Lawsuit Against Smokey Robinson Reveals Allegations of Sexual Assault by Former Housekeepers
Four women allege Smokey Robinson assaulted them over several years, seeking $50 million in damages in a Los Angeles lawsuit.
Summary
Four former housekeepers are suing Smokey Robinson and his wife, alleging multiple instances of sexual assault and harassment from 2007 to 2024. Filed in Los Angeles, the lawsuit seeks at least $50 million in damages, citing emotional distress, wage violations, and a hostile work environment. The women, referred to as Jane Does for privacy, reported fears of retaliation and public shame as reasons for not coming forward sooner. Robinson, a legendary figure in Motown music, has not yet publicly responded to the allegations.
Articles (10)
- The allegations detail repeated sexual assaults from 2006 to 2024 against four unnamed women, who felt intimidated by Robinson's celebrity status and feared retaliation.
- The lawsuit emphasizes the systemic issues of gender violence and labor violation in domestic work, especially for low-wage, immigrant women.
- Advocacy for the rights of victims is highlighted through the plaintiffs seeking justice not only for themselves but for other vulnerable women.
TIME Magazine·25d· "…The lawsuit also names Robinson’s wife Frances Robinson as a defendant, alleging that she enabled his behavior despite knowing about past sexual misconduct."
CNN·1M· "…The complaint states that the plaintiffs “did not consent to Defendant Smokey Robinson’s sexual contact or touching” and suffered “severe emotional distress” as a result of the repeated sexual assaults."
The Guardian·1M· "…Robinson’s larger-than-life status was an intimidating factor in coming forward with the allegations."
Rolling Stone·1M· "…Four women have accused Smokey Robinson of sexually harassing and repeatedly raping them while they worked as housekeepers for the Motown icon and his wife at various times going back to 2007."