A bombshell lawsuit has rocked the music industry as Motown icon Smokey Robinson faces serious allegations from former employees.

According to Daily Mail, the 85-year-old R&B star has been hit with a $50 million lawsuit filed by four former housekeepers who accuse him of sexual battery, rape, and false imprisonment at his Los Angeles mansion between 2007 and 2024.

The legal document, filed in California Superior Court on Tuesday, contains disturbing claims from four female employees who allege Robinson systematically targeted them around his Chatsworth property. His wife, Frances Robinson, is also named in the lawsuit, accused of enabling her husband's alleged behavior and creating a hostile work environment.

Multiple allegations surface against iconic singer

The complainants, who remain anonymous and are referred to as Jane Does in the filings, detail numerous incidents of alleged assault spanning nearly two decades. One former housekeeper claims Robinson sexually assaulted her multiple times beginning in 2016, allegedly summoning her to areas without surveillance cameras. The lawsuit states she was attacked at least 23 times without protection, often in the laundry room or garage.

Another accuser alleges being assaulted at least seven times between January 2023 and February 2024, claiming Robinson would orchestrate situations to be alone with her. The pattern allegedly involved him taking his wife to get her nails done on Saturdays before rushing home to commit the assaults. She eventually resigned due to the repeated incidents.

The third complainant reports similar experiences, stating Robinson attacked her at least 20 times between 2012 and 2024. On one occasion, she claims he offered her money for sexual acts, while the fourth accuser alleges attacks spanning from 2007 to 2024.

Frances Robinson faces allegations of enabling abuse

The lawsuit specifically names Robinson's wife Frances as complicit in the alleged abuse. Accusers claim she maintained a hostile work environment through verbal abuse and ethnic slurs. One complainant states Frances would regularly scream at her in a hostile manner while using pejorative language.

Several housekeepers allege Frances was aware of the assaults but failed to intervene. The legal document suggests she had "full knowledge of his prior acts of sexual misconduct" and had previously settled similar cases with other women. The accusations paint a picture of systematic abuse enabled by both Robinson and his wife.

Multiple plaintiffs also claim they were denied proper compensation, including minimum wage and overtime pay. These labor violations add another layer to the already serious allegations against the couple.

Impact on Robinson's legacy and current career

The lawsuit comes at a crucial time for Robinson, who recently released his latest album "What The World Needs Now" on April 25. The timing is particularly noteworthy as he was set to perform in Huntington, New York on Tuesday night, mere hours after the lawsuit became public.

Robinson spoke about his legacy during a recent CBS Mornings interview while promoting his album and A Quiet Storm tour. During the interview, he expressed his hopes for how he would be remembered:

I want people to be inspired to care about each other and to love each other. I hope that that's my legacy, that I was a good human being who recognized the fact that you don't get any bigger than being a human being. I don't care what your craft is, or what you do for your living and all that.

The lawsuit threatens to tarnish Robinson's reputation as one of Motown's most celebrated artists. Neither Robinson nor his representatives have responded to requests for comment regarding the allegations.

Legal proceedings and damages sought

The four plaintiffs are collectively seeking at least $50 million in damages for each of the 11 allegations outlined in the 27-page legal document. The complaints include sexual battery, assault, false imprisonment, intentional infliction of emotional distress, gender violence, creation of a hostile environment, and failure to pay minimum wage.

The case was filed in California Superior Court, Los Angeles, with all four complainants choosing to remain anonymous to protect their privacy. The extensive document details specific incidents and patterns of behavior spanning nearly two decades at Robinson's Chatsworth mansion.

These serious allegations will now move through the legal system as Robinson's team prepares their response. The outcome could have significant implications for both Robinson's legacy and the broader conversation about workplace harassment and abuse.

Legal battle overview and next steps

Smokey Robinson, the 85-year-old Motown legend, faces a $50 million lawsuit filed by four former housekeepers who worked at his Los Angeles mansion between 2007 and 2024.

The women allege multiple instances of sexual battery, rape, and false imprisonment, with his wife Frances also named in the lawsuit for allegedly enabling the abuse and creating a hostile work environment.

The case will proceed through the California Superior Court system, where both parties will present their evidence and arguments. Robinson has not yet responded to the allegations, and the public awaits his legal team's response to these serious claims that threaten to impact his legacy as one of music's most celebrated artists.