Smokey Robinson and Wife Frances Sued by Former Staff Over Alleged Sexual Assault, Abuse, and Wage Violations

Music icon Smokey Robinson is facing serious legal trouble following allegations of sexual misconduct and workplace abuse filed by four of his former employees. The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, accuses the 85-year-old Motown legend of sexual battery, assault, false imprisonment, and creating a hostile work environment over a period spanning nearly two decades.

The complaint was submitted by four women, identified as Jane Does, who all worked as housekeepers at Robinson’s home in Chatsworth, California. The claims detail disturbing incidents of non-consensual touching and sexual advances dating from 2007 through April 2024.

According to court documents, the women allege that Robinson repeatedly touched them inappropriately, including on their vaginas, breasts, legs, lips, and face. They state they made it clear to him that the conduct was unwelcome, but he continued regardless.

His wife, Frances Robinson, is also named in the lawsuit. The women claim she was fully aware of her husband’s alleged behavior and had previously settled other complaints privately. Rather than protecting the workers, the plaintiffs say she created an emotionally abusive environment by screaming at them and using racially offensive language.

In addition to the abuse allegations, the plaintiffs claim they were denied minimum wage, overtime pay, rest and lunch breaks, and were forced to work holidays without additional compensation. One of the women said she traveled frequently with the Robinsons but was never paid for the time.

The lawsuit also states that the women were never provided proper wage statements and felt too intimidated by Robinson’s celebrity status to speak out. Fear of retaliation, immigration consequences, and public humiliation kept them silent for years.

The plaintiffs are now seeking $50 million in damages, citing emotional distress, economic hardship, and long-term trauma caused by the alleged misconduct.

Attorneys representing the women are expected to provide further details during a press conference scheduled for later today in downtown Los Angeles. Robinson and his legal team have not yet issued a public response.