Smokey Robinson, the legendary Motown singer-songwriter and former frontman of The Miracles, is facing serious legal trouble in 2025. Four former employees have filed a civil lawsuit against him in Los Angeles County Superior Court, alleging sexual assault, unpaid wages, and labor violations. The claims include incidents dating back nearly two decades and have cast a shadow over the career of one of R&B’s most celebrated voices.
Despite the allegations, Smokey Robinson’s net worth is currently estimated at $150 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. The 84-year-old entertainer, known for classics like The Tracks of My Tears and Tears of a Clown, has built a decades-spanning career. But now, his legacy is being tested in a very public and serious way.
The Allegations
On May 6, 2025, a lawsuit was filed on behalf of four Latina women who previously worked as housekeepers in the Robinson household. They have chosen to remain anonymous and are identified in the complaint as Jane Doe 1 through 4. Their legal representation, attorney John Harris of Harris & Hayden, held a press conference outlining the gravity of the claims.
According to the complaint, the women accuse Smokey Robinson of multiple counts of sexual assault, sexual battery, emotional distress, gender-based violence, and false imprisonment. One of the most serious accusations alleges a rape in 2007, in what was referred to as the “blue bedroom” of the singer’s Chatsworth home in Southern California.
The plaintiffs also state that many of the assaults occurred when Frances Robinson, Smokey’s wife, was not home, and often in areas deliberately outside the view of the household’s surveillance system. The lawsuit also names Frances Robinson as a co-defendant, accusing her of enabling the abuse by failing to intervene despite allegedly being aware of her husband’s actions.
The homes named in the lawsuit span multiple properties: Chatsworth, Las Vegas, and Bell Canyon in Ventura County.
Labor Violations and Wage Disputes
In addition to the serious claims of abuse, the lawsuit also alleges extensive labor violations. According to court documents, the women were paid between $10 and $18 per hour, significantly below the applicable California minimum wage for live-in or long-shift domestic workers.
One of the plaintiffs, who also served as Frances Robinson’s personal assistant and cook, earned $15 an hour, which was eventually raised to $20. All four women claim they worked six days a week, ten hours per day, without proper breaks, overtime pay, or holiday compensation—despite working on holidays and during extended hours.
They are seeking no less than $50 million in damages, citing the long-term emotional, physical, and financial impact of the alleged abuse and wage theft.
Smokey Robinson: Legacy and Public Persona
Born on February 19, 1940, in Detroit, Michigan, William “Smokey” Robinson Jr. helped shape American soul music. As a founding member of The Miracles, Robinson became one of the most influential artists and songwriters of the Motown era. His smooth vocals, poetic lyrics, and commercial success contributed to Motown’s global rise in the 1960s and 70s.
Songs like Ooo Baby Baby, I Second That Emotion, and Cruisin’ remain staples of soul and R&B playlists. Beyond his own hits, Robinson wrote and produced for Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, and The Supremes, solidifying his place as a powerhouse behind the scenes.
Over the years, Robinson has received numerous honors, including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Until recently, his public persona remained mostly untarnished—a blend of old-school charm and quiet success.
Wealth, Real Estate, and Business Ventures
With a career spanning over six decades, Robinson’s fortune reflects music royalties, concert earnings, licensing, and real estate investments. His estimated net worth of $150 million includes ownership of multiple properties, including the Chatsworth home at the center of the 2025 lawsuit.
Robinson has also dabbled in business. In the 2000s, he launched a skincare line, and more recently, he ventured into the cannabis industry, promoting wellness products under his own name. Combined with steady income from Motown catalog royalties, these ventures helped maintain his financial standing even as he slowed down his touring schedule.
The Legal Road Ahead
As of now, neither Smokey Robinson nor Frances Robinson has made a public statement addressing the lawsuit. The case is in its early stages, and no criminal charges have been filed—only civil claims. Still, the nature and specificity of the allegations could lead to further legal complications depending on the outcomes of depositions and possible future investigations.
Attorney John Harris emphasized the courage of the women involved, stating that they had “endured years of exploitation in silence” and are now seeking accountability and justice.
Public Reaction and Industry Response
While fans of Robinson have expressed shock, others note that the music industry has increasingly faced its reckoning in recent years. From #MeToo-era revelations to labor abuse claims among domestic workers in celebrity homes, these stories highlight ongoing systemic vulnerabilities, especially among immigrant and low-wage workers.
So far, there has been no official comment from Motown Records or music industry figures close to Robinson.
Final Thoughts
Smokey Robinson’s reputation as a beloved figure in American music is now under serious scrutiny. With a $150 million net worth and a name recognized globally, the implications of the lawsuit could stretch far beyond a single court case. As the legal process unfolds, the outcome will not only affect the Robinsons but could shape broader conversations around accountability, labor rights, and celebrity power dynamics.
