Legendary Motown singer Smokey Robinson is facing serious legal trouble after multiple women have come forward with allegations of sexual assault, prompting the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department to launch a criminal investigation. The accusations, made public in a high-profile civil lawsuit, have now escalated, with law enforcement stepping in to examine the claims.
Robinson, best known for his soulful voice and timeless hits like “Cruisin'” and “Tears of a Clown,” has maintained his innocence through his legal team. His attorney, Christopher Frost, has strongly denied the allegations and suggested that the lawsuit and subsequent police report are part of a coordinated effort to exploit the 85-year-old music icon’s fame and fortune.
The Accusations: Four Jane Does, Three Police Reports
Earlier this month, four women—identified in court documents as Jane Does—filed a $50 million civil lawsuit against Robinson. The women claim they were employed as housekeepers in his home, where they allege Robinson engaged in repeated acts of sexual battery, assault, false imprisonment, and gender-based violence. According to the lawsuit, the incidents occurred while Robinson’s wife, Frances Gladney, was away from the house.
Now, the legal battle has taken a dramatic turn.
According to TMZ, three of the four women have filed official police reports with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. These reports triggered a criminal investigation conducted by the department’s Special Victims Unit, which specializes in sensitive cases involving sexual crimes.
Sources within law enforcement confirmed to TMZ that the investigation is still in its early stages. Detectives are reportedly planning to reach out directly to Robinson to obtain his side of the story and further evaluate the accusations.
Legal Teams Respond: Two Sides of a Controversy
The legal teams representing both parties have made public statements highlighting their drastically different interpretations of the situation.
Christopher Frost, Smokey Robinson’s lawyer, issued a statement to TMZ criticizing the timing of the police reports, which were filed only after the lawsuit had already made headlines. He stated:
“We are aware that a police report has now been filed by the Plaintiffs in the civil lawsuit. It is clear to us what is happening here. Plaintiffs filed a police report only after they filed a $50 million lawsuit. This means only that the police are now required to investigate. We welcome that investigation, which involves Plaintiffs who continue to hide their identities, because exposure to the truth is a powerful thing.”
Frost went on to call the civil suit a “desperate attempt to prejudice public opinion”, accusing the plaintiffs of turning the case into a media circus:
“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. The record will ultimately demonstrate that this is nothing more than a manufactured lawsuit intended to tarnish the good names of Smokey and Frances Robinson, for no other reason than unadulterated avarice.”
Meanwhile, the attorneys representing the alleged victims, John Harris and Herbert Hayden, welcomed the news of a formal criminal investigation. In a statement shared with TMZ, they emphasized the importance of law enforcement involvement:
“We are pleased to learn that the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department has opened a criminal investigation into our clients’ claims of sexual assault against Smokey Robinson. Our clients intend to fully cooperate with LASD’s ongoing investigation in the pursuit of seeking justice for themselves and others that may have been similarly assaulted by him.”
Alleged Pattern of Abuse
The lawsuit paints a disturbing picture of repeated abuse, with each woman alleging she was lured into private areas of Robinson’s residence under false pretenses, only to be sexually assaulted. According to the court documents, these incidents allegedly took place over a span of months, with some victims claiming they were threatened or manipulated into silence.
The lawsuit alleges Robinson targeted the women while his wife was away and used his power and celebrity status to intimidate them into compliance. The claims have sent shockwaves through the entertainment community, prompting both fans and fellow celebrities to watch the unfolding legal saga closely.
A Legendary Career Under Scrutiny
Smokey Robinson, an icon of American music, has been a staple in the industry for over six decades. As the frontman of The Miracles, he was a key figure in Motown Records’ early success, and later enjoyed a thriving solo career. His accolades include induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, numerous Grammy nominations, and a National Medal of Arts awarded by former President George W. Bush.
Robinson has long been celebrated for his romantic ballads and smooth persona, making the recent allegations all the more jarring to fans. In recent years, he has remained active, performing at major events and appearing in interviews discussing his music, spirituality, and legacy.
However, these latest developments threaten to overshadow his illustrious career. If charges are ultimately filed, it would mark one of the most dramatic falls from grace in Motown history.
Legal Experts Weigh In
Legal analysts suggest that the existence of both a civil suit and a criminal investigation could complicate matters. While the civil case seeks financial damages, the criminal investigation could lead to charges that carry prison time, depending on the evidence gathered.
According to celebrity legal expert Lisa Bloom, who has represented high-profile sexual assault accusers in the past:
“When multiple women come forward with similar claims, law enforcement tends to take a closer look. If corroborating evidence exists—like text messages, security footage, or witness testimony—the situation could escalate quickly. Even without a conviction, the court of public opinion can be incredibly damaging, especially for a celebrity with a long-standing public image.”
The Bigger Picture: #MeToo and Celebrity Accountability
The allegations against Robinson come amid ongoing conversations about power dynamics in the entertainment industry. Since the rise of the #MeToo movement, numerous high-profile figures have been accused—and in some cases convicted—of sexual misconduct.
While Robinson’s case remains under investigation and no criminal charges have been filed yet, it underscores how celebrity status no longer guarantees protection from serious allegations.
It also highlights the evolving role of public accountability. Social media users have begun discussing the case, with reactions ranging from disbelief and support for the alleged victims to defenses of Robinson’s legacy.
What’s Next?
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department will continue its investigation in the coming weeks. Investigators are expected to interview witnesses, gather evidence, and possibly question Robinson himself. It remains unclear whether the results of this inquiry will lead to formal charges.
Meanwhile, the civil lawsuit is also proceeding, with hearings expected later this year. The plaintiffs, through their attorneys, have reiterated their commitment to justice and their willingness to cooperate fully with law enforcement.
As of now, Smokey Robinson has not made a public statement regarding the allegations beyond what his attorney has said.
