Smokey Robinson faces $50M lawsuit filed by former employees
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Disclaimer: This article contains mentions of sexual assault and workplace abuse, which some readers may find distressing. Reader discretion is advised.
Smokey Robinson’s music has been part of the American soundtrack for decades.
With his smooth vocals and hits like “Cruisin’” and “Being With You,” he’s long been celebrated as a Motown legend.
But now, the 85-year-old artist is facing serious allegations that threaten to overshadow his legacy.
A new lawsuit filed in Los Angeles alleges Robinson sexually assaulted and harassed four women who worked as housekeepers for him and his wife, Frances Robinson.
The suit claims years of abuse, wage violations, and a hostile work environment—and is seeking $50 million in damages.
Filed on May 6 in Los Angeles County Superior Court, the complaint details accusations from four women, referred to as Jane Does 1 through 4.
The women describe repeated instances of sexual assault, harassment, and exploitation, along with allegations of unpaid wages, verbal abuse, and unsafe working conditions.
The suit also names Frances Robinson, Smokey’s wife of more than 60 years, claiming she was aware of her husband’s actions and did not intervene.
In addition to the Robinsons, 25 unnamed individuals are included for their alleged involvement or failure to act.
According to the filing:
All four women say they endured degrading treatment, irregular pay, and constant fear of losing their jobs.
According to the complaint, they remained silent for years due to the imbalance of power, Robinson’s celebrity status, and fear of public shame.
As of now, Smokey Robinson and his representatives have not issued a public statement regarding the lawsuit.
Robinson has long been admired for his contributions to music—as the founder of The Miracles, a solo artist, and a former executive at Motown Records.
He’s been honored by the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and has stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
But in recent years, more public figures have faced renewed scrutiny, especially in the wake of the #MeToo movement.
The lawsuit against Robinson echoes other high-profile cases that have challenged the culture of silence around workplace abuse.
For many, hearing these allegations is unsettling—especially from a figure so closely tied to memories, music, and a sense of cultural history.
But it also raises important issues about power, accountability, and the treatment of workers in private settings.
These conversations are especially relevant for older Americans, many of whom have spent years in caregiving or service roles.
The case serves as a reminder that abuse can happen anywhere, and speaking up—while difficult—is often the first step toward change.
The allegations against Robinson follow a larger wave of legal action against well-known figures accused of misconduct, from Bill Cosby to Harvey Weinstein.
These cases have sparked a national dialogue around justice, transparency, and believing survivors.
While it’s important to note that these are allegations—and Robinson is entitled to due process—they are part of a much-needed conversation about workplace protections and respect.
If you or someone you care about has experienced sexual violence, harassment, or workplace abuse, free and confidential help is available.
Call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.HOPE (4673) or visit hotline.rainn.org for support in English or Spanish.
Read next: Shocking confession: US border official pleads guilty in disturbing abuse case
How do stories like this shape your view of public figures? What responsibility do employers—famous or not—have to protect the people who work for them? Have you or someone close to you ever faced harassment on the job? We invite you to share your experiences and reflections in the comments.
Smokey Robinson’s music has been part of the American soundtrack for decades.
With his smooth vocals and hits like “Cruisin’” and “Being With You,” he’s long been celebrated as a Motown legend.
But now, the 85-year-old artist is facing serious allegations that threaten to overshadow his legacy.
A new lawsuit filed in Los Angeles alleges Robinson sexually assaulted and harassed four women who worked as housekeepers for him and his wife, Frances Robinson.
The suit claims years of abuse, wage violations, and a hostile work environment—and is seeking $50 million in damages.
usic legend Smokey Robinson is facing a lawsuit filed by four former employees, with legal proceedings now underway. Image Source: YouTube / NBC News.
What’s in the lawsuit?
Filed on May 6 in Los Angeles County Superior Court, the complaint details accusations from four women, referred to as Jane Does 1 through 4.
The women describe repeated instances of sexual assault, harassment, and exploitation, along with allegations of unpaid wages, verbal abuse, and unsafe working conditions.
The suit also names Frances Robinson, Smokey’s wife of more than 60 years, claiming she was aware of her husband’s actions and did not intervene.
In addition to the Robinsons, 25 unnamed individuals are included for their alleged involvement or failure to act.
Also read: Renowned author Neil Gaiman accused of sexual assault by former nanny
Allegations from each woman
According to the filing:
- Jane Doe 1 says she was raped multiple times between January 2023 and February 2024. She alleges Robinson targeted her during weekend shifts when she worked alone.
- Jane Doe 2 claims Robinson assaulted her more than 20 times between 2014 and 2020, and threatened retaliation if she resisted.
- Jane Doe 3 describes at least 20 instances of rape over a 12-year period and says Robinson once offered her $500 for oral sex.
- Jane Doe 4 says the abuse began in 2007 during a trip to the Robinsons’ Las Vegas home and continued for years, including unwanted touching and sexual coercion.
All four women say they endured degrading treatment, irregular pay, and constant fear of losing their jobs.
According to the complaint, they remained silent for years due to the imbalance of power, Robinson’s celebrity status, and fear of public shame.
Also read: OPINION: Are Trump’s Cabinet picks raising possible ethical concerns? Here's what to know.
How has Robinson responded?
As of now, Smokey Robinson and his representatives have not issued a public statement regarding the lawsuit.
A legacy under scrutiny
Robinson has long been admired for his contributions to music—as the founder of The Miracles, a solo artist, and a former executive at Motown Records.
He’s been honored by the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and has stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
But in recent years, more public figures have faced renewed scrutiny, especially in the wake of the #MeToo movement.
The lawsuit against Robinson echoes other high-profile cases that have challenged the culture of silence around workplace abuse.
Also read: Military doctor's guilty plea exposes pattern of abuse
Why this matters
For many, hearing these allegations is unsettling—especially from a figure so closely tied to memories, music, and a sense of cultural history.
But it also raises important issues about power, accountability, and the treatment of workers in private settings.
These conversations are especially relevant for older Americans, many of whom have spent years in caregiving or service roles.
The case serves as a reminder that abuse can happen anywhere, and speaking up—while difficult—is often the first step toward change.
A broader shift in accountability
The allegations against Robinson follow a larger wave of legal action against well-known figures accused of misconduct, from Bill Cosby to Harvey Weinstein.
These cases have sparked a national dialogue around justice, transparency, and believing survivors.
While it’s important to note that these are allegations—and Robinson is entitled to due process—they are part of a much-needed conversation about workplace protections and respect.
If you or someone you care about has experienced sexual violence, harassment, or workplace abuse, free and confidential help is available.
Call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.HOPE (4673) or visit hotline.rainn.org for support in English or Spanish.
Read next: Shocking confession: US border official pleads guilty in disturbing abuse case
How do stories like this shape your view of public figures? What responsibility do employers—famous or not—have to protect the people who work for them? Have you or someone close to you ever faced harassment on the job? We invite you to share your experiences and reflections in the comments.
