Oh No! 85-Yr-Old Motown Legend Smokey Robinson and Wife Face $50 Million Sexual Assault Lawsuit | WATCH
Lord, have mercy! Say it isn’t so ’cause we don’t wanna see him crying the “Tears of A Clown.” Here’s what we’re talking about. Motown legend Smokey Robinson and his wife, Frances Robinson, are facing a shocking new lawsuit.
On May 6, 2025, four former housekeepers filed a civil suit in Los Angeles Superior Court, accusing Robinson of sexual battery, rape, assault, and creating a hostile work environment. The lawsuit details events spanning from 2007 to 2024.
Jane Does 1 through 4 allege Robinson lured them to hidden areas like the laundry room, garage, or his bedroom to carry out assaults. Frances Robinson is also named in the suit, accused of enabling the misconduct and using offensive language that fueled a hostile work environment. The plaintiffs, all Hispanic women, are seeking at least $50 million for each of 11 allegations, including labor violations like unpaid wages, NBC News is reporting.
Detailed Allegations From Smokey Robinson’s Former Housekeepers
The lawsuit’s details paint a grim picture. Jane Doe 1, who worked from 2023 to 2024, claims the assaults began in March 2023. Jane Doe 2, employed between 2014 and 2020, alleges Robinson raped her 23 times without protection. Jane Doe 3, on staff from 2012 to 2024, reports over 20 rapes and an offer of $500 for sexual acts. Jane Doe 4, who also served as Frances Robinson’s assistant and hairdresser, says the assaults started back in 2007.
All four women describe fearing job loss, immigration issues, and Robinson’s celebrity power if they spoke out. No criminal charges have been filed yet, and Robinson’s legal team has remained silent. The lawsuit is currently a civil matter, with the plaintiffs requesting a jury trial.
Public Shock as Smokey Robinson’s Lawsuit Rocks Music World
Fans have taken to social media platform X to express shock over the news. Robinson, famous for hits like “Tracks of My Tears” and “My Girl,” has long been seen as a beloved Motown pioneer. His 85-year-old status and decades-long music legacy make the allegations especially jarring.
Public reactions have included disappointment, anger, and calls for accountability. The lawsuit’s claims extend beyond personal misconduct, touching on larger issues like exploitation of low-wage immigrant workers and systemic abuse of power. This case echoes past #MeToo scandals, raising serious questions about how the music industry handles such accusations.
What’s at Stake for Smokey Robinson’s Career and Legacy?
Smokey Robinson’s career could face major fallout. He currently hosts SiriusXM’s Soul Town and recently released the album What the World Needs Now in April 2025. Both projects could be affected if media outlets, fans, or corporate partners distance themselves. Promoters may cancel performances, and radio stations might pull his songs from playlists.
Robinson’s deep ties to Motown and his history of awards, including the Gershwin Prize and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, may also come under scrutiny. While honors like his Hollywood Walk of Fame star are rarely revoked, future tributes or collaborations could stall as the lawsuit unfolds.
How Smokey Robinson’s Legal Troubles Compare to Past Cases
Entertainment insiders point to figures like Bill Cosby, R. Kelly, and Russell Simmons when assessing the potential impact. Cosby’s criminal conviction, later overturned, shattered his reputation. R. Kelly’s convictions ended his career, while Russell Simmons largely withdrew from public life. Smokey Robinson’s case could follow a similar path, especially if more accusers come forward or if the civil case escalates into criminal proceedings.
At the same time, Robinson’s older, nostalgic fan base may offer some resilience. Historical examples like Michael Jackson show that even severe allegations don’t always erase a performer’s cultural footprint. However, the #MeToo era has made the public far less tolerant of abuse allegations, especially involving multiple victims over decades.
What Makes the Smokey Robinson Lawsuit a Landmark Moment
- Four former housekeepers accuse Robinson of sexual assault and rape
- Allegations span nearly 20 years, from 2007 to 2024
- Frances Robinson accused of enabling abuse and using ethnic slurs
- Plaintiffs seek over $50 million in damages for 11 allegations
- Potential impact on Robinson’s SiriusXM channel, album sales, and music legacy
This case is more than a celebrity scandal—it’s a test of how the entertainment world handles serious allegations against aging icons. The outcome could reshape not just Robinson’s legacy, but how the music industry responds to accusations of workplace abuse and sexual misconduct.
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