LEGAL WOES

Smokey Robinson Offers First Comments on Shocking Sexual Assault Allegations

In an “incoherent” interview with The Daily Mail, the Motown singer gave a shockingly brief response to claims made by four former housekeepers.

Smokey Robinson has offered an abrupt response to sexual assault allegations recently leveled against him: “I am appalled.” The Motown legend, 85, spoke with The Daily Mail just a day after he and his wife, Frances Gladney, were hit with a lawsuit detailing shocking allegations of sexual harassment and rape filed in Los Angeles by four women who say they were employed as housekeepers at Robinson’s home between 2007 and 2024. The women allege Robinson created a hostile work environment by regularly screaming at them, using “ethnically pejorative language” and forcing unwanted sexual contact. Their suit also alleges that Gladney was aware of her husband’s conduct, and had participated in settling cases with “other women that suffered and experienced similar sexual assaults perpetuated by him.” The four women are seeking $50 million in damages. According to The Daily Mail, Robinson “did not sound well” when he answered a reporter’s phone call, and began “mumbling incoherently” shortly after providing his brief statement. He then ended the call by saying, “I can’t speak about this right now.”