Former employees of Motown icon Smokey Robinson have made serious accusations against him, alleging that he sexually assaulted them over a period of almost 20 years. They are requesting $50 million in compensation. As the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department begins a criminal investigation into the unsettling claims, the 85-year-old music legend strongly refutes them. This case demonstrates the increasing conflict between guaranteeing justice for possible victims of workplace abuse and defending the accused’s right to due process.
Four Housekeepers File Shocking Lawsuit Against American Music Icon
Four former housekeepers have filed a lawsuit against Smokey Robinson, claiming he was a “serial and sick rapist” who allegedly assaulted them between 2006 and 2024 at his California homes. The women, who remain anonymous in court filings, seek $50 million in damages while accusing Robinson and his wife, Frances, of labor violations, including failure to pay minimum wage and overtime.
Motown legend Smokey Robinson is under criminal investigation over allegations that he sexually assaulted four of his former housekeepers.https://t.co/qcRclRS816
— KNX News 97.1 FM (@knxnews) May 16, 2025
Los Angeles authorities confirmed they are investigating these serious claims against the Motown legend. According to a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Special Victims Bureau statement, “The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Special Victims Bureau is actively investigating criminal allegations involving William Robinson aka ‘Smokey Robinson.’ The investigation is in the early stages, and we have no further comment.”
Last week, four former housekeepers filed a lawsuit alleging Robinson repeatedly sexually assaulted and raped them while they worked for him. https://t.co/0GsaNnj6p1
— 11Alive News (@11AliveNews) May 16, 2025
The lawsuit details disturbing allegations from multiple women employed at Robinson’s residences over nearly two decades. One accuser, identified as Jane Doe 1, claims she was sexually assaulted by Robinson at least seven times and ultimately resigned due to the ongoing harassment, while the legal filing includes charges of sexual battery, assault, negligence, intentional infliction of emotional distress, gender violence, and labor code violations.
Robinson’s Legal Team Strongly Denies Allegations
Robinson’s attorney, Christopher Frost, has categorically rejected the accusations, describing them as “vile” and “false” attempts to extract money from the American music icon. Frost suggested the lawsuit represents “an ugly method of trying to extract money from an 85-year-old American icon—$50m, to be exact,” while expressing confidence that Robinson will be cleared of all accusations once the facts emerge.
The defense team points out that the police report was filed only after the civil lawsuit was initiated, raising questions about the accusers’ motivations. “We are aware that the Plaintiffs have now filed a police report in the civil lawsuit. It is clear to us what is happening here. Plaintiffs filed a police report only after they filed a $50 million lawsuit,” stated Frost, while emphasizing that the investigation was a procedural requirement rather than an indication of guilt.
Robinson’s legal representatives criticized the plaintiffs for concealing their identities while making serious accusations against a public figure. “This means only that the police are now required to investigate. We welcome that investigation, which involves Plaintiffs who continue to hide their identities, because exposure to the truth is a powerful thing,” Frost declared in a public statement responding to news of the police investigation.
Case Highlights Growing Concerns About Workplace Safety and Due Process
The allegations against Robinson come at a time when America continues to grapple with high-profile sexual misconduct cases involving influential figures across various industries. This lawsuit raises important questions about workplace protections for domestic employees, who often work in isolated environments with limited oversight or witnesses, potentially making them vulnerable to exploitation or abuse.
“The investigation is in the early stages, and we have no further comment,” – Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
Robinson, meanwhile, has continued his professional obligations despite the swirling controversy surrounding these allegations. The legendary singer-songwriter recently released an album titled “What the World Needs Now” and is currently on a US tour with international dates planned for the coming months, demonstrating his determination to maintain his public presence and musical legacy while fighting these accusations.
The unfolding legal battle highlights the challenging balance between protecting the accused’s constitutional rights while ensuring serious allegations receive proper investigation. As this case proceeds through criminal investigation and civil litigation, Americans across the political spectrum will watch closely how our justice system handles high-profile allegations against a beloved cultural figure who has contributed significantly to American musical heritage.
Sources: