Smokey Robinson is now at the center of a criminal investigation following disturbing allegations of rape and sexual assault made by four of his former housekeepers.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has officially confirmed that its Special Victims Bureau is actively investigating the 85-year-old Motown legend over these criminal claims.
The accusations came to light after the four women filed a massive $50 million lawsuit earlier this month. According to the lawsuit, the alleged sexual assaults occurred over a 17-year period, from 2007 to 2024. The legal action paints a shocking picture of abuse and power dynamics behind closed doors in the life of one of the most iconic figures in American music history.
The investigation is still in its early stages, and the authorities haven’t released specific details about the nature of the claims or the timeline of events. In a statement shared with Fox News, a representative for the LASD said, “The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Special Victims Bureau is actively investigating criminal allegations involving William Robinson, aka ‘Smokey Robinson.’ The investigation is in the early stages, and we have no further comment.”
The criminal investigation follows on the heels of the civil lawsuit filed against Robinson. The timing of the police report has raised eyebrows among Robinson’s legal team, who believe this is a strategic move meant to intensify media attention and sway public opinion. His attorney, Christopher Frost, spoke out firmly, claiming this police involvement doesn’t change anything and only adds another layer to what they believe is a media stunt.
“We are aware that a police report has now been filed by the plaintiffs in the civil lawsuit,” Frost told Fox News. “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 insisted that Robinson had done nothing wrong and that the case was part of a calculated smear campaign aimed at damaging his reputation and dragging both Smokey and his wife, Frances Robinson, through the mud.
“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,” he continued. “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.”
The four women bringing the allegations forward have so far chosen to remain anonymous. But their attorneys, John Harris and Herbert Hayden, have fully welcomed the opening of a criminal investigation and said their clients are ready to work closely with law enforcement.
“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,” they said in a statement.
This latest development puts Smokey Robinson’s name on a growing list of celebrities who’ve recently been swept up in allegations involving sexual misconduct. The public nature of the investigation and the lawsuit guarantees that the story won’t be going away any time soon.
It’s also notable that these allegations span such a long time period-nearly two decades. That raises major questions about how the alleged abuse was allowed to continue for so long and why these women only felt safe coming forward now.
On one side, Robinson’s legal team is trying to frame this whole situation as a cash grab-accusing the plaintiffs of filing the police report only after the civil suit to intensify pressure. On the other side, the women’s attorneys are emphasizing the importance of justice and making sure any possible other victims feel supported enough to come forward.
Either way, the case is now very real and very public. The fact that the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is actively involved means it’s beyond just headlines and speculation-it’s in the hands of law enforcement.
As of now, no criminal charges have been filed, but the investigation is ongoing. Whether this ends up in court or not, the fallout from these allegations is already massive. Robinson’s camp insists he’ll be cleared. The plaintiffs are preparing to tell their story in full. And the public? They’re watching every move.
Jamie Wells has a knack for getting the inside scoop on Hollywood’s biggest stars and up-and-coming talent. With a sharp eye for industry trends and an ear for viral moments, Jamie covers everything from red-carpet events to behind-the-scenes drama in movies, TV, and celebrity culture.
