LOS ANGELES -- Four former housekeepers of Smokey Robinson allege in a lawsuit filed on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, that the Motown music luminary repeatedly sexually assaulted and raped them while they worked for him. The suit, lodged in Los Angeles Superior Court, seeks at least $50 million in damages over the alleged assaults, which the women claim took place between 2007 and 2024, alongside labor violations including a hostile work environment, illegally long hours, and lack of pay.
A message seeking comment from a representative for the 85-year-old Robinson was not immediately answered. The four women, identified as Jane Does in court documents due to privacy concerns, say that Robinson would wait until he was alone with them in his Los Angeles home before sexually assaulting and raping them against their will.
“We believe that Mr. Robinson is a serial and sick rapist, and must be stopped,” stated the women’s attorney, John Harris, during a news conference. Each of the women reported that they eventually quit their jobs due to the assaults, although for some, it took several years to muster the courage to leave. They also expressed fears of retaliation, public shame, and potential impacts on their immigration status.
“Having to tell their husband and children of these despicable actions left them filled with shame and embarrassment,” Harris explained. “So throughout their dreadful experiences with Mr. Robinson, all four women remained silent.” He emphasized that as low-wage earners, they were also concerned about missing paychecks, which would jeopardize their ability to afford rent or buy food for their families.
Each of the four women has recounted harrowing experiences. One woman, who worked for the Robinsons from 2012 until 2024, claimed she was assaulted at least 20 times during her tenure. Another woman reported working for them from 2014 until 2020, during which she was assaulted at least 23 times. A third woman worked for a single year before quitting in 2024, stating she was assaulted at least seven times. The fourth woman, who also served as Frances Robinson’s personal assistant, hairdresser, and cook, worked for the couple for 18 years before resigning in 2024. While she did not specify how often she was assaulted, she indicated that her experiences were similar to those of the other women.
The lawsuit also names Robinson's wife, Frances Robinson, as a defendant, alleging that she enabled her husband's behavior despite being aware of his past sexual misconduct. Furthermore, the suit accuses her of fostering a hostile work environment, citing instances where she berated the housekeepers using ethnic slurs.
The women, who had worked for the Robinsons concurrently at times, reportedly kept their stories of assault hidden from one another until recently. They are now bonding over their shared experiences. However, they declined to provide details about how they came together or learned of each other’s situations at the news conference.
The lawsuit seeks damages based on allegations of sexual battery, assault, false imprisonment, gender violence, and other claims. Harris acknowledged that “obviously, no amount of money can compensate these women for what Mr. Robinson put them through,” but insisted that the $50 million sought is warranted given the severity of the alleged misconduct.
Meanwhile, plaintiffs’ attorney Herbert Hayden noted that while they believe the assaults warrant a criminal investigation, the women have not filed police reports, citing the same fears that previously silenced them.
Robinson, a member of both the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, rose to fame as one of the biggest hitmakers of the 1960s, both with his group the Miracles and as a solo artist. His well-known songs include "Tears of a Clown" and "The Tracks of My Tears." Robinson played a key role in the Motown Records music scene in his hometown of Detroit, serving as an artist, producer, and songwriter for various artists.
The allegations against Robinson have sparked outrage and concern, prompting discussions about the treatment of domestic workers and the challenges they face in speaking out against abuse. As the legal proceedings unfold, many are watching closely to see how the case will impact the legacy of one of music's most celebrated figures.
