Smokey Robinson Faces Sexual Assault Lawsuit from Former Employees

Charles Sykes//Invision/AP

Motown legend Smokey Robinson, 85, is at the center of serious legal allegations as four former employees have filed a $50 million lawsuit accusing him of sexual assault and other misconduct.

The Allegations

The plaintiffs, who worked for Robinson between 2007 and 2024, allege that he subjected them to repeated sexual assaults during their employment. One accuser claims she was assaulted over 20 times, while another alleges she was raped within a month of starting her job in 2023. The lawsuit also accuses Robinson's wife, Frances, of enabling the abuse and creating a hostile work environment. The women, all of Hispanic descent, state that fear of retaliation and concerns over their immigration status delayed their decision to come forward.

Robinson's Response

Robinson has denied all allegations and filed a $500 million countersuit against the accusers, claiming defamation, elder abuse, and emotional distress. He asserts that the women were treated as extended family, citing shared vacations and financial support as evidence of a positive relationship. Robinson's legal team has also filed a motion to dismiss the original lawsuit, challenging the plaintiffs' anonymity and the validity of their

Ongoing Investigation

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department has launched a criminal investigation into the allegations. While no charges have been filed, the case remains active as authorities gather evidence.

As this legal battle unfolds, the music community and fans await further developments.