Smokey Robinson faces fresh allegations of sexual misconduct as two additional former staff members join a $50 million lawsuit already filed by four former housekeepers. The new plaintiffs, one male and one female, have made serious accusations against the legendary musician, alleging a pattern of inappropriate behavior that spans several years.
The original lawsuit claims that Robinson, along with his wife, Frances Robinson, created a hostile work environment that allowed for multiple instances of sexual assault. The newly added plaintiffs have named Frances as a defendant, asserting that she failed to protect employees from her husband’s alleged actions.
According to motions obtained by Entertainment Weekly on November 19, 2025, the male plaintiff, identified as John Doe 1, began working for the couple in 2013. He provided automobile detailing and other services at their home. He alleges that during his tenure, Smokey, now 85 years old, sexually harassed him by frequently appearing inappropriately dressed and engaging in lewd behavior. John Doe 1 claims that the harassment included Smokey attempting to force his hand onto his genitals and making vulgar advances. Following these incidents, he left the job but returned in 2023 at Frances’s request, only to find that the alleged inappropriate behavior continued.
The court documents state that John Doe 1 experienced humiliation and emotional distress as a direct result of the alleged harassment. He eventually resigned again after becoming aware of similar conduct towards other victims and out of concern for his well-being.
The female plaintiff, identified as Jane Doe 5, started working as the Robinsons’ housekeeper in 2005. She reported that her employment was untroubled until returning from a leave of absence in 2007 due to a work-related injury. Shortly after her return, she alleged that Smokey began sexually harassing her, particularly in a bathroom on the second floor of their home. Jane Doe 5 claims that on more than ten occasions, Smokey attempted to force her to touch him inappropriately and often walked around the house naked.
Her complaint highlighted that the unwanted advances left her feeling so traumatized that she underwent breast reduction surgery in February 2015. Jane Doe 5 also alleged that Frances was aware of her husband’s behavior but did not intervene. She described instances of being yelled at and blamed for missing items, coupled with derogatory language directed towards her.
John W. Harris, the attorney representing the accusers, praised the courage of the new plaintiffs for speaking out. He stated, “We commend these two courageous survivors for stepping forward and adding their voices to this case. We look forward to advocating for them vigorously as they pursue the justice they deserve.”
In response to the allegations, Smokey Robinson’s attorney, Christopher Frost, firmly denied the claims. He described the plaintiffs as part of an organized effort to extract money from Robinson, calling their accusations “false” and “ugly”. Frost emphasized that the Robinsons have faced a coordinated campaign of defamation, civil conspiracy, and elder abuse.
Frost also pointed out that the plaintiffs have refused to disclose crucial evidence, stating, “For obvious reasons, this group of Does and their attorneys refuse to be forthcoming with all the evidence possible to investigate their own claims. Once the public can see the truth, their avaricious motives and fabricated claims will be revealed.”
As the case unfolds, the allegations against Smokey Robinson continue to draw attention, not only for their serious nature but also for the implications they hold regarding workplace conduct and accountability in the entertainment industry.
