Motown legend Smokey Robinson is facing accusations of sexual assault from four former employees.

In the complaint filed to the Los Angeles Superior Court, the former Motown record executive, 85, was accused of sexual battery, assault, false imprisonment, gender violence and creating a hostile work environment by four women who worked for him.

The plaintiffs claim that Smokey’s alleged sexual battery was “willful, wanton, and malicious, with a conscious disregard” of their “rights, privacy, and feelings.”

Also named in the lawsuit is Smokey’s wife, Frances Robinson.

The alleged attacks are said to have taken place at the singer’s Los Angeles home between 2007 and 2024, according to the women, who are seeking at least $50m in damages in the civil case.

They also accuse the singer of creating a hostile work environment, forcing them to work illegally long hours and failing to pay what they were owed.

In his initial reaction to the accusations, the former Miracles frontman said, “I am appalled,” Robinson said, adding, “I can’t speak about this right now.”