Smokey Robinson Issues Statement After Being Accused in $50M Sexual Assault Lawsuit
Motown legend Smokey Robinson is now responding—though briefly—to explosive accusations laid out in a $50 million civil lawsuit filed by four of his former housekeepers.
During a phone call with the Daily Mail on Wednesday, May 7, the 85-year-old artist gave a short reaction to the claims made just one day earlier in a Los Angeles court.
“I am appalled,” Robinson said. “I can’t speak about this right now.”
The lawsuit, which hit headlines instantly, accuses the music icon of sexual battery, sexual assault, false imprisonment, gender-based violence, and maintaining a hostile work environment. These disturbing allegations are being made by four Jane Does who claim they worked in the Robinson household over the span of nearly two decades.
An attorney representing Robinson has yet to respond to further media inquiries, including those made by PEOPLE magazine.
Details of the Allegations Against Smokey Robinson and His Wife Frances
In the complaint, the plaintiffs accuse Smokey of “repeatedly forcing his fingers and penis into their vaginas, causing severe and excruciating pain” without their consent. It further claims that Robinson created situations where escape was impossible—locking doors, using his status to intimidate, and even physically blocking their exits.
Frances Robinson, Smokey’s wife since 2002, is also named in the suit. The women allege she knew about his alleged behavior and “failed to take the appropriate corrective action,” even after other women had previously come forward and settled with Robinson.
Each plaintiff, all of whom worked as housekeepers, paints a similar picture: a household where abuse was normalized and silence was enforced through fear, status, and shame. They also claim labor violations—no minimum wage, no overtime, and in some cases, years of underpaid service.
Breaking Down the Timeline: What Each Plaintiff Says Happened
Jane Doe 1 says she worked in the Robinson home from January 2023 to February 2024, during which she claims she was assaulted at least seven times. The trauma led her to resign.
Jane Doe 2, who worked from May 2014 to February 2020, says she endured at least 23 assaults. The lawsuit says Robinson allegedly “raped” her and forced her to perform oral sex multiple times.
Jane Doe 3, employed from February 2012 to April 2024, also accuses Robinson of rape—alleging it happened “at least 20 times.”
Jane Doe 4’s claims date back the furthest. She says she started in October 2006 and left in April 2024, serving not just as a housekeeper but also as Frances’ assistant, cook, and hairdresser. Her complaint alleges the first assault happened in 2007 and continued sporadically until her resignation.