Legendary Motown singer Smokey Robinson, 85, is facing a civil lawsuit filed by four former female employees. The suit alleges sexual assault, false imprisonment, gender violence, and a hostile work environment spanning nearly two decades. Robinson’s wife, Frances Robinson, is also named as a co-defendant.
The lawsuit, filed on May 6 in Los Angeles Superior Court, details accusations from four women identified as Jane Does 1 through 4. Each claims to have endured repeated sexual misconduct during their employment with Robinson between 2007 and 2024. The plaintiffs are seeking at least $50 million in damages.
Accusations Against Smokey Robinson
Jane Doe 1 alleges the first assault occurred in March 2023, followed by repeated incidents of sexual harassment. Jane Doe 2 claims misconduct began in 2016, leading to her resignation in 2020. Jane Doe 3, employed from 2012 to 2024, asserts she was raped over 20 times. Jane Doe 4 alleges abuse from 2007 until her resignation in 2024.
The complaint states that Robinson’s actions were “willful, wanton, and malicious,” demonstrating a conscious disregard for the plaintiffs’ rights and well-being. It further alleges that Frances Robinson was aware of her husband’s misconduct and failed to take appropriate action.
“Frances Robinson had full knowledge of his prior acts of sexual misconduct,” the lawsuit claims, “and failed to take the appropriate corrective action.”
The plaintiffs also allege that Robinson lured them into areas of his home without surveillance cameras, where the assaults occurred. One plaintiff claims Robinson offered her money for sexual acts. Additionally, the suit accuses the Robinsons of labor violations, including unpaid wages and lack of wage documentation.
These allegations surface shortly after Robinson released his latest album, “What the World Needs Now,” on April 25. Robinson, a key figure in Motown’s history and a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, has not publicly addressed the accusations. His representatives have not responded to media inquiries.
A press conference is scheduled for later today in downtown Los Angeles, where the plaintiffs’ legal team is expected to provide further details. This case marks a significant moment in the ongoing conversation about accountability and misconduct in the entertainment industry.