United Kingdom, May 16 -- Smokey Robinson is under criminal investigation after being accused of rape and sexual assault.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department has confirmed that its special victims bureau is now "actively investigating criminal allegations" against the 85-year-old music star, who is facing accusations of rape and sexual assault from four former housekeepers.

In a statement shared with Fox News, a representative for the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department 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."

Earlier this month,...