What are the charges against Smokey Robinson? Details explored as Motown legend gets sued for $50M

Motown legend Smokey Robinson has been sued in a  $50 million lawsuit accusing him of egregious misconduct toward his former household staff. For over four decades, Robinson helped shape the sound of a generation with hits like “Tears of a Clown” and “Cruisin’,” earning him a place in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Now, four women who served as his housekeepers alleges he sexually assaulted and raped them repeatedly in his various residences, including Los Angeles and Las Vegas, between 2007 and 2024.

The civil complaint, filed May 6 in Los Angeles County Superior Court, not only seeks damages for sexual battery and gender violence but also claims labour violations such as unpaid overtime and denial of breaks. The plaintiffs, referred to under pseudonyms Jane Doe 1 through 4, describe a pattern of coercion, fear, and concealment, accusing Robinson’s wife of complicity and verbal abuse.

Despite the gravity of the allegations, neither Robinson nor his representatives have issued a statement, leaving fans and critics to watch the unfolding legal drama with rapt attention.

Smokey Robinson faces sexual assault and labor charges in $50 million lawsuit

William “Smokey” Robinson Jr.—the silky‑voiced architect of the Motown sound who gave us classics like “Shop Around” and “My Girl” as frontman of The Miracles—now faces a very different spotlight. On May 6, four women who once worked as his housekeepers filed a $50 million civil suit in Los Angeles County Superior Court, accusing Robinson and his wife, Frances, of a years-long campaign of sexual battery, assault, false imprisonment, and gender violence.

According to the complaint, the plaintiffs—identified only as Jane Does 1 through 4—say they endured repeated unwanted sexual encounters, sometimes under threat of confinement, at Robinson’s various homes between 2007 and 2024.

Beyond the harrowing abuse allegations, the lawsuit also details labor‑code violations: unpaid overtime, refusal to provide breaks, and the use of racial slurs to intimidate and demean. The women describe a pattern in which Robinson’s fame was wielded as a shield, keeping them too afraid to speak up, only for their stories to surface now in hopes of winning both justice and accountability.

These are not mere whispers behind closed doors. The Jane Does allege that Frances Robinson actively participated—watching, berating, even threatening retaliation—when any of the housekeepers questioned the couple’s conduct or demanded fair wages. By laying out both the violent and labor‑related claims side by side, the suit aims to expose how power and secrecy can mask systemic abuse, even when the perpetrator is revered worldwide as a musical legend.

Victims’ testimonies, legal details, and Robinson’s current status

At a Los Angeles press conference, three of the Jane Does detailed harrowing accounts of repeated assaults, with one attorney noting that the suit

“paints a disturbing portrait of power used to exploit vulnerable workers”.

They allege incidents occurred in multiple residences—including Chatsworth, Bell Canyon, and a Las Vegas estate—often under the guise of routine chores. The fourth plaintiff joined via video link, citing fear of public backlash and immigration repercussions as reasons for anonymity.

Legal experts say the inclusion of labor‑code violations alongside sexual‑assault charges could amplify the plaintiffs’ leverage, as California courts strictly enforce wage‑and‑hour statutes. The lawsuit also invites criminal scrutiny: the plaintiffs’ attorneys have called on the District Attorney’s office to open a parallel investigation, although no criminal case has yet been filed.

Meanwhile, Robinson has maintained a low profile, continuing promotion of his SiriusXM channel “Soul Town” and recent album release with no public comment on the suit. Observers note that Robinson’s decades‑long reputation as a musical trailblazer now hangs in the balance, pending what could be a landmark decision for celebrity‑related civil litigation.

As the $50 million lawsuit against Smokey Robinson advances through the courts, the case underscores the complex interplay between fame, power, and accountability. Whether Robinson will mount a vigorous defence or seek an out‑of‑court settlement, the allegations have already cast a long shadow over his legacy. For the Jane Does, the suit represents both a plea for justice and a warning that no amount of stardom should place one above the law.

Jasmine is a journalist for Primetimer

She graduated with a B.A. in English Literature from Sophia College in Mumbai, where she had the unique opportunity to publish research in social science and media.

Jasmine holds more than three years of experience including an ex-Founder's role at a digital marketing agency called 'Very Weird'. Additionally, she also had stints as a journalist at GrowMeOrganic and Scatter Content. She also worked in the Social Media Management team for beauty and wellness brands, Green Maven and Yoga House Mumbai.

Jasmine is a strict follower of ethics in journalism and stays updated with industry developments in order to improve her craft. She is committed to presenting diverse perspectives, which enriches her storytelling and enhances the relevance of her articles in today’s dynamic media landscape.