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Smokey Robinson Faces $50 Million Sexual Assault Lawsuit Filed by Four Former Employees
On May 6, 2025, a civil lawsuit was filed in Los Angeles Superior Court against legendary Motown artist Smokey Robinson, accusing him of rape, sexual assault, and harassment. The plaintiffs—four Hispanic women who worked as housekeepers for Robinson and his wife, Frances—are seeking $50 million in damages. The suit spans allegations dating as far back as 2006.
During a brief phone call with _The Daily Mail_ on May 7, Robinson, 85, responded to the claims. “I am appalled,” he said. “I can’t speak about this right now.” His legal team has not issued a formal statement.
Attorney John Harris, who represents the four Jane Does, called Robinson’s behavior “despicable and reprehensible misconduct” during a press conference held Tuesday in Los Angeles. “These courageous four women have decided to come forward,” he said, “to stand up for their rights and the rights of other women, particularly those that may be victimized by him in the future.”
Each woman shared harrowing details in the complaint. Jane Doe 1, employed from January 2023 to February 2024, alleges Robinson assaulted her at least seven times, beginning just two months into her employment. Jane Doe 2 claims 23 incidents occurred during her tenure from 2014 to 2020. Jane Doe 3, who worked for over a decade, alleges 20 assaults. Jane Doe 4, employed from 2006 to 2024, accuses Robinson of assaulting her first in 2007 at his Las Vegas residence.
The plaintiffs say they remained silent due to fear—fear of losing income, familial backlash, and public shame. “They didn’t come forward earlier because they feared reprisal,” said Harris. “His fame and power acted as a barrier.”
Frances Robinson is also named in the lawsuit. The plaintiffs allege she had knowledge of her husband’s misconduct and failed to intervene. One accuser claims Frances fostered a “hostile work environment,” including verbal abuse and ethnic slurs.
The complaint also details labor violations, including unpaid overtime and wages below the legal minimum. “Our clients were exploited, underpaid, and abused,” Harris stated.
A jury trial has been requested. As of now, no criminal charges have been filed.
This case arrives as Robinson remains active in the public eye, having appeared at SiriusXM Studios in April and recently performed at the Hollywood Beauty Awards. Despite his age and accolades, the gravity of the allegations has drawn sharp public scrutiny.
For now, the lawsuit marks a critical turning point in the legacy of a man once celebrated as a musical pioneer.
