🎙️ Smokey Robinson Accused of Sexual Assault by Former Employees Amid Ongoing Criminal Investigation

William “Smokey” Robinson Jr. (born February 19, 1940), legendary singer-songwriter and Motown icon, is currently embroiled in a major legal controversy. In May 2025, he was sued by four anonymous former employees who allege that Robinson committed repeated acts of sexual battery, assault, rape, false imprisonment, gender violence, and labor violations at his residences from approximately 2006/2007 to 2024, including homes in Chatsworth and Las Vegas  .

The plaintiffs, identified only as “Jane Does 1–4,” are seeking at least $50 million in damages, citing economic, emotional, and physical harm. One accuser alleges being raped over 20 times; others describe being isolated in camera‑free rooms for unwanted sexual encounters. They also claim systemic wage theft, unpaid overtime, and a hostile work environment in which Robinson’s wife, Frances (née Gladney), allegedly participated, including using ethnic slurs and intimidation  .

Shortly after the civil lawsuit was filed, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Special Victims Bureau opened a criminal investigation into the allegations. Authorities have confirmed the probe is in its early stages, and no charges have yet been filed  .

Robinson’s legal team denies all allegations. Attorney Christopher Frost calls the lawsuit “vile, false,” and frames it as an attempt to extort an elderly music legend for monetary gain. The Robinsons have filed a $500 million countersuit against the former employees, alleging defamation, financial elder abuse, slander, and emotional distress. They also moved to dismiss the original suit, challenging the anonymity of the plaintiffs  .

Robinson was previously investigated in 2015 after another allegation of sexual assault, but prosecutors declined to press charges due to what they called insufficient evidence. His legal team emphasized that the 2015 case did not produce charges, and believe the same outcome may be forthcoming in the current investigation  .