Smokey Robinson hits back with $500M lawsuit after s*xual assault allegations

On May 6, 2025, four women who had once worked for Smokey Robinson and his wife, Frances, filed a lawsuit against them in the Los Angeles County Superior Court. They identified themselves as Jane Does 1-4 and alleged that Smokey Robinson repeatedly s*xually assaulted them at his Chatsworth home over many years.

According to Variety, the suit asks for at least $50 million in damages, claiming that the women endured s*xual battery, false imprisonment, unpaid wages, and hostile treatment. They stated that Smokey Robinson’s fame and their fears about their immigration status kept them from speaking up sooner.

What does the original lawsuit describe?

According to the complaint, one of the housekeepers says she suffered more than 20 abusive incidents between 2012 and 2024. Another alleges she faced pressure to perform s*xual acts she did not consent to.

As reported by CBC, the filing also names Frances Robinson, stating that she allowed the harmful behavior and contributed to a tense work environment. The women claim they worked long hours without proper overtime pay or rest breaks. Their lawyers say the goal is to hold the couple accountable and to get justice for the harm done.

How did Smokey Robinson and Frances Robinson respond?

According to a report by NBC Los Angeles, on May 28, 2025, Smokey Robinson and Frances Robinson filed a countersuit asking for $500 million in defamation and related claims. They argue that the allegations are false and were made in order to damage their reputation. In the counter-complaint, they also stated that the women demanded $100 million before going to court.

The Robinsons point to shared vacations, texts, and holiday gatherings as proof they treated the plaintiffs like family. They also asked the court to lift the women’s right to stay anonymous, saying hidden identities keep them from fully defending themselves.

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Status of the criminal investigation

After the civil lawsuit was filed, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department opened a criminal probe on May 15, 2025. The Special Victims Bureau is reviewing claims of rape and s*xual assault dating back to 2007, as per a statement by Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

So far, officials have stated that the investigation is at an early stage and that it has not yet been sent to the District Attorney’s Office. Smokey Robinson’s attorney welcomed the inquiry, calling it a chance for the truth to come out, urging patience as evidence is gathered.

Now, multiple legal tracks are moving forward together. The original $50 million suit and the $500 million countersuit will both undergo court review. The Robinsons have also asked judges to strike or dismiss parts of the first lawsuit.

In turn, the plaintiffs have signalled plans to use anti-SLAPP laws to block the countersuit, arguing it aims to silence them. Meanwhile, the criminal investigation could lead to formal charges, though no decisions have been made yet.

Over the coming months, hearings on motions, discovery of evidence, and trial dates will be set.

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