Smokey Robinson Faces Criminal Investigation Amid Serious Allegations
Authorities in Los Angeles have launched a criminal investigation into Motown icon Smokey Robinson, just days after four former housekeepers filed a civil lawsuit accusing him of multiple instances of sexual misconduct.
In a brief statement, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department confirmed that its Special Victims Bureau is looking into allegations involving Robinson, whose legal name is William Robinson. The department noted that the investigation is still in its early stages and declined to share additional details.
The timing of the announcement follows the filing of a lawsuit in a Los Angeles court, where four women—former employees in Robinson’s home—accuse the 85-year-old of repeated sexual assault over several years. The allegations include claims of rape, harassment, and intimidation, often occurring when his wife was reportedly not present.
Attorneys representing the women, John Harris and Herbert Hayden, confirmed their clients are cooperating with law enforcement.
“We welcome news of the investigation and believe it’s a critical step in our clients’ pursuit of justice,” the lawyers said in a joint statement. “They are prepared to assist with the ongoing inquiry and hope this encourages other potential victims to come forward.”
The lawsuit paints a troubling picture. One of the plaintiffs claims Robinson would frequently summon her to his bedroom while wearing only underwear. She describes enduring multiple assaults from March 2023 until she ultimately resigned in early 2024. Another woman says she experienced over 20 assaults during her four years of employment. A third alleges abuse across a 12-year span. The fourth woman recalls incidents that allegedly began in 2007, including one during a trip to his Las Vegas home.
None of the plaintiffs are identified by name in the suit—a common legal approach in cases involving sexual assault.
The women are seeking at least $50 million in damages, asserting they remained silent for years out of fear—fear of retaliation, of being disbelieved, and of the power that came with Robinson’s fame.
Smokey Robinson, long known for his soulful voice and role in shaping the Motown sound, first rose to fame in the 1950s as a founding member of The Miracles. Their hits, including the classic The Tears of a Clown, helped define an era of American music.
Now, decades later, his legacy faces a stark reckoning as both legal and public scrutiny intensify.
