Former housekeepers allege sexual assault and rape by Smokey Robinson

Rewritten Article:

BREAKING NEWS FROM LOS ANGELES - In a shocking turn of events, a disturbing lawsuit has been filed against music legend Smokey Robinson, accusing him of sexual assault and rape against four former housekeepers. The lawsuit, unveiled on May 6, 2025, aims to seek at least $50 million in damages over the alleged crimes claimed to have taken place between 2007 and 2024.

John Harris, the attorney representing the women, announced at a news conference that Robinson is a "serial and sick rapist" who needs to be brought to justice.Each of the four women alleges Robinson would isolate them in his Los Angeles home and commit the acts against their will.

The women, citing privacy concerns, have withheld their legal names and are referred to as Jane Does in court documents. They appeared at the news conference with their attorneys but kept their faces covered with masks. The comrades, one of whom worked for the Robinsons at the same time, initially kept their experiences hidden from one another [1]. However, they are now bonding over their shared ordeal.

The lawsuit also names Smokey's wife Frances Robinson as a defendant, accusing her of enabling her husband's behavior and creating a hostile work environment by using ethnic slurs [2].

As for the frequency of the alleged assaults, one claimed they were assaulted at least 20 times during the 12 years she worked for the Robinsons. Another was assaulted at least 23 times over a six-year period, while another was allegedly assaulted at least seven times during a year. The fourth woman, who also worked as Frances' personal assistant, hairdresser, and cook, was ensnared in the abuse for 18 years before finally resigning in 2024 [1][2].

Though devastated and ashamed of the assaults they endured, the women were afraid to come forward due to worries about retaliation, public humiliation, and potential consequences for their immigration status. They also feared losing their livelihood, refusing to risk missing a single payday [1].

Robinson is a celebrated member of both the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, with hits like "Tears of a Clown" and "The Tracks of My Tears" to his credit. He was a key figure in the Motown Records music empire, both as an artist, producer, and songwriter for other artists [3].

In a statement, the attorney for Robinson called the allegations "vile and false" and suggested they were an attempt to extort money from the music legend [4]. As of this moment, he and his representatives have not provided a detailed public response to the specific allegations.

Enrichment Insights:

Timeline: The allegations against Smokey Robinson have been going on for at least 14 years. The women initially came forward in May 2024, but the lawsuit was filed in May 2025. The abuse was said to have occurred from 2007 to 2024.
Allegations: Smokey Robinson is accused of sexually assaulting and raping four of his former housekeepers over the span of several years. The lawsuit includes allegations of sexual battery, false imprisonment, gender violence, and labor violations, including a hostile work environment, excessive hours, and lack of pay.
Response: Robinson's lawyer called the allegations "vile and false" and suggested they were an attempt to extort money from Robinson. As of now, he and his representatives have not provided a detailed public response to the specific allegations.
Defense: Frances Robinson, Robinson's wife, is accused of enabling her husband's behavior and creating a hostile work environment by using ethnic slurs.
Frequency of Alleged Assaults: One plaintiff claims the abuse began in 2012 and continued for 12 years, another alleges they were assaulted at least 23 times between May 2014 and February 2020, another was assaulted at least 7 times during a year, and the fourth woman did not specify the frequency of the assaults [1][2].
The media and entertainment news are abuzz with the court case filed against legendary singer Smokey Robinson, who is being accused of sexual assault and rape by four former housekeepers, which reportedly took place between 2007 and 2024.
John Harris, the attorney representing the women, has declared that the investigation into these allegations will bring the law to bear on Robinson, as he is alleged to be a serial and sick rapist.
The environment in Toronto might witness a sensational trial, as the lawsuit has named Smokey and his wife, Frances Robinson, who is accused of enabling her husband's behavior and creating a hostile work environment.
General-news outlets have reported that the alleged sexual misconduct took place mainly in Robinson's Los Angeles home, where he is said to have isolated the women and committed the acts against their will.
Crime-and-justice channels are covering the news of the $50 million lawsuit, with four Jane Does seeking damages for the sexual battery, false imprisonment, and gender violence that they allege they were subjected to during their employment with the Robinson family, which lasted anywhere between 12 and 18 years.