Smokey Robinson Faces Serious Allegations from Former Housekeepers

Four women have come forward with accusations against R&B icon Smokey Robinson, alleging sexual battery, rape, and additional offenses, according to a lawsuit filed in the Los Angeles County Superior Court. The women, whose identities have not been revealed, were employed as housekeepers for the Robinsons during the time the alleged incidents occurred. Smokey’s wife, Frances Robinson, is also mentioned in the case.

The lawsuit highlights claims that Jane Doe 1, employed as a housekeeper from January 2023 to February 2024, was compelled to leave her job due to Smokey Robinson’s continuous sexual assaults and harassment. The other plaintiffs describe a series of sexual assaults dating back to at least 2007. The legal representation for these women is handled by the firm Harris & Hayden. In addition to sexual misconduct, the women accuse Robinson of false imprisonment, causing emotional trauma, and gender-based violence. The case also addresses emotional distress and illegal working conditions attributed to both Smokey and Frances Robinson. NPR is still awaiting a comment from Robinson’s legal team.

During a press conference, attorney John Harris branded Smokey Robinson as a “serial assaulter,” asserting that the women remained silent for so long out of fear. As low-wage earners “living paycheck to paycheck,” they allegedly felt threatened by Robinson’s celebrity status. Harris did not provide details about the threats made against the women.

The legal team is pursuing $50 million in damages for their clients, although no police reports have been filed yet. Smokey Robinson, known for his role as the former frontman of The Miracles and his tenure as vice president of Motown Records, has been credited with several of the label’s major hits, including “The Tears of a Clown” and “I Second That Emotion.”