Smokey Robinson is a Motown legend famous for founding and fronting the Miracles. Robinson left the group in 1972, 17 years after its formation, to focus on executive duties as Motown’s vice president. The following year, he launched his solo career, a move that earned him his first Grammy Award. 

Smokey Robinson is not gay despite widespread rumors suggesting he is queer

Smokey Robinson is not gay. He hasn’t been in a public relationship with a man or come out as queer. 

The debate surrounding Smokey Robinson’s sexuality has raged for a long time. Twitter shows that people have been inquiring and speculating about Smokey’s sexual orientation for over a decade. 

Robinson supports the LGBTQ+ community, but he is not gay. â€śI believe in equal rights for everybody,” Robinson told Billboard. “I don’t think there should be discrimination against anybody.”

The celebrated singer and songwriter also donated to LGBTQ+ organizations. He performed at the Stonewall 50 World Pride event in 2019, which marked the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots and donated to LGBTQ+ charities. 

Robinson and his wife, Frances Gladney, own the skincare brand Skinphonic

Frances Gladney and Smokey Robinson
Michael Tran/Getty Images

Robinson and his first wife, Claudette Rogers, a fellow Miracles member, welcomed two kids, Berry and Tamla. After Robinson admitted to having a son, Trey, with another woman, he filed for legal separation. The couple’s marriage, marred by allegations of infidelity, ended in 1986. 

In 2002, Robinson married Frances Gladney. The pair own a winery in Pittsburgh and the skincare brand Skinphonic. Robinson told The Cut that he takes care of his skin, unlike most men who fail to take care of their skin.

The singer’s looks and fashion sense contribute to the rumors about his sexuality, but he doesn’t seem to mind. He told The Cut:

“Men are not as conscious of taking care of their skin as women. Since I’ve been using the product, it has smoothed my skin out. I’m black, I ash, I play golf, I’m out in the sun, I do all that kind of stuff, and my skin is smooth.”