Legendary Motown singer Smokey Robinson is under criminal investigation by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. The news comes just one week after four former employees filed a civil lawsuit accusing him of sexual assault and rape.
On May 9, the department’s special victims unit confirmed to CBS News it is “actively investigating criminal allegations” against the 85-year-old artist.
Lawsuit details multiple allegations
The civil suit obtained by Deadline, filed in California, seeks $50 million in damages. It claims that Robinson assaulted four Hispanic women, identified in court documents as Jane Does 1 through 4, during their time working as housekeepers at his homes in Los Angeles and Las Vegas.
One of the plaintiffs alleged Robinson raped her more than 20 times between 2007 and 2013. Others say Robinson exposed himself, groped them and created an unsafe working environment, often while they were being paid below minimum wage.
The lawsuit also names Robinson’s wife, Frances Robinson, stating she enabled the alleged abuse by failing to intervene.
Jane Doe 1 alleges, “Defendant Smokey Robinson would then begin to kiss JD1 in her mouth, neck and breasts.”
The second Jane Doe says Robinson’s advances were made in areas of his home where there were no security cameras.
Jane Doe 3 alleges Robinson sexually assaulted and raped her during her entire employment from 2012 to 2024.
While Jane Doe 4 would be cleaning Robinson’s bedroom on certain occasions, she claims he would shower and return to the bathroom to assault her.
Victims cite fear of retaliation
The women said they delayed reporting the abuse out of fear, citing Robinson’s fame, their immigration status and the stigma tied to sexual assault. Three of the women feared it would have an impact on their immigration status. They claim Robinson manipulated their silence by offering financial support and gifts.
The lawsuit accuses Robinson of “decades of predatory behavior” and “extreme emotional distress.”
Robinson’s attorney denies all claims
Robinson’s legal team has pushed back forcefully. His attorney, Christopher Frost, called the allegations “vile,” “false,” and “a money grab” by disgruntled former employees.
Frost also criticized the women for filing a police report only after launching the civil suit, framing the entire case as a calculated attempt to extract money from an “85-year-old American icon.”
Authorities have yet to charge Robinson. The criminal investigation remains in its early stages, and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has not released further details.
