Motown legend Smokey Robinson is under criminal investigation in Los Angeles over accusations of sexual assault. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department confirmed it had launched a formal inquiry into the allegations, saying the probe was in the “early stages”
Motown legend Smokey Robinson is under active criminal investigation in Los Angeles following a string of sexual assault allegations.
The probe comes just weeks after a £410 million civil lawsuit was filed by four anonymous women accusing the 85-year-old singer-songwriter of abuse, false imprisonment, and gender violence. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department confirmed its Special Victims Bureau has opened an investigation into the allegations. “The investigation is in the early stages, and we have no further comment,” the department told the Mirror.
The legal action, filed on May 6 in Los Angeles Superior Court, alleges that Robinson sexually abused four Hispanic women who worked as housekeepers in his home.
The plaintiffs – identified only as Jane Does 1 through 4 – claim the abuse spanned nearly two decades, beginning in 2006, and included incidents of coerced sex, physical intimidation, and the creation of a hostile work environment.
Robinson, a powerful figure in American music and one of Motown’s original hitmakers, has denied all allegations. His attorney, Christopher Frost, accused the plaintiffs of fabricating their claims in a bid for financial gain.
“We feel confident that a determination will be made that Mr Robinson did nothing wrong, and that this is a desperate attempt to prejudice public opinion and make even more of a media circus than the Plaintiffs were previously able to create,” Frost said. “The truth will come out. Exposure to the truth is a powerful thing.”
Frost dismissed the lawsuit as “manufactured” and said that the only reason a police investigation was initiated was because the plaintiffs had filed a formal report. He also criticised the inclusion of Robinson’s wife, Frances in the lawsuit, where she is accused of contributing to an abusive work environment.
According to the 27-page complaint, the plaintiffs allege that Robinson repeatedly pressured them into sexual encounters, physically blocked exits to prevent them from leaving rooms, and created an atmosphere of fear and coercion.
Some women said they delayed coming forward due to concerns over retaliation, public shaming, or fears that speaking out might endanger their immigration status.
At a press conference held shortly after the lawsuit was filed, the women’s attorneys described Robinson as a “serial and sick rapist who must be stopped.”
The women seek at least $50 million (£37.5 million) each for 11 of the 16 causes for action, plus damages for five other causes. Robinson’s legal team denounced the press event as a “bizarre” and “manipulative” attempt to sway public opinion.
Frost said the lawsuit is part of an orchestrated media campaign and promised that a formal legal response is forthcoming.
“We will have more to say in the coming days as we make our legal response, and in time Mr Robinson will respond in his own words,” the lawyer added. “We ask anyone following this case to reserve judgment as the evidence comes to light and all the actual facts of the case unfold.”
Smokey Robinson, born William Robinson Jr., is a legendary figure in the music industry.
As one of the founding artists at Motown Records, he was instrumental in shaping the sound of 1960s soul and R&B. He penned numerous chart-topping hits, including “My Girl” for The Temptations and “My Guy” for Mary Wells, and had his own success with songs like “Tracks of My Tears” and “Tears of a Clown.”
In addition to his songwriting and performing career, Robinson served as a producer and talent scout for Motown, helping to shape the careers of countless artists. He is a member of both the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and claims songwriting credits on more than 4,000 tracks.
