Smokey Robinson is currently under investigation by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department after four former employees accused him of sexual assault.
On Thursday, the Sheriff’s Office confirmed that they initiated an investigation following a lawsuit that was filed last Tuesday, relating to claims against the 85-year-old musician.
“The Special Victims Department of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is actively looking into the allegations involving William Robinson, known as Smokey Robinson.” This was stated by a representative from the LASD.
“We understand that a police report has been filed by the plaintiff as part of a civil lawsuit, and we see the situation clearly,” said Christopher Frost, Robinson’s attorney, in a statement.
He added, “This simply means that the police need to conduct their investigation now. We welcome it, especially as these plaintiffs continue to remain anonymous; their exposure to the truth is important.”
“It has been determined that Mr. Robinson has not committed any wrongdoing, and I believe this may be a desperate attempt to manipulate public perception and create even more media frenzy than the plaintiffs could have achieved previously,” Frost continued.
“The evidence ultimately shows this is just a fabricated lawsuit intended to tarnish the good names of Smokey and Francis Robinson.”
The lawsuit alleges that Robinson assaulted and raped four former housekeepers at his Chatsworth residence between 2006 and 2024.
The plaintiff is seeking $50 million in damages.
In addition to allegations against Robinson, his wife, Francis, is also facing criticism for allegedly allowing a toxic work environment.
The accuser suggests that Francis “failed to take necessary actions to prevent inappropriate behavior by Smokey Robinson.”
One of the accusers, Jane Doe 1, states she was employed by the Motown legend from January 2023 to February 2024, and that she had to leave her job due to Robinson’s “sexual assault and ongoing sexual harassment.”
She claims to have been assaulted by Robinson “at least seven times” during her employment. She expressed, “I hesitated to report the incidents because of concerns about my job, family retaliation, public shame, and fear of being ostracized.”
“The plaintiffs suffered significant harm and humiliation due to the actions of Smokey Robinson,” the women asserted in their lawsuit.
Beyond the sexual assault allegations, the four women are suing for various claims, including negligence, intentional infliction of emotional distress, gender violence, and multiple violations of labor laws.
