like “Tears of a Clown” and “You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me,” and played a central role in shaping Motown, both as a performer and executive. He has not yet publicly responded to the lawsuit. CNN reports it has reached out to his representatives for comment.
Attorney John Harris, representing the plaintiffs, said the women chose to take legal action “to stand up for their rights and the rights of other women.” He called the lawsuit “the first step” toward justice.
The case adds to a growing wave of legal actions against celebrities in the entertainment industry, amid increasing public scrutiny over workplace abuse and accountability.
