Smokey Robinson Accused Of Rape By Employees In Lawsuit

LOS ANGELES, CA — Motown legend Smokey Robinson is being sued by four former employees, who accuse the 85-year-old singer of sexual assault and rape, according to attorneys representing the women.

The lawsuit filed in Los Angeles Tuesday alleges that Robinson forced himself on the unnamed plaintiffs multiple times dating back nearly 20 years, generally while his wife — Frances — was out of the home.

The Los Angeles Superior Court lawsuit includes allegations of sexual battery, assault, false imprisonment, negligence, hostile work environment and intentional infliction of emotional distress, along with alleged labor violations such as failure to pay minimum wage and overtime and failure to provide rest breaks and meal periods.

Each of the accusers, identified as Jane Does in the suit, reportedly worked as housekeepers for the couple in their Chatsworth home at various points over the last two decades.

One of the plaintiffs alleges Robinson assaulted her at least seven times between March 2023 until her "forced resignation" in February 2024. She alleges Robinson would summon her to his bedroom at the couple's Chatsworth home when his wife was out of the home, and he would greet her wearing only underwear, then proceed to sexually assault her despite her protestations.

Another plaintiff said she was sexually assaulted by the singer nearly two dozen times between 2016 and 2020, when she was also forced to resign, according to the suit. A third plaintiff alleges in the suit that she was "sexually harassed, sexually assaulted and raped" during "most of her entire employment" between 2012 and 2024.

The fourth plaintiff said she began working for the Robinsons in 2006, with Robinson allegedly sexually assaulting her in 2007 "when she accompanied him to his Las Vegas home," according to the suit. The woman contends the assaults continued until her resignation in April 2024.

The suit contends that none of the women reported the attacks to the authorities due to fears of reprisals, public embarrassment, shame and humiliation, along with intimidation due to Robinson's celebrity status.

“We believe that Mr. Robinson is a serial and sick rapist, and must be stopped,” John Harris, the women's attorney said at a news conference in Los Angeles Tuesday.

The lawsuit claims Frances Robinson enabled her husband's behavior, giving him access to his alleged victims despite knowing he has a history of sexual abuse.

The suit seeks a minimum of $50 million in general damages, along with unspecified punitive damages.

Patch has not been able to reach Robinson nor his representatives for comment. A Los Angeles Police Department spokesman could not immediately say if there is an active investigation into the allegations.

Dubbed "Mr. Motown" Robinson established himself as a hitmaker in the early days of R&B with his band, The Miracles including hits such as "You've Really Got a Hold on Me," "I Second That Emotion," and "The Tears of a Clown."

He's also known for his collaborations with other greats and writing hits such as "The Way You Do The Things You Do" and "My Girl."

He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988.

City News Service contributed to this report.