Smokey Robinson sued for $50 million as ex-employees allege sexual assault, failure to pay overtime

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Four ex-employees have filed a lawsuit against renowned music icon Smokey Robinson and his spouse, accusing him of inappropriate sexual behavior on numerous instances and also charging that Mrs. Robinson verbally abused them due to unpaid wages for overworked hours.

In a lawsuit filed on May 6 at the Los Angeles County Superior Court, it’s alleged that the Robinsons have committed offenses such as negligence, sexual misconduct, false confinement, causing emotional distress (both intentionally and negligently), gender-based violence, and creating a hostile work environment. Furthermore, they are charged with numerous labor violations concerning wages, breaks, meal times, holidays, and overtime pay.

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On Tuesday, lawyers representing the plaintiffs failed to provide a prompt response to The Times’ request for a comment. Meanwhile, a past publicist for the musician stated that they are no longer working with Smokey Robinson. His talent representative has yet to offer a quick response regarding The Times’ request for comment.

Four women, identified as Jane Doe 1 to 4 for privacy reasons, have filed a lawsuit against the 85-year-old singer due to sexual misconduct accusations, which include rape, according to the court documents. Three of these women were previously employed as housekeepers, while the fourth served as the singer’s personal assistant, cook, and hairstylist. The Times reviewed these court documents.

The four women claim in their lawsuit that Robinson called them to different locations at his homes in Chatsworth (California), Bell Canyon (Ventura County) and Las Vegas, when his wife wasn’t present. On some occasions, he would unexpectedly appear from a shower undressed, compelling them into engaging in several forms of sexual acts – including vaginal, oral, and digital – over multiple years, the lawsuit alleges.

They claim that Frances Robinson frequently shouted at them in an aggressive, derogatory manner that included racist slurs. Additionally, they allege that she was aware of her husband’s actions but did not take steps to prevent them.

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One of the plaintiffs refused to disclose Smokey Robinson’s illegal actions to the authorities because she was terrified of losing her job, facing familial backlash, public humiliation, embarrassment, and shame, potentially damaging her immigration status, and being threatened and intimidated by Smokey Robinson’s celebrity influence and his powerful friends and allies, as stated in the lawsuit.

That sentiment, with or without the immigration issue, was echoed by the other plaintiffs.

Four individuals claim they regularly worked 10 hours daily, six days weekly for the Robinsons without receiving minimum wage or overtime pay. Moreover, they allegedly worked on holidays without being compensated at a higher rate as stipulated by law. The housekeeping staff earned between $10 and $18 per hour, while the assistant’s starting wage was $15 per hour, which later increased to $20 per hour.

1. From January 2023 through February 2024, Jane Doe 1 was employed by the Robinsons.

2. Jane Doe 2 held a job with the Robinsons from May 2014 until February 2020.

3. Jane Doe 3 worked for the Robinsons between February 2012 and April 2024.

4. Jane Doe 4 was employed by the Robinsons from October 2006 until April 2024.

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In their lawsuit, the plaintiffs claim they left their jobs due to the accused instances of sexual harassment and a hostile work atmosphere.

The lawsuit also requests compensation for non-specific losses worth a minimum of $50 million (on many of the claims) and additional penalties yet to be decided during the trial for punitive damages.

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2025-05-07 01:01