Four Women Sue Smokey Robinson, Accusing Him of Repeated Sexual Assault and Rape During Their Employment

Smokey Robinson Sued by Four Former Employees for Alleged Sexual Abuse

Smokey Robinson is in the hot seat after four women filed a massive lawsuit against him in Los Angeles, claiming he repeatedly sexually assaulted and raped them while they worked as housekeepers in his home.

Smokey Robinson Revisits His Affair With Diana Ross Saying ‘It Was Beautiful’ After Previously Saying ‘It Lasted Too Long’

According to the suit filed Tuesday morning, the women—referred to as Jane Does—allege a disturbing pattern that started as early as 2007. Each woman says they were hired to clean for Smokey and his wife, Frances Gladney Robinson. While their work timelines overlapped, their stories show a chilling similarity: Smokey allegedly waited until his wife left the house, then called them to his bedroom or other private spaces to carry out the abuse.

In the suit, they allege Smokey used coercion, force, and manipulation. They claim he penetrated them with his fingers, demanded no oral sex, and in some cases, raped them. At least two women say he didn’t use protection and ejaculated inside of them—without consent.

The lawsuit demands justice in the form of $50 million and hits Robinson with charges of sexual battery, assault, false imprisonment, and gender violence.

Frances Gladney Robinson Also Named In The Lawsuit—But Not As A Perpetrator

Even though Frances Robinson isn’t being accused of physical abuse, she is still named in the lawsuit. The women make it clear—Frances didn’t participate in the assaults. However, they allege she knew what was going on and did nothing to stop it.

They say Frances played a different role in the household toxicity. The suit claims she used racially charged language, worked them to the bone with unreasonable expectations, and even denied them meal and rest breaks required under California labor law.

This added element shifts the lawsuit from being solely about sexual violence to also including workplace discrimination and mistreatment—making it even more explosive.

The Allegations Span Over a Decade and Paint a Disturbing Pattern

The plaintiffs say these weren’t isolated incidents. Each woman has a story that matches the next. They say Smokey’s behavior had patterns. He’d allegedly lay a towel on the bed before forcing himself on them. It was methodical. Chilling. Calculated.

In some instances, the women say they cried, screamed, and begged him to stop—but that didn’t make a difference.

What’s even more disturbing is how long this went on—years. And despite the trauma, the women say they stayed silent for fear of losing their jobs, not being believed, or facing retaliation from such a powerful and celebrated figure in the entertainment world.