Smokey Robinson and Wife Face $50 Million Lawsuit Over Sexual Assault and Labor Allegations

Music legend Smokey Robinson and his wife, Frances Robinson, are facing a $50 million lawsuit filed by four of their former housekeepers, who accuse the couple of sexual assault, labor violations, and fostering a hostile work environment, TIME reports.

The lawsuit, filed on May 6 in Los Angeles Superior Court, alleges that Robinson repeatedly raped and sexually assaulted the women over a period spanning from 2007 to 2024. The plaintiffs, identified as Jane Does 1 through 4, claim the assaults occurred at the Robinsons’ residences in Chatsworth, California, and Las Vegas, Nevada.

According to the complaint, the women allege that Robinson exploited his celebrity status to intimidate, isolate, and control them. They accuse the “Cruisin’” singer of deliberately assaulting them in areas of the homes that lacked surveillance cameras. One plaintiff alleges she was raped over 20 times during her employment.

Frances Robinson is also named in the lawsuit. She is accused of labor law violations, including failure to pay minimum wage and permitting a hostile work environment. The plaintiffs allege that Frances used racially derogatory language and knowingly allowed the misconduct to continue without intervention.

At a press conference, attorney John Harris, who represents the women, said the plaintiffs delayed coming forward due to fear of retaliation, public embarrassment, and concerns over their immigration status.

“We believe that Mr. Robinson is a serial and sick rapist and must be stopped,” Harris said. He added that the emotional burden of sharing their experiences with their families also weighed heavily on the plaintiffs.

“Having to tell their husbands and children about these despicable acts left them filled with shame and embarrassment,” Harris said. “So, throughout their dreadful experiences with Mr. Robinson, all four women remained silent.”

As of now, no criminal charges have been filed against the Robinsons. The couple has not publicly responded to the allegations. Harris noted that the women have yet to file police reports, citing their ongoing fears. Nonetheless, he said the plaintiffs believe seeking $50 million in damages is a critical first step toward justice.