Washington, May 16 -- A criminal investigation has been launched into the sexual assault allegations against legendary singer-songwriter Smokey Robinson, his attorneys and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department confirmed to Variety.

The singer was sued last week by former female employees alleging sexual battery, assault and false imprisonment.

The women are asking for a trial with general damages for several allegations of no less than USD 50 million.

Four Jane Does, who worked for the singer between 2006 and 2024, filed a suit against Robinson and his wife Frances in Los Angeles Superior Court on Tuesday, all making similar claims that Robinson sexually assaulted them during their employment as housekeepers at his Chatsworth, CA...