Smokey Robinson Faces New Sexual Battery Allegations as Former Employees Seek to Expand Lawsuit
Smokey Robinson is facing new sexual battery allegations as two additional former domestic employees move to join an existing lawsuit accusing the Motown singer of years of misconduct inside his homes in Los Angeles and Las Vegas. The new claims, one from a male former worker and another from a woman identified as Jane Doe 5, were detailed in a motion filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court this week.
The motion was submitted by attorneys representing four former housekeepers who filed a $50 million lawsuit against Robinson in May. They allege a long-running pattern in which Robinson allegedly isolated employees, coerced them into sexual acts, and used his status and access as leverage to silence objections. The new filing asks the court to permit both additional accusers to become co-plaintiffs in an amended complaint, arguing their experiences mirror the conduct already outlined in the original case.
One new accuser, identified as John Doe, says he worked as a car detailer and valet for Robinson and routinely encountered sexually inappropriate behavior. According to the filing, Doe alleges Robinson repeatedly fondled himself in his presence and, on at least one occasion, attempted to physically force Doe’s hand onto his erect penis. Attorneys claim the conduct occurred while Doe was performing routine duties on the property.
The second new accuser, Jane Doe 5, alleges she worked as a housekeeper between 2007 and 2011 and was subjected to similar treatment. In the motion, she says Robinson would summon her to a bathroom while showering, ask her to scrub his back, and then turn to face her while naked. On more than 10 occasions, she alleges, Robinson grabbed her hand and tried to force her into sexual contact before she managed to pull away and leave the room.
Robinson’s attorney, Christopher Frost, dismissed the new claims in a statement to Rolling Stone, calling the accusers part of an “organized, avaricious campaign to extract money from an 85-year-old legend.” Frost argued that the allegations are fabricated, generated for publicity, and part of what he described as a coordinated effort among employees with “ulterior motives.”
“This group of people, who hide behind anonymity, seek global publicity while making the ugliest of false allegations,” Frost said. He added that he believes the accusations will collapse under scrutiny.
Robinson and his wife, Frances Robinson, a co-defendant in the case, previously responded to the lawsuit by filing a $500 million countersuit for defamation and elder abuse. That filing accuses the original four housekeepers of attempting to “destroy the Robinsons’ reputation” despite being treated “as extended family” and receiving gifts, including trips, concert tickets, and even a car.
The initial lawsuit alleges that Robinson used opportunities when his wife was away to lure employees into private rooms, lock the door, and coerce them into sexual acts. Jane Doe 1 claims Robinson raped her multiple times between January 2023 and February 2024. Jane Doe 2 alleges more than 20 incidents of forced sexual contact between 2014 and 2020.
The similarities between earlier claims and the newly surfaced accounts are central to the plaintiffs’ argument that the two additional accusers should be added to the lawsuit. According to their attorney, John W. Harris, both individuals were already known to the Robinsons and “specifically named” in discovery requests, further supporting the motion.
“We commend these two courageous survivors for stepping forward and adding their voices,” Harris said. “Their claims reflect a pattern of behavior that our clients have already detailed.”
Robinson, one of Motown’s most enduring figures, maintains his innocence and denies every allegation put forward. His legal team has pledged an aggressive defense and insists the case will reveal “fabrications motivated by financial gain.”
The motion to expand the lawsuit is scheduled for Jan. 6. A full trial date has been set for Oct. 11, 2027.
