Smokey Robinson Sued by Four Former Employees Alleging Years of Sexual Assault and Rape

Music icon Smokey Robinson is facing a serious legal battle after four women filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles on Tuesday morning, alleging he repeatedly sexually assaulted and raped them during their time working for him and his wife, Frances Gladney Robinson.

Filed anonymously by four Jane Does, the lawsuit outlines harrowing claims from former housekeepers who say they endured years of abuse while working in the Robinsons’ household. The women allege the first assault occurred as early as 2007, and that they overlapped in employment, experiencing similar patterns of behavior.

According to the court filing, all four women describe being called into private areas of the house, such as Smokey’s bedroom, often when Frances was away. There, they claim, Smokey forced himself on them—allegedly penetrating them with his fingers, engaging in oral sex without consent, and raping them despite their repeated objections. Two of the women further allege that he ejaculated inside them without protection.

The suit also details claims that Smokey would sometimes lay towels down before the assaults, apparently in an effort to avoid soiling bed linens. These women are suing Robinson for sexual battery, assault, false imprisonment, and gender-based violence, seeking at least $50 million in damages.

Though Frances Gladney Robinson is not accused of participating in any of the alleged assaults, she is also named in the suit. The plaintiffs claim she knew of her husband’s prior misconduct and failed to act, and that she fostered a hostile work environment through racially charged language, excessive workloads, and denial of basic labor rights.

As of now, representatives for Smokey and Frances Robinson have not issued a public response to the allegations.