Motown legend Smokey Robinson and his wife Frances Robinson are the subjects of a $50 million lawsuit filed by four former employees.
The civil suit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, contains serious allegations of rape, sexual assault, and labor violations.
Here’s what you need to know:
1. Who filed the lawsuit?
The plaintiffs are four former housekeepers of the Robinsons, identified in the lawsuit as Jane Does 1 through 4. All are women who claim to have worked for the couple at their homes in Chatsworth, California and Las Vegas, Nevada over a 17-year span—from 2007 to 2024.
2. What are the core allegations?
The women accuse Smokey Robinson of repeatedly raping and sexually assaulting them, often in areas of the home without surveillance cameras. One woman claims she was raped more than 20 times. Frances Robinson is accused of failing to intervene, violating labor laws, and using racially derogatory language.
3. Where was the lawsuit filed and what type of case is it?
The lawsuit was filed on May 6, 2025, in Los Angeles Superior Court. It is a civil lawsuit, not a criminal case, which means the plaintiffs are seeking monetary damages—in this case, $50 million—rather than criminal penalties.
4. Have any criminal charges been filed?
No. As of now, no criminal charges have been filed and no police reports have been submitted. The plaintiffs’ attorney, John Harris, says his clients stayed silent out of fear—of retaliation, deportation, and public shame.
5. What legal violations are alleged?
The lawsuit alleges:
- Sexual assault and rape (civil tort)
- Labor law violations, including failure to pay minimum wage
- Creating a hostile work environment
- Intentional infliction of emotional distress
6. What is the Robinsons’ response?
So far, the Robinsons have not publicly commented on the allegations. It is unclear whether they have retained legal counsel or plan to issue a formal response in court.
7. Why does this case matter?
This lawsuit highlights critical legal issues, including:
- The vulnerability of domestic workers, especially those with immigration concerns
- The challenge of holding celebrities accountable in civil court
- The evolving role of the #MeToo movement in high-profile civil litigation
