Los Angeles, California — Four former employees have filed a lawsuit against iconic musician Smokey Robinson and his wife, alleging a pattern of sexual misconduct and labor violations. The complaint, lodged in Los Angeles County Superior Court on May 6, claims the couple engaged in negligence, sexual battery, and false imprisonment, among other serious allegations.
The plaintiffs, referred to as Jane Doe 1 through Jane Doe 4, cite a hostile work environment fueled by alleged sexual assault and unfair labor practices. The women, who include three housekeepers and one personal assistant, assert that the misconduct occurred over several years when Robinson summoned them to various locations in his homes, often during periods when his wife was absent.
In grisly detail, the lawsuit describes instances where Robinson reportedly emerged from the shower and coerced the women into sexual situations, which included a range of exploitative activities. Frances Robinson, according to the complaint, is accused of creating a hostile atmosphere by verbally berating the employees, using ethnic slurs, and neglecting to address her husband’s alleged behavior.
The plaintiffs claimed they were too afraid to report the incidents due to their precarious employment status and potential repercussions, including public humiliation and jeopardizing their immigration status. They expressed feeling threatened by Robinson’s celebrity and connections, which they believed could stifle any attempts to seek justice.
Each plaintiff asserts they worked long hours — up to 10 hours a day, six days a week — without being compensated adequately. The lawsuit states that they were not paid the minimum wage or entitled overtime despite working during holidays. Compensation for housekeepers ranged from $10 to $18 per hour, and the personal assistant initially earned $15 an hour, eventually receiving a raise to $20. The minimum wage in California has seen gradual increases over the years; in 2024, it is set at $16 per hour for most workers.
The lawsuit also notes the emotional toll taken on these women, with all four alleging that they ultimately left their jobs due to the alleged misconduct they experienced. In addition to seeking damages exceeding $50 million for the various claims, the plaintiffs are also pursuing punitive damages, a figure yet to be determined by a court trial.
The plaintiffs’ legal representatives have yet to comment on the lawsuit, and attempts to reach Smokey Robinson or his talent agency were unsuccessful. As the case unfolds, it underscores wider issues of workplace harassment and the complexities surrounding power dynamics in the entertainment industry.