Smokey Robinson — one of the most celebrated figures in American music, a Motown icon whose voice and songwriting shaped decades of pop and soul — is now facing a widening civil lawsuit after new accusers stepped forward alleging misconduct during their time working in his household. The case, already contentious and closely watched, has escalated again with the addition of a new woman and the first male accuser seeking to join the existing suit.

The claims come on the heels of a separate lawsuit Robinson and his wife, Frances Gladney Robinson, have filed accusing a group of individuals of defamation, civil conspiracy, and elder financial exploitation — legal action that Robinson’s attorney says is directly tied to what he characterizes as a coordinated and dishonest campaign against the 85-year-old singer.

As the dueling allegations mount, the conflict appears poised to develop into a protracted clash involving multiple plaintiffs, competing legal narratives, and intense public scrutiny of one of the most respected names in the music industry.

The Newest Accusations: A Fifth Jane Doe and a John Doe Seek to Join the Case

TMZ first reported that two new individuals — a fifth Jane Doe and the lawsuit’s first John Doe — have filed motions to join the existing civil action originally brought in May by four women who previously worked in the Robinson household.

The John Doe Allegations

The male accuser claims he worked for the Robinsons beginning around 2013, primarily cleaning and maintaining the couple’s vehicles at their home in Chatsworth, California. In filings reviewed by TMZ, he alleges that Robinson at times appeared in minimal clothing while he was working and engaged in behavior he considered inappropriate.

The accuser claims the alleged conduct escalated in or around 2022, after which he says he was dismissed from employment. He states that he returned to work approximately a year later at the request of Robinson’s wife but alleges that the behavior resumed, ultimately prompting him to leave the job permanently due to concerns for his well-being.

The Fifth Jane Doe

The new female accuser seeking to join the action states that she worked as a housekeeper in the Robinson home and experienced multiple instances of unwanted physical contact, which she describes in filings as deeply distressing. She alleges that such incidents occurred more than ten times.

Both individuals claim the alleged conduct caused severe emotional distress and humiliation and contributed to their decisions to leave their positions.

These allegations have not been proven in court.

Smokey Robinson’s Attorney Responds: “A Campaign to Extract Money”

Attorney Christopher Frost, representing Robinson and his wife, has strongly rejected all claims brought by the plaintiffs — both the original four and the two individuals now seeking to join.

In a statement provided to TMZ, Frost positioned the lawsuits as part of a broader, coordinated effort aimed at exploiting Robinson’s age and legacy:

“These plaintiffs are part of the same group of people who have conspired together against the Robinsons and are laying out their claims for maximum adverse publicity.”

Frost says the Robinsons’ own lawsuit — filed earlier against a set of anonymous defendants — alleges defamation, civil conspiracy, and elder exploitation. He states that the claims surfacing now are the continuation of that same alleged effort.

“This has been an organized, avaricious campaign to extract money from an 85-year-old legend,” Frost said.

According to Frost, the plaintiffs and their attorneys have refused to disclose information or evidence that would allow the District Attorney or civil courts to properly investigate their claims:

“For obvious reasons, this group refuses to be forthcoming with all the evidence possible to investigate their own claims,” Frost said. “Once the public can see the truth, their motives and fabricated claims will be revealed.”

Robinson’s legal team maintains that the singer is the target of false allegations and that the plaintiffs’ identities are obscured to avoid accountability.

Background: The Original Lawsuit Filed in May

The legal battle began in May, when four Jane Does — former housekeepers employed by the Robinsons — filed a civil lawsuit alleging misconduct including unwanted touching, harassment, and inappropriate behavior.

At that time, Frost denounced the lawsuit as a “shakedown,” asserting that the claims were unfounded and crafted to damage Robinson’s reputation. The Robinsons later filed their own suit against the anonymous group they believe is responsible for spreading defamatory statements.

With the addition of two more accusers, the allegations against Robinson now span nearly a decade, multiple former employees, and a range of personal and professional interactions.

The civil courts will now determine whether the claims have merit — and whether the new accusers will be allowed to join the existing case.

The Robinsons’ Countersuit: Defamation, Conspiracy, and Elder Abuse Allegations

The Robinsons’ countersuit raises its own significant claims, asserting that the anonymous individuals now suing the couple are part of an organized network making false accusations designed to extract money through public pressure.

According to Frost, the Robinsons have already asked the courts to require the plaintiffs to:

Reveal their identities

Turn over relevant evidence

Share deposition transcripts with prosecutors

He says the plaintiffs have so far refused to cooperate.

Robinson and his wife argue that the allegations have caused profound emotional harm and reputational damage to the singer — a cultural figure whose contributions to American music span more than six decades.

Their suit alleges that the group’s conduct constitutes elder financial exploitation, a serious claim that, if validated, could significantly shift the legal dynamics.

The Public Reaction: Shock, Complication, and Conflicting Narratives

Smokey Robinson is widely regarded as one of the most influential performers in music history. His career at Motown Records helped define the sound of the 1960s and 1970s, and his songs remain timeless staples of American culture.

Because of this, the public reaction to the allegations — even unproven ones — has been intense and conflicted. Fans and observers are grappling with two very different narratives:

Narrative 1: A revered artist accused by multiple former employees

Six individuals, all claiming to have worked in the Robinson household at different points, allege misconduct and distressing interactions over several years.

Narrative 2: A coordinated conspiracy to defame and extort an elderly celebrity

Robinson’s legal team argues that the plaintiffs’ claims are fabricated, organized, and driven by financial motives — and that their anonymity allows them to avoid accountability.

These two competing stories will now play out in civil court, where evidence, testimony, and cross-examination — not public opinion — will determine the outcome.

Will Criminal Charges Follow? Not Necessarily

Despite the civil allegations, there is no indication that criminal charges are being pursued at this time.

Robinson’s attorney has stated that he wants deposition transcripts shared with the District Attorney’s office — a move he says would reveal inconsistencies and undermine the plaintiffs’ allegations.

Civil cases do not carry criminal penalties, and the burden of proof is significantly lower than in criminal proceedings. Whether criminal authorities choose to investigate will depend on evidence provided — not on the mere filing of a civil lawsuit.

What Comes Next: A Complex Legal Road Ahead

This case is still in its early stages. The next major developments will likely include:

1. Judge’s decision on whether to allow the new accusers to join

The court will determine whether their experiences are sufficiently similar to be litigated alongside the original group.

2. Motions for discovery

Both sides will request documents, communications, and other evidence.

3. Potential hearings on anonymity

Robinson’s team may continue pushing for the plaintiffs’ identities to be revealed.

4. Possible settlement discussions

Though unlikely at this stage, civil cases often enter negotiation phases.

5. Depositions

Witnesses, plaintiffs, and potentially the Robinsons themselves may be questioned under oath.

Given the seriousness of the accusations — and the passionate denials — neither side appears interested in backing down.

A Legacy at Stake

Smokey Robinson’s contributions to music are virtually unparalleled. He is:

A Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee

A Kennedy Center Honoree

A Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award recipient

A songwriter behind some of the most beloved songs ever recorded

That legacy now intersects with a complex, emotionally charged, and deeply contested set of allegations.

Whether this lawsuit becomes a brief chapter or a defining moment in Robinson’s later years may depend entirely on what happens next inside the courtroom.