Motown Legend Smokey Robinson EXPOSED, 6 Former Workers—Including a Man—Say He Assaulted Them for Years While Wife Knew Everything
Six former employees—five housekeepers and one male car detailer—now accuse 85-year-old Smokey Robinson of repeated sexual assault spanning from 2005 to 2024. The allegations include claims that Robinson forced employees into oral and vaginal sex dozens of times, trapped them in locked rooms, walked around naked touching himself, and grabbed workers’ hands forcing them onto his erect penis. His wife Frances faces accusations of knowing everything and settling previous cases to keep victims quiet. The criminal case sits with LA County Sheriff’s Department while civil trial is set for October 2027.
The Male Employee Who Finally Spoke Up
John Doe 1 started detailing the Robinsons’ cars at their Chatsworth home in 2013. What happened next shocked him.
Robinson would stand there wearing only underwear, openly fondling himself in plain view while John Doe worked on the cars. The pattern repeated over and over.
John Doe says he’d tell Robinson to “put some clothes on”—but Robinson would just laugh and keep going.
Then in 2022, things escalated. Robinson allegedly grabbed John Doe’s hand without consent and tried forcing it onto his erect penis. John Doe pulled away, turned around, and left the property. His services were terminated shortly after.
Here’s where it gets twisted: Frances called him back in 2023 asking him to return to work—and when he came back, Robinson’s behavior started all over again.
What Really Happened Behind Locked Doors
Four female housekeepers first came forward in May 2025, filing a $50 million lawsuit detailing years of sexual assaults between 2007 and 2024.
Jane Doe 1’s Story
Robinson would take his wife to the nail salon, rush home, then summon Jane Doe 1 to his “blue bedroom”—a room you’re going to hear a lot about. He’d lock the door. She says he raped her seven times between January 2023 and February 2024, and she finally quit because she couldn’t take it anymore.
Jane Doe 3’s Nightmare
Jane Doe 3 worked as Robinson’s housekeeper from 2012 to 2024—and she alleges he raped her at least 20 times during those 12 years.
Get this: On one occasion when she resisted, Robinson allegedly offered her $500 to let him perform oral sex on her. She refused.
Jane Doe 4’s Multiple Locations
Jane Doe 4 wasn’t just a housekeeper—she was Frances Robinson’s personal assistant, cook, and hairdresser from 2006 to 2024. She claims Robinson raped her at his Las Vegas home in 2007, then continued assaulting her at both his Chatsworth and Bell Canyon homes.
The Shower Incidents That Traumatized Workers
Jane Doe 5 started working for the Robinsons around 2005. The harassment began a couple months after she returned to work.
Most of the alleged sexual harassment happened in the second-floor bathroom where Robinson would summon her while he was showering or getting ready to exit.
He’d tell her to come in and scrub his back. Then things got worse.
On more than 10 occasions, Robinson would turn to face her while naked in the shower with an erect penis, then physically grab her hand and try to force her to touch it. She’d push his hands away and escape the bathroom.
Robinson would also walk around the house completely naked and rub his elbow against her chest as he passed by. He told her he liked her, wanted to “touch all of you,” and asked her for sex.
The trauma got so bad that Jane Doe 5 underwent breast reduction surgery in February 2015 because she couldn’t handle the constant unwanted touching of her chest.
Frances Robinson: What Did She Know?
All six accusers name Frances Robinson as a defendant. Here’s why.
The plaintiffs claim Frances “perpetuated a hostile work environment” and failed to protect the employees from her husband’s behavior.
The lawsuit alleges Frances had “full knowledge” of Robinson’s prior sexual misconduct and that the Robinsons had previously settled similar cases with other women.
Jane Doe 2 specifically accuses Frances of “failing to take appropriate corrective action” to prevent Robinson’s behavior, and of perpetuating a hostile work environment by screaming at workers and “using ethnically pejorative words and language”.
Why These Women Stayed Silent for Years
The employees say they were “unwilling” to report Robinson’s actions due to fear of losing their livelihoods, public embarrassment, being threatened and intimidated by his celebrity status, and the influential people around him.
Three of the four original housekeepers worried about “possible adverse effects on their immigration status”. All four women are Hispanic.
Their attorney John Harris explained: “As low-wage workers in vulnerable positions, they lacked the resources and options necessary to protect themselves from sexual assaults throughout their tenure”.
Robinson’s $500 Million Counterattack
Robinson didn’t just deny everything—he went nuclear.
Robinson and Frances filed a $500 million countersuit accusing the employees of defamation, civil conspiracy, and elder abuse.
The countersuit claims the Robinsons “treated plaintiffs with the utmost kindness and generosity” and had a “familial relationship” with the housekeepers.
Robinson’s attorney Christopher Frost released a statement calling the allegations fabricated. “This group of people, who hide behind anonymity, and their attorneys seek global publicity while making the ugliest of false allegations,” Frost said.
Frost claims this is “an organized, avaricious campaign to extract money from an 85-year-old legend”.
The Criminal Investigation That’s Still Open
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Special Victims Bureau opened a criminal investigation after the housekeepers filed a police report.
The department confirmed they’re “actively investigating criminal allegations involving William Robinson aka ‘Smokey Robinson'”—but added that the investigation is in early stages.
No criminal charges have been filed yet. That’s crucial because it affects Robinson’s ability to defend himself.
Robinson’s attorney told the court: “Because the Jane Does filed police reports, we can’t have him testify at the moment, and we don’t know how long that’s going to take”.
Why the Accusers Get to Stay Anonymous
Robinson tried forcing the women to reveal their identities. He lost.
In September 2025, Los Angeles County Judge Kevin C. Brazile ruled the women can proceed using pseudonyms.
“This early in the case, I don’t think their identities need to be revealed,” Judge Brazile said. “Maybe later, but for now, you’re not harmed. You know who they are”.
Judge Brazile clarified he’s open to reconsidering anonymity if necessary as the case develops.
Robinson’s legal team argued the women waived their anonymity by appearing at a press conference wearing masks and sunglasses. The judge disagreed.
The Trial Date That’s Coming Fast
Trial is set for October 11, 2027.
Normally civil trials in Los Angeles are scheduled three years out—but Judge Brazile prioritized this case because of Robinson’s advanced age (85 years old).
The civil claims are scheduled to go to trial in 2027, with the criminal investigation still ongoing.
The Pattern Prosecutors Will Examine
Look at the timeline prosecutors are dealing with:
- 2005-2011: Jane Doe 5 allegedly assaulted over 10 times
- 2006-2024: Jane Doe 4 allegedly raped in Las Vegas, Chatsworth, and Bell Canyon homes
- 2007-2024: Jane Doe 1 allegedly assaulted 7 times
- 2012-2024: Jane Doe 3 allegedly raped at least 20 times over 12 years
- 2013-2023: John Doe 1 allegedly harassed, then fired after refusing Robinson’s advances
- 2014-2020: Jane Doe 2 allegedly repeatedly assaulted
That’s 19 years of alleged abuse across multiple homes with six different victims.
Legal Claims Being Pursued
The lawsuit includes these specific causes of action:
Sexual Battery: Allegations that Robinson used force, threats, and physical barriers to prevent employees from leaving during assaults
Assault: Claims Robinson “repeatedly forced his fingers and penis into their vaginas, causing severe and excruciating pain” without consent
False Imprisonment: Allegations Robinson used “physical barriers, force, threats of force” to stop victims from fleeing, including locking doors
Gender Violence: Targeting employees based on their gender
Hostile Work Environment: Claims Frances Robinson perpetuated hostile conditions including screaming and using “ethnically pejorative words”
Negligence: Accusations of failure to pay overtime in addition to the assault claims
Emotional Distress: All plaintiffs claim they suffered “severe emotional distress” from the repeated sexual assaults
What Damages the Victims Are Seeking
The employees are demanding at least $50 million in total damages.
That includes compensation for:
- Pain and suffering from sexual assaults
- Emotional distress and trauma
- Lost wages and unpaid overtime
- Medical expenses (including Jane Doe 5’s breast reduction surgery)
- Punitive damages to punish the defendants
Your Legal Rights If You’re a Former Employee
California law protects victims of workplace sexual harassment and assault—even years after leaving the job.
Statute of Limitations
For sexual assault civil claims in California, you generally have 10 years from the date of the assault to file a lawsuit. For workplace harassment claims, you have 3 years.
However, the employees’ attorney specifically cited their immigration status as a reason for the delayed reporting—which could extend these deadlines under California’s “delayed discovery” rule.
What Makes a Valid Sexual Harassment Claim
California law requires:
- Unwelcome sexual advances or conduct
- Conduct based on sex
- Severe or pervasive behavior creating a hostile work environment
- Employer knew or should have known about the harassment
- Employer failed to take corrective action
Additional Protections for Undocumented Workers
Here’s what many people don’t know: California law protects undocumented workers from sexual harassment and assault just like any other employee. Your immigration status cannot be used against you in a workplace harassment lawsuit.
How to Pursue Legal Action
If you worked for the Robinsons and experienced similar behavior:
1. Document Everything Write down dates, times, locations, and detailed descriptions of incidents. Save any text messages, emails, or other communications.
2. Identify Witnesses Note anyone who might have seen Robinson’s behavior or heard him make inappropriate comments.
3. Contact the Criminal Investigation The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Special Victims Bureau is actively investigating. Additional victims strengthen the criminal case.
4. Consult with an Attorney John Harris is the attorney representing the current plaintiffs. Contact employment law attorneys who specialize in sexual harassment and assault cases.
5. Consider Joining the Existing Lawsuit The plaintiffs’ attorney argued in a motion that all claims involve “overlapping events under the same operative timeline”—meaning additional victims may be able to join the existing lawsuit.
What Robinson’s Defense Team Is Arguing
Robinson’s lawyer Christopher Frost has been aggressive in fighting back.
Frost claims the employees “conspired together against the Robinsons” and are “layering out their claims for maximum adverse publicity”.
The defense has repeatedly asked the court to force the anonymous individuals to “divulge essential information, turn over relevant evidence, and share deposition transcripts with the District Attorney”.
Frost called the lawsuit “manufactured” and “intended to tarnish the good names of Smokey and Frances Robinson”, adding that “once the evidence comes to light, this will be shown as simply an ugly method of trying to extract money from an 85-year-old American icon”.
The Press Conference That Started Everything
On May 6, 2025, attorneys held a press conference where three of the four original plaintiffs appeared in person while the fourth joined remotely.
Attorney John Harris called Robinson’s alleged acts “despicable and reprehensible misconduct”.
Harris told reporters: “Our four clients have a common thread: they’re Hispanic women who are employed as housekeepers by the Robinsons, earning below minimum wage”.
He added: “We do have evidence of some of the misconduct”—though he hasn’t publicly revealed what that evidence includes.
Why Immigration Status Kept Victims Trapped
The attorney explained these were “low-wage workers in vulnerable positions” who “lacked the resources and options necessary to protect themselves”.
Three of the four original housekeepers worried about immigration consequences if they reported the abuse. That’s a common fear—but it’s legally baseless.
Federal law and California law both protect workers regardless of immigration status when it comes to workplace harassment and assault claims. Robinson and Frances couldn’t legally retaliate by reporting someone’s immigration status.
But fear isn’t about logic—it’s about survival. These women believed reporting could destroy their lives.
What Happens Next in 2026
Criminal Investigation Continues The LA County Sheriff’s Department investigation remains active. Detectives are likely interviewing witnesses, examining physical evidence from Robinson’s homes, and reviewing any electronic communications.
Discovery Phase Both sides will exchange evidence, take depositions, and build their cases for the 2027 trial.
Potential Settlement Negotiations Given that the lawsuit alleges Robinson and Frances previously settled similar cases with other women, a confidential settlement remains possible before trial.
Additional Accusers May Emerge The November 14, 2025 amended complaint adding two more victims suggests others may still come forward.
The Bigger Picture: Power, Celebrity, and Silence
This case hits different because it involves six workers—not one, not two, but six—allegedly assaulted over 19 years at multiple properties.
If the allegations are true, how did this continue for nearly two decades? The answer lies in power dynamics that protect the rich and famous while trapping vulnerable workers.
Hispanic housekeepers worried about immigration. A male car detailer who got fired when he refused. Workers earning below minimum wage with no resources to fight back.
That’s how abuse continues—when victims believe speaking up will destroy them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What exactly is Smokey Robinson accused of?
Six former employees accuse Robinson of sexual assault, rape, sexual battery, and creating a hostile work environment between 2005 and 2024. Specific allegations include forced vaginal and oral sex, grabbing employees’ hands and forcing them onto his erect penis, walking around naked while touching himself, and trapping victims in locked rooms.
Q: Is Smokey Robinson facing criminal charges?
No criminal charges have been filed yet, but the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Special Victims Bureau is actively investigating criminal allegations. The investigation is in early stages.
Q: Who are the accusers?
Five female former housekeepers (Jane Does 1-5) and one male car detailer (John Doe 1) who worked for Robinson and his wife Frances between 2005 and 2024. They’re allowed to remain anonymous during the lawsuit.
Q: What is Frances Robinson accused of?
Frances Robinson is accused of perpetuating a hostile work environment, using ethnically pejorative language, failing to protect employees from her husband’s behavior, and having full knowledge of prior sexual misconduct that was allegedly settled with other women.
Q: When is the trial?
The civil trial is set for October 11, 2027. The case was expedited due to Robinson’s age (85 years old).
Q: How much money are the victims seeking?
The employees are demanding at least $50 million in total damages. Robinson and Frances filed a $500 million countersuit for defamation, civil conspiracy, and elder abuse.
Q: Can former employees still come forward?
Yes. The November 2025 amended complaint shows that additional victims can join the existing lawsuit if their claims involve “overlapping events under the same operative timeline”. California’s statute of limitations for sexual assault civil claims is 10 years.
Q: What has Smokey Robinson said about the allegations?
Robinson denies all allegations through his attorney Christopher Frost, who calls them “the ugliest of false allegations” and an “organized, avaricious campaign to extract money from an 85-year-old legend”.
Legal Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you believe you have been a victim of sexual assault or harassment, consult with a qualified attorney to discuss your specific situation and legal options. The allegations described in this article have not been proven in court, and all parties are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Related Articles:
- Can You Sue for Identity Theft? Legal Claims, Damages, Your Rights
- Brenay and Akira Lawsuit: TikTok Influencer Ordered to Pay $1.75M
- Netflix Class Action Lawsuit: Tyson-Paul Fight Streaming Disaster Sparks $50M Legal Battle
About the Author
Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
Her writing blends real legal insight with plain-English explanations, helping readers stay informed and legally aware.
Read more about Sarah