Smokey Robinson, the 85-year-old Motown legend, has been accused of sexual assault by four former employees in a lawsuit filed in Los Angeles Superior Court on May 6. The women allege sexual battery, assault, false imprisonment, gender-based violence, and maintaining a hostile work environment.

According to documents cited by People magazine, the plaintiffs claim the alleged misconduct was intentional and showed blatant disregard for their rights and well-being. The lawsuit also names Robinson’s wife, Frances Robinson, with one accuser—identified as Jane Doe 1—stating that Frances was aware of her husband’s prior alleged misconduct but failed to intervene, even after previous settlements with other women.

Jane Doe 1 alleges multiple incidents of sexual harassment and assault beginning in March 2023. Jane Doe 2 said she was forced to quit in 2020 after enduring repeated harassment and assaults that began in 2016. Jane Doe 3, a housekeeper from 2012 to 2024, claims she was raped from behind at least 20 times and eventually resigned. A fourth woman, also a housekeeper who began working in 2006, says she quit last year due to similar repeated abuse.

The plaintiffs are seeking over US$50 million in damages. As of now, Robinson has not publicly responded to the allegations. In a separate recent interview with The Guardian, Robinson spoke about love and relationships, stating that people are capable of loving more than one person at a time, though society has stigmatized the idea. He said, “It’s not about someone being unworthy—it’s about feelings,” and suggested that if people could control love, they wouldn't risk emotional vulnerability.