Smokey Robinson and Wife Sued by Four Former Housekeepers in $50 Million Sexual Assault Case

By Gage Skidmore, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

Four former housekeepers have filed a $50 million lawsuit against Motown legend Smokey Robinson and his wife, Frances Robinson, alleging the singer repeatedly raped and sexually assaulted them over nearly 20 years, according to court papers filed Tuesday in Los Angeles Superior Court.

The civil complaint, brought under the pseudonyms Jane Doe 1 through Jane Doe 4, accuses Robinson of serial sexual battery, assault and gender violence, as well as false imprisonment, negligence and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The suit also asserts labor-law violations, including failure to pay minimum wage and overtime and to provide rest breaks and meal periods.

At a Tueday afternoon press conference, attorney John Harris called Robinson a “serial assaulter” who preyed on low‑wage workers “living paycheck to paycheck” and intimidated them into silence. “These women endured threats and humiliation, fearing reprisals from a powerful celebrity employer,” Harris said. Co‑counsel Herbert Hayden added that none of the plaintiffs reported the attacks to authorities due to shame, fear and Robinson’s fame.

Developing: Attorneys will hold a 2 p.m. news conference in L.A. to announce a lawsuit against Motown legend Smokey Robinson and his wife, alleging serious misconduct. More soon. @knxnews pic.twitter.com/8CMplVvyYU

— Nataly Tavidian (@NatalyTavidian) May 6, 2025

According to the lawsuit:

• One housekeeper alleges Robinson sexually assaulted her at least seven times between March 2023 and her forced resignation in February 2024, summoning her to his Chatsworth home alone, wearing only underwear, and ignoring her protests.

• A second plaintiff says she was assaulted nearly two dozen times from 2016 to 2020

• A third claims she endured harassment, assault and rape “during most of her entire employment” from 2012 until 2024.

• The fourth alleges Robinson assaulted her in 2007 at his Las Vegas residence shortly after she was hired in 2006, with the abuse continuing until her resignation in April 2024.

The complaint names Frances Robinson as a defendant for “failing to take the appropriate corrective action to prevent [Smokey’s] deviant misconduct” despite being aware of prior settlements with other alleged victims.

In addition to general and punitive damages, the plaintiffs seek injunctive relief and unspecified labor penalties. Robinson’s representatives did not immediately respond to requests for comment. No criminal charges have been filed.

Robinson, 84, rose to fame as frontman of The Miracles, penning hits such as “Shop Around,” “I Second That Emotion” and “You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me,” before scoring solo successes with “Cruisin’” and “Being with You.” He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1987 and continues to perform occasionally.