Lawyers for four of singer Smokey Robinson's former housekeepers filed a lawsuit against the singer and his wife earlier in May.

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 confirm to Variety.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said Thursday that it has opened a criminal investigation into rape and sexual assault allegations against Smokey Robinson.