A criminal investigation is underway into sexual assault allegations against music icon Smokey Robinson, according to confirmation from both his legal team and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
The allegations stem from a civil lawsuit filed last week by four anonymous women—identified as Jane Does—who worked as housekeepers for Robinson and his wife, Frances, between 2006 and 2024. The suit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, accuses Robinson of sexual battery, assault, and false imprisonment. The plaintiffs are seeking a jury trial and general damages of no less than $50 million.
In a statement released Thursday, the Sheriff’s Department said: “The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Special Victims Bureau is actively investigating criminal allegations involving William Robinson AKA ‘Smokey Robinson.’ The investigation is in the early stages, and we have no further comment.”
Robinson’s attorney responded to the ongoing investigation and lawsuit, stating: “We are aware that a police report has now been filed by the Plaintiffs in the civil lawsuit. It is clear to us what is happening here. Plaintiffs filed a police report only after they filed a $50 million lawsuit. This means only that the police are now required to investigate. We welcome that investigation… We feel confident that a determination will be made that Mr. Robinson did nothing wrong.”
The attorney further characterized the suit as a “manufactured” attempt to damage the reputations of both Smokey and Frances Robinson. “The record will ultimately demonstrate that this is nothing more than a manufactured lawsuit intended to tarnish the good names of Smokey and Frances Robinson, for no other reason than unadulterated avarice.”
The lawsuit also alleges that Frances Robinson contributed to a hostile work environment, claiming she used “ethnically pejorative words and language” during arguments and failed to act on prior misconduct allegations. The plaintiffs assert that Frances had knowledge of past settlements involving Robinson and other women.
According to the complaint, the women refrained from taking legal action sooner due to fear of retaliation, immigration consequences, loss of income, and public shame.
Related topics:
