Four former housekeepers have filed a lawsuit against Motown icon Smokey Robinson, accusing him of repeated sexual assault over the course of several years. The civil suit was filed Tuesday in Los Angeles County Superior Court.

According to the 27-page complaint, the alleged abuse primarily took place at Robinson’s residence in Chatsworth, California, located northwest of downtown Los Angeles.

The plaintiffs—identified as Jane Does 1 through 4—are seeking a minimum of $50 million in damages.

“No amount can truly compensate these women for what Mr. Robinson subjected them to,” said attorney John Harris, who represents the plaintiffs, during a press conference on Tuesday. “But given the severity of his alleged actions, this figure is clearly justified.”

Robinson, whose legal name is William Robinson Jr., has not publicly responded to the allegations. His representatives did not immediately return requests for comment.

Three of the women appeared in person at the Los Angeles press conference, wearing masks to conceal their identities. The fourth participated remotely. Harris emphasized a shared vulnerability among the women.

“They were Hispanic housekeepers, earning less than minimum wage,” he said. “As low-wage workers in isolated, dependent positions, they had little ability to defend themselves or speak out.”

According to Harris, the women remained silent for years out of fear of losing their jobs and income. Some were employed simultaneously, but were too ashamed to discuss the alleged abuse with one another. Coming forward has unleashed a wave of emotions, he added.

The complaint outlines detailed allegations, including that one woman was assaulted at least 23 times between May 2014 and February 2020, often in areas of Robinson’s home without surveillance cameras.

Another plaintiff alleges she was assaulted at least 20 times during her 12-year employment beginning in 2012. The lawsuit claims Robinson would regularly lure her into his bedroom and initiate a disturbing “ritual,” emerging from the bathroom naked or nearly naked and placing a towel on the bed “to avoid soiling the linens for what was about to occur.”

Two additional plaintiffs describe similar experiences. One says she was assaulted at least seven times during the 13 months she worked for him.

2012

• One plaintiff begins working for Smokey Robinson.
• She alleges the sexual assaults began the same year and continued for the next 12 years.
• According to the lawsuit, Robinson repeatedly forced her into his bedroom, where he would initiate a “ritual” involving nudity and sexual assault.

May 2014 – February 2020

• Another plaintiff alleges Robinson assaulted her at least 23 times during this period.
• The assaults reportedly took place in areas of his Chatsworth home without security cameras.

Unspecified Dates

• A third plaintiff claims she worked for Robinson for 13 months, during which he allegedly assaulted her at least seven times.
• A fourth plaintiff’s employment timeline is not detailed, but she is also alleged to have endured similar abuse and ritualized behavior.

May 7, 2024 (approximate context date based on filing date)

• The four women come forward together with their legal team, led by attorney John Harris.

May 6, 2025

• A civil lawsuit is filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court, identifying the four plaintiffs as Jane Does 1–4.
• The lawsuit seeks at least $50 million in damages for ongoing sexual abuse and emotional distress.
• During a press conference, three of the plaintiffs appear wearing masks; one attends remotely.
• Attorney Harris emphasizes that all four women were Hispanic housekeepers earning below minimum wage, working in vulnerable conditions, and afraid to speak out due to fear of job loss.

Post-Filing

• As of the filing date, Smokey Robinson and his representatives have not publicly responded to the allegations.