Motown legend William “Smokey” Robinson has been accused of sexual assault and misconduct by four women who worked as housekeepers in his home. The women, identified anonymously as Jane Does 1 through 4, filed a civil lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court on May 6 seeking $50 million in damages.
The complaint includes serious allegations of sexual battery, false imprisonment, negligence, and gender violence. It also lists labor violations such as failure to pay minimum wage and overtime, inaccurate wage statements, and creating a hostile work environment. Robinson’s wife, Frances Robinson, is also named in the suit for her alleged role in maintaining this environment.
According to the complaint, the assaults allegedly occurred over a period of time at Robinson’s Chatsworth residence and other properties. Three women claim assaults happened in a “blue bedroom” where Robinson allegedly prepared the space by laying down a towel. Another woman alleges she was raped in the laundry room and garage areas, where no security cameras were present. Additional alleged assaults reportedly took place at Robinson’s homes in Las Vegas and Bell Canyon.
Attorney John Harris, representing the women, highlighted their vulnerable financial and social positions, stating that the women were Hispanic, paid below minimum wage, and feared losing income needed to support their families.
“They lacked the resources and options necessary to protect themselves from sexual assaults,” Harris said. “They feared missing a payday and not being able to pay their rent or buy food.”
The lawsuit further accuses Frances Robinson of using ethnically derogatory language and failing to intervene in her husband’s misconduct. Legal counsel believe she was aware of the allegations and used the family’s influence to exert control over the workers.
At present, no criminal charges or police reports have been filed against William Robinson.