Mine is an Industry website which ignores celebrity news unless it's business oriented. So the reason I'm writing about Rob Lowe right now is because he's helping showbiz stars try to protect their personal lives against threats of blackmail. His effort should profoundly impact the commercial trafficking in Hollywood celebrity.
The co-star of ABC's Brothers & Sisters and political supporter of California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger blogged on The Huffington Post today to expose what he termed a "household betrayal". But also reps for the actor and his wife Sheryl wanted me to know that the couple also filed individual lawsuits today against three former household employees who'd all signed confidentiality agreements. The legal action came, I'm told, after Lowe had his people spend several days investigating the claims of a nanny who'd worked for his family on and off for 7 years. The actor said on his blog she allegedly demanded payment of $1.5 million by the end of the week or she would accuse the couple of a "vicious laundry list of false terribles". But a Lowe spokesman told me that "the thorough probe of all former nannies and estate managers, as well as employees of Rob's production company, could find no one who had ever seen Rob or Sheryl doing anything inappropriate."
According to the Lowe rep, "Instead of paying off as most celebrities do, he decided that you have to make a stand on this. That's very very rare and unusual. Most people try to sweep these things under the rug because the allegations are so damaging if they get out. But Rob was not going to be blackmailed. So he's fighting it."
The lawsuits consist of two filed in Santa Barbara County and one filed in Los Angeles County. The complaint in Santa Barbara Superior Court accuses the Lowe family's former "long-term" nanny Jessica Gibson of breach of the written contract, defamation, breach of the duty of loyalty, breach of fiduciary duty, intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligent affliction of emotional distress, intentional misrepresentation, negligent misrepresentation, trespassing, and abuse of process.
The other Santa Barbara complaint accuses ex-Lowe family chef Peter Clements of breach of the written contract, breach of written release agreement, defamation, breach of the duty of loyalty, breach of fiduciary duty, intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligent affliction of emotional distress, intentional misrepresentation, negligent misrepresentation, and trespassing.
And the suit in L.A. Superior Court accuses one-time Lowe family "short-term" nanny Laura Boyce of breach of the written contract, defamation, breach of the duty of loyalty, breach of fiduciary duty, intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligent affliction of emotional distress, intentional misrepresentation and negligent misrepresentation.
Blogged Lowe: "Everyone knows we live in a time where public figures are targets. But I also know of many people in everyday life who are paying the price of a climate where anyone can accuse anybody of anything, anytime, and hope for a big cash pay-off at the end. 'Hush money' to just go away. Well I won't go away. No one intimidates my family. My wife and I have many former and long term employees, all of whom know this woman, who can and will refute any claims of anything inappropriate in our home, or anywhere else. We will defend ourselves with vigor and without fear."
I won't repeat all the very personal details -- because I'm sure sites like TMZ will.
Sorry, Nikki, usually we agree with you, but not in this case.
Rob Lowe has been given bad advice, i.e. the best defense is a vicious offense.
Nobody is buying it, and he is coming off as a guilty putz, smearing this woman in the press.
Celebs are out of control thinking they are untouchable and can cry “extortion” when they are nailed on wrong doing.
It is really really disturbing that Rob Lowe is conducting a smear-the-victim-campaign.
Also, his comment that sexual harassment should be punished when “proved-up with documentation and witnesses” is absurd. When is sexual harassment conducted with witnesses and documentation?
Comment by Get a new lawyer, Rob — April 7, 2008 @ 3:53 pm
Yeah, I really feel for those celebrities. It’s got to be crazy keeping their privacy (those that really want it and don’t sell it away, Britney I’m talking to you). Every person they employ or meet for a second may sell some info about them. Rob shouldn’t stand for that. Blackmail is very serious. If I were a celebrity, I’d be paranoid.
Comment by mla28 — April 7, 2008 @ 4:08 pm
I believe Rob Lowe’s words 100%. There’s not a doubt in my mind that he and Sheryl are completely innocent of what they’re being accused. I think this pre-emptive action is the smartest thing Rob could have done to protect himself and his family. Go Rob!
Comment by Jesse — April 7, 2008 @ 4:54 pm
It’s about simply about money. The workers see a fat paycheck for just saying something rather than having to do any actual manual labor. This is when the character of a person comes through. Could you sleep at night after you ruined what someone worked hard to achieve? Sadly the answer these days to many people is yes. Selfishness on the part of the employees. You are a good employee for a celebrity and the word spreads and you can work for years at a good job. If you go shady you may get a quick payout, but will never work again. Blow the money and your back living in Riverside with the other trash.
Comment by Jack — April 7, 2008 @ 5:01 pm
Almost makes me think twice about hiring servants.
Comment by Jim Nabors — April 7, 2008 @ 5:04 pm
No way - I absolutely agree with Rob & his wife. Why pay these people off? I’ve been in situations, where I’ve paid off the $41 a company keeps charging me regardless of how often they agree they’re wrong. in the end, if it is going to damage my credit report, i succomb and just pay it, despite the principal of not wanting anyone to get something they don’t deserve.
same applies here - there are really bad people who are ready to take advantage of anyone large enough.
Comment by Mary — April 7, 2008 @ 5:11 pm
The sad thing is, most rich people treat the help like sub-humans. Should have settled. It’s a no win for Lowe.
Comment by Frank — April 7, 2008 @ 5:16 pm
Not trying to dog the guy if he’s truly innocent, but isn’t this the same Rob Lowe who had sex with an underage girl?
My only point in this case is who to believe?
Lowe has a record.
Comment by Eric — April 7, 2008 @ 5:30 pm
Where are the criminal charges? Isn’t blackmail illegal? If this is all false, why isn’t this going to criminal court?
Comment by Astyanax — April 7, 2008 @ 5:54 pm
Who cares? If they took the job and signed agreements they should abide by them.
Comment by jasjfarrell — April 7, 2008 @ 5:55 pm
I applaud Rob Lowe. Of course, Tom Cruise set the initial example by standing up to blackmail demands re pictures of Suri. Celebrities should have a right to their private lives as other people. Where is it written (except by the papparazzi) that they should not? Go, Rob!
Comment by Anonymous — April 7, 2008 @ 6:10 pm
As someone who is somewhat of a celebrity myself - having worked in show business for ove two decades - I have to applaud Rob for his stance on this issue.
Being a “public figure” doesn’t mean that people can do whatever they want to us without risk of legal action.
It’s about integrity and principles.
Brett
Comment by Brett Meisner — April 7, 2008 @ 7:04 pm
How can anyone defend a former employee who wants to spill the beans and make some money.
I support Rob’s decision to go public. The media absolutely ruin people’s lives with lies and personal stories that are no one’s business.
Comment by miss priss — April 7, 2008 @ 7:07 pm
What is turning so many people in to selfish, lying parasites? Will everyone over a certain income one day be forced by law to hold a potlatch?
Comment by Agnitio Veridicus — April 7, 2008 @ 7:15 pm
This is what our culture has become: a culture of self-righteous whistle-blowers and finger-pointers who prey upon the frailties of others. It isn’t just celebrities who are victimized by people like Lowe’s former employee. They work alongside you and me. They are fellow parishioners, colleagues, so-called friends.
It’s sad. If Lowe has done something wrong, then Chef Knickertwist should go to the police. If it is a family matter or anything else which is not illegal, then he should shut the h*ll up. It sounds like extortion to me, and I applaud Rob for taking a stand.
It makes me ill when I hear people badmouthing others for self-gain, self-aggrandizement (or worse) for sport.
Rob, scr*w this guy into the ground. Pursue him relentlessly so that others think twice before resorting to extortion. If everyone did it, may people wouldn’t think about it once. Post an address, Rob, and I’ll contribute to a prosecution fund.
Comment by mike — April 7, 2008 @ 7:18 pm
I’m very interested in knowing the demarcation line in these confidentiality agreements. Are the servants really prohibited from saying anything that the employer may find offensive/invasive?
Comment by harkin — April 7, 2008 @ 7:35 pm
I think it’s way too early to speculate.
Public opinion is being, and will continue to be, manipulated for the foreseeable future, so I would prefer to separate the facts from the spin as this plays itself out.
Motives will soon become apparent and that will tend to suggest both the truth and the heart of the matter at hand.
Stacy Harris
Publisher/Editor
Stacy’s Music Row Report
http://www.countrymusicreport.com/Stacyharris.htm
Comment by Stacy Harris — April 7, 2008 @ 8:05 pm
Who cares? The sooner we all quit paying attention, the sooner this dies.
If this is important to a person, it says something about their non-existant life.
I honestly suspect the help are the one’s trying to take advantage and as this is going to trial, I pray they are financially ruined by legal fees. What good are the non-disclosures if you can’t enforce.
Comment by Brock — April 7, 2008 @ 8:09 pm
Anybody can accuse anybody of anything…..it is more likely that whatever Hollywood is accused of is real, and worse than what is reported.
Comment by Bob — April 7, 2008 @ 8:09 pm
I was gonna become rich and famous … but now I won’t.
Comment by dNova — April 7, 2008 @ 8:12 pm
Are you really going to discredit Rob Lowe over something he did 30 years ago? He had a pretty wild youth but he grew up and he seems to be a devoted husband and father…I hope he wins this.
Comment by Susan — April 7, 2008 @ 8:35 pm
Celebs suing the people they employ, per usual. Celebrities ARE BULLIES with money.
If he was innocent of the charges he would just laugh it off.
BUT since he’s suing, I want to know all the details, and I think he’s already GUILTY.
I hope they pick ME to be in the trial.
Comment by lol Rob is LOW as usual — April 7, 2008 @ 8:43 pm
You know, the first thing I thought when I read this post was about Rob’s underage girl incident, and I had the opposite reaction: He’s the perfect guy to fight against an allegation like this, because 1) He probably tried to negotiate his way out the first time, lost anyway, and won’t screw up the same way twice, and 2) he believes he’s capable of surviving (as a human, exclusive from his career) if the smear stain sticks. He isn’t concerned with the precedent of his victory, and that must shock the hell out of everyone in Hollywood. What could be more important to a celebrity than a screen career? It’s more than a job, it’s an adventure!
Have to say, also: I’m poor and unfamous, and I cringe when someone feels justified attacking celebrities because they can afford it, financially or otherwise. It’s reverse-classism, and the main reason it’s unfair is because poor people who are stupid and mean are stupid and mean in the exact same ways. So you don’t have a nanny, eh? Guess you could never sexually abuse anyone…
Go get ‘em, Rob. I have no idea if you’re telling the truth, but there’s NO WAY it’s morally correct to pay hush money. Now THAT’S the kind of revelation that would turn me against the Lowes.
Comment by Dave — April 7, 2008 @ 8:46 pm
That’s brave - beating up the woman who has devoted seven years to cleaning up after your kids. Rob is a loser.
Comment by Bill — April 7, 2008 @ 8:50 pm
I agree with Rob. Fight back and hit hard. Unless, of course, you are guilty.
Comment by Jonathan — April 7, 2008 @ 9:16 pm
Let the Courts decide those that are lying and let those lying pay.
Comment by agmines — April 7, 2008 @ 9:24 pm
Rob,
Way to go Rob!
Notice how, “Get a new lawyer” just jumped on this?
Hey…get a new job. Hey…what is wrong with your legislature in California? Last one out, please take the US flag…apparently they don’t need it with the laws they have.
Comment by Leonard — April 7, 2008 @ 9:32 pm
I don’t know Robb or his family- or anything about this story until now. The courtroom will decide who is telling the truth. I do know if I was in his shoes I would be bringing the gates of hell against these two- and I would care less how it looked! My family comes first over any of you.
Comment by pepper — April 7, 2008 @ 9:36 pm
Too many comments making judgements both ways when noone has any real facts. He’s wise to strike back and let the courts settle the issue. He can afford it. Let’s just hope the judge and jury haven’t made up their minds already–like many who have commented above.
Comment by Rick — April 7, 2008 @ 9:57 pm
Rob Lowe’s dad is an attorney. It’s probably in his blood.
I still don’t understand why women married to such rich and famous men need servants to raise her kids.
Comment by GladGirl — April 7, 2008 @ 10:16 pm
clean your own house
Comment by Matt — April 8, 2008 @ 5:21 am
BLACKMAIL IS BLACKMAIL. Nail her to the wall!
Comment by Phil — April 8, 2008 @ 5:23 am
How Lowe can one be?
Comment by Dinky Hooser — April 8, 2008 @ 5:35 am
I’m amazed so many people here know enough about the case to throw themselves 100% behind either side.
A someone who is uninformed about anything but the contents of this article, I can’t find anything wrong with what Mr. Lowe is saying. If you find yourself under attack, you can choose how to defend yourself. A legal attack is simply the same weapon being used against him.
It could be that he has “misbehaved”, and is covering through a “vigorous offense”, but I can’t be sure one way or the other. I guess I’m not an expert.
Comment by So many experts here! — April 8, 2008 @ 5:52 am
comment by Bill (@8:50 pm): That’s brave - beating up the woman who has devoted seven years to cleaning up after your kids. Rob is a loser.
devoted? You think this woman took care of his children out of devotion and charity? No, she did it as a JOB. It was her choice to be employed as a nanny.
Comment by jeanette — April 8, 2008 @ 5:56 am
LOL Jim Nabors, that was funny…It makes me thing twice about hiring servants too!
Comment by Barbara — April 8, 2008 @ 5:58 am
how utterly meaningless, the world is going to hell in a hand basket, does this kind of thing really matter in the scheme of things?
Comment by jim — April 8, 2008 @ 6:00 am
Some of these celebrities are crazier than anything. If they abuse their employees, I would feel less morally compelled to honor a so called contract, if there is such a contract.
Respect is a two way street.
Comment by Rickyr — April 8, 2008 @ 6:05 am
I say ‘bravo’ Rob Lowe! There is absolutely no reason for any family, celebrity or not, to cave to threats of blackmail and extortion made by scumbags like Jessica Gibson and her ilk. I say sue the living sh*t out of these people Rob, make them pay and pay dearly. Any coward can pay hush money, it takes real courage to stand up for yourself. Good for you, Cheryl and your family!
Comment by Jack Reynolds — April 8, 2008 @ 6:42 am
If Rob Lowe and his wife are backed up by other nannies/household help as not have any false terribles, then I would think this nanny has some explaining to do.
Comment by redwhiterose — April 8, 2008 @ 6:54 am
Get a new lawyer, Rob,
You know this how? Do you have details, are you a employee of Rob’s? If not your talking, but not speaking facts…..
Comment by lettehmbe — April 8, 2008 @ 7:36 am
Get a vicious lawyer? Bad advice indeed. Lawyers are like hemorrhoids.
Comment by Schratboy, Boulder CO — April 8, 2008 @ 7:55 am
Sue her pants off Rob! Whether or not celebs need hired help or not isn’t the issue. I just think all the parasites who try to leach off them for money, especially those who blackmail and sell information ought to get smacked for it. Shockingly, people outside of Hollywood make a living without selling out their former employers. These people are just scum playing a victim, get a job and stop trying to cash in money you didn’t earn.
Many people in this country are working hard and struggling to succeed, so when i see this “nanny” trying to cash in it makes me sick and she ought to be ashamed, get a life you loser.Sue her to hell Rob!
(i say this as a non-hollywood related, liberal person who makes $30k a year, I ain’t rich)
Comment by Kevin — April 8, 2008 @ 8:05 am
I don’t have anything to add to the above. I’m just a big looser with no life so I read blogs like this and my usual important ,insiteful comments. Darfur, Iran, the election, racisim by candidates. none of that bothers or concerns me. It’s what’s going on in Rob Lowe’s personal life that matters to me . When I’m done here next stop Rosie’s blog! The mother ship of cyper waste! I feel comfortable there.
Comment by The big "L" — April 8, 2008 @ 8:23 am
I am discusted by those that say Lowe should either pay blackmail or not sue to secure his rights. These people seem to have a total lack of empathy (look it up in dictionary). Based on Lowes’ contracts with their employees, they had a total and complete expectation of privacy (as regards what goes on in their home, in private). We all should respect and be willing to fight (typically legally) for each other’s right to privacy and the pursuit of liberty. The Lowes’ already forfeit much of their privacy because Rob is a public figure. Let’s back off, let’s get a life and let them live theirs.
Comment by Peak Interest — April 8, 2008 @ 8:53 am
How does Rob Lowe defend his friendship and defense of Wendy McCaw, publisher of the Santa Barbara News Press, who is attempting to ruin her former editor’s life with unsubstantiated child porn innuendo? I guess he’s rich and famous enough to have it both ways.
Comment by Santa Barbara Resident — April 8, 2008 @ 8:53 am
Actually by fighting back could boost his career more than ever, plus help out everyone in hollywood. They should press criminal charges too.
Comment by gbg liquid vitamins — April 8, 2008 @ 9:00 am
it`s about time someone takes a stand,good work ROB!!
Comment by scubaron22 — April 8, 2008 @ 9:22 am
Um…so Rob Lowe and his wife are alleging that they are being defamed, extorted, and “emotionally distressed” by not one but TWO former nannies PLUS a former chef? WTF? Sounds like there is either a LOT more to the story. Either that or these people desperately need a crash course in human resources. Have you ever heard of checking references before adding to your staff?
Comment by Suspicious — April 8, 2008 @ 9:26 am
I have no idea what the nannies have accused the Lowes of, however if it is so terrible why did the nannies not call child services or the police at the time of the supposed events. Bah Humbug to the nannies.
Comment by F.Corona — April 8, 2008 @ 9:49 am
Wake up folks. No one wants to work for a living anymore unless its making up lies and selling them to the tabloids. I feel for the Lowe children. They don’t deserve this nonsense. Rob is a great man, a better father and a very ethical business man. Fight on Rob!
Comment by KERMIT — April 8, 2008 @ 11:15 am
Sue…Settle…It’s a business folks! Find out who is actually pulling the strings here!
Comment by Anonymous — April 8, 2008 @ 11:21 am
I for one, during the 80’s, thought Rob Lowe’s career was finished. However, he has made one of the biggest professional, moral and personal turnarounds in Hollywood history and he doesn’t just talk it up, he lives by his words. While celebrities like Britney Spears and Michael Jackson shouldn’t be allowed to be parents, I also don’t believe that fine people such as the Lowes should be railroaded by employees. You WILL win this one Rob!
Comment by Mary — April 8, 2008 @ 12:33 pm
I would never hire servants out of the labor pool in Hollywood - it’s too full of wannabes who never made it themselves and are bitter and often emotionally unbalanced too. Not just the domestic help but trainers and stylists. They ALL gossip nastily about the celebs too. It’s better to hire out of NYC and bring them in. Someone who is older and a lifer in domestic work who approaches it like a real career they care about. But of course those people cost more. It might be how cheap the minor celebs are like Rob Lowe who can’t afford to pay the top dollar who end up with the bad creepy workers like this.
Comment by Cilla — April 8, 2008 @ 12:45 pm
I believe the Lowe’s. If there was real harrassment the right thing to do would have been to file a complaint with the proper authorities, not sink to blackmail.
Comment by Ladypeyton — April 8, 2008 @ 2:03 pm
I’m ambivalent about this particular case. Most people don’t usually go around claiming to have had sex with someone if they hadn’t and to be suing several employees makes me suspect all isn’t glitter.
On Letterman, I heard Jerry Seinfeld call the woman who had written the same book as his wife’s, a “celeb stalker.” However, when the woman sued, he adamantly denied he ever said it. The woman had her book out way before his wife did. It’s kosher for some celebs to trash David’s name to make them appear guilty because they know they are Goliath and usually win in the media or court and/or put enough fear in them to change his/her story.
Bill Cosby sued the girl who claimed to be his daughter when she tried to extort money from him. He did have a history with her mother. Also, Wil and Jada Smith sued their former employers whom they thought was going to write a tell-all book. They made up all kinds of accusations about the old man. He and his wife disputed it all. I believe Wil & Jada beat them to the punch by suing for fear household secrets would be let out.
If these celebs don’t want secrets told, either do the work themselves or have people who come in, do their job and go home. Why is a person spending 24/7 with their families anyway? Someone should be raising their own children and cleaning at least part of their own house. Can’t handle a vacation and take the nanny with you? Stay home if you can’t handle the children and vacation. Rob only has 2 children.
However, if former employees do extort, then I don’t blame them for fighting it tooth and nail.
Comment by Phyllis — April 8, 2008 @ 2:09 pm
When an ex-nanny sued my wife and me in the mid-90s for so called “intolerable cruelty” we didn’t back down either. Eventually even the police agreed that many of the wounds could have been self inflicted. I urge the Lowes to stand their ground. Just as we did.
Comment by Jasper Jeob — April 8, 2008 @ 3:19 pm
Who is this “Get a new lawyer, Rob” person? She calls the worker a “victim…” I have to wonder if this person is related to the “victim.” Seriously… All we know about the “victim” is that she is trying to extort money for household secrets that may not even exist. Sounds like “Get a new lawyer, Rob” has an axe to grind… cough cough
Comment by Douglas — April 8, 2008 @ 3:33 pm