Smokey Robinson On The Hook For Alleged Sexual Assault By 4 Ex-Housekeepers

By Afouda Bamidele on May 6, 2025 at 6:45 PM EDT

Smokey Robinson at the 2022 American Music Awards
Advertisement

Smokey Robinson has several different cases of alleged rape to answer to!

The record producer was slammed with a lawsuit by not one but four of his former staff, accusing him of engaging in sexually illicit acts with them during their time with him.

Smokey Robinson previously owned up to engaging in an extramarital affair with legendary singer Diana Ross while he was still married to his first wife, Claudette Rogers.

Article continues below advertisement

Smokey Robinson Allegedly Assaulted The Women Without Protection

Smokey Robinson at the 31st Elton John Oscar Party
ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

Smokey is now facing a lawsuit filed in Los Angeles by four unidentified women. The accusers claimed that during their employment as housekeepers for Smokey and his wife, Frances Gladney Robinson, they were repeatedly raped and sexually assaulted by him. 

The lawsuit was officially submitted on Tuesday, May 6, 2025. The four alleged victims claim they were assaulted multiple times, with the first painful encounter occurring in 2007.

While multiple allegations are made against the producer in the document, there seems to be some consistency among the accusers' stories. The majority of them claimed the record producer would call them into his bedroom or other places while Frances was away from the house.

Article continues below advertisement

The women alleged Smokey would then forcefully have sex with them, including penetrating them with his fingers and forcibly giving them oral sex or making them perform oral sex on him.

He would then proceed to rape them despite their repeated refusals. The alleged victims added that Smokey would sometimes lay down a towel before performing the act to guard the bed linens. 

Despite his foolproof measures, TMZ reported that at least two of his alleged victims claimed he ejaculated inside them without the necessary protection.

Article continues below advertisement

The Songwriter's Accusers Claimed His Wife Knew About The Assault

Claudette Rogers attends the 2023 MusiCares Persons Of The Year Honoring Berry Gordy And Smokey Robinson
ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

The undisclosed plaintiffs are also leveling more severe accusations against Smokey, including sexual battery, assault, false imprisonment, and gender violence. The four unnamed accusers seek at least $50 million in damages. 

Interestingly, one more party is included in the suit, and it is none other than Smokey's wife of 23 years. However, the women clarified that she did not participate in any of the alleged sexual assaults or rapes. 

The lawsuit clarifies that Frances was aware of Smokey's previous misconduct but failed to take action to prevent it from recurring. The plaintiffs also allege that Frances fostered a hostile work environment by using racially charged language, assigning arduous tasks, and denying them meal and rest breaks.

Article continues below advertisement

Inside The 85-Year-Old's One-Year-Long Fling With Singer Diana Ross

Diana Ross performing at Glastonbury
Mirrorpix / MEGA

Two years ago, the producer revealed in an interview that he had a year-long fling with the iconic musician Ross while he was still married to his first wife, Rogers.

As shared by The Blast, Smokey explained that their relationship was unexpected, stating that neither of them pursued the other; it simply happened as they worked together.

Describing Ross as a beautiful lady whom he continues to hold in high regard, he recalled how he met her during a timeshe was striving to establish her career.

Smoky reflected on their connection, explaining that his intention was always to support her in her journey, noting that he brought her to Motown.

Article continues below advertisement

He expressed his admiration for Ross and the beauty of their experience together. The confession coincided with Smokey celebrating his musical comeback by releasing his new album, "GASMS," after a long hiatus from new music.

The Producer's Illicit Affair Ended Due To Ross's Shocking Epiphany

Smokey Robinson at Elton John AIDS Foundation Oscar Viewing Party
imageSPACE / MEGA

Unfortunately, Smokey's affair with Ross came to an end when Ross struggled with her conscience, particularly due to her awareness of Robinson's love for his wife, Claudette.

"And I did. I loved my wife very much," he explained. Despite the turmoil, Smokey reflected on the nature of love, revealing that he learned it is possible to love multiple people simultaneously. 

He emphasized that this does not imply one person's inadequacy but highlights emotions' uncontrollable nature. The songwriter poignantly noted that if people could manage their feelings, they would be less willing to risk their hearts, avoiding the vulnerability that comes with love.

Article continues below advertisement

Smokey Robinson's Only Plan Is To Make Evergreen Songs

Smokey Robinson at Tribeca Film Festival Opening Night Red Carpet
ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

In March 2023, the producer was honored as one of the MusiCares Persons of the Year, sharing this prestigious recognition with Berry Gordy, the founder of Motown Records. 

Robinson expressed his gratitude and described the accolade as an extraordinary achievement for him. In his words: "They've given it to me and Berry, my best friend, and he most certainly deserves it."

Smokey also expressed his joy at receiving a significant reward and witnessing performances by artists like Brandi Carlile and Chloe X Halle. These acts covered his songs popularized by legendary acts such as The Supremes, Temptations, and Marvin Gaye. 

He shared his desire for his music to endure beyond his lifetime, stating that it is a "dream come true" when other singers interpret his work. 

Smokey articulated his aspirations as a songwriter, wishing to create timeless music that resonates with audiences forever, likening his ambitions to those of Beethoven. 

He also noted that many artists who have recorded his songs are songwriters, highlighting the significance of being chosen from the multitude of songs in the world. For him, each instance of someone selecting his music feels like the realization of a dream.

Smokey Robinson's story is still developing!

Advertisement