Smokey Robinson, the legendary Motown singer, is facing serious allegations of sexual assault from four former employees. The women, who worked as housekeepers for Robinson and his wife, filed a $50 million lawsuit in Los Angeles, claiming multiple instances of sexual battery, assault, and a hostile work environment.
Robinson, now 85, expressed shock when he learned about the lawsuit. In a phone interview, he said, “I am appalled,” but during the conversation, he reportedly struggled to articulate his thoughts and eventually ended the call, stating he couldn’t discuss the matter further.
The lawsuit details disturbing accusations from the four women, who worked for the couple between 2012 and 2024. One of the accusers, identified as Jane Doe 1, claims that Robinson sexually assaulted her at least seven times during her employment from January 2023 to February 2024. She alleges that he would take his wife to a nail salon, leaving her alone at home, where the assaults occurred.
Another accuser, Jane Doe 2, reported that she was assaulted 23 times while working for the couple from May 2014 to February 2020. She claims that Robinson would summon her to secluded areas of the house, where he would sexually assault her. She also alleged that he threatened her job security if she refused his advances.
The third woman, Jane Doe 3, accused Robinson of sexual harassment and assault on at least 20 occasions during her employment from February 2012 to April 2024. The final accuser, Jane Doe 4, stated that Robinson first assaulted her in 2007 and raped her in 2019 while she worked as both a housekeeper and personal assistant.
All four women reported feeling too intimidated to come forward sooner, fearing for their jobs and facing public humiliation. They also claimed they were not compensated for overtime and did not receive proper breaks during their employment.
The lawsuit also names Frances Gladney, Robinson’s wife, alleging that she failed to take action to stop her husband’s alleged misconduct despite being aware of it. The situation has raised significant attention, not only because of Robinson’s fame but also due to the serious nature of the allegations.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the public and media will closely watch how this situation develops for the iconic singer and his family.