Legendary Motown singer Smokey Robinson, 85, is facing a $50 million lawsuit filed by four former housekeepers who accused him of sexual battery, assault, false imprisonment, gender violence, and creating a hostile work environment over a nearly 20-year period. The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, also names Robinson’s wife, Frances, alleging she was complicit in the misconduct and contributed to a hostile work environment.
The plaintiffs, identified as Jane Does 1 through 4, allege that Robinson’s misconduct occurred between 2007 and 2024 at his residences in California and Las Vegas. They claim Robinson lured them into rooms without surveillance to sexually assault them, including repeated acts of rape. One accuser alleges over 20 incidents of rape during her employment, while another states Robinson raped her within a month of starting work in 2023. The women also allege that Frances Robinson was aware of the misconduct and failed to intervene, instead fostering a hostile work environment through verbal abuse and the use of ethnic slurs.
Robinson’s attorney, Christopher Frost, has vehemently denied the allegations, calling them “vile” and “false.” He described the lawsuit as an attempt to extort money from an 85-year-old music icon and stated that the legal team plans to seek dismissal of the case. Frost criticized the plaintiffs’ attorneys for overstepping ethical bounds in public statements and urged the public to withhold judgment until all facts are revealed.
The lawsuit brings to light the systemic vulnerabilities faced by immigrant domestic workers, particularly those who are undocumented. The plaintiffs cited fear of retaliation, public embarrassment, and immigration concerns as reasons for not reporting the alleged misconduct earlier. Their attorney emphasized that, given the severity of the allegations, the compensation sought is justified despite the irreplaceable harm suffered.
As of now, no criminal charges or police investigations are underway. Robinson’s legal team has indicated plans to file a motion to dismiss the case and has criticized the plaintiffs’ press conference as theatrical. Robinson has expressed his dismay over the allegations but has declined to comment further, stating he will respond in court.
The case is ongoing, and further developments are expected as both sides prepare for legal proceedings.
