Lowe claims harassment

The actor has gone to court against a nanny who allegedly demanded $1.5 million by the end of the week or she would accuse the Lowes of a "vicious laundry list of false terribles" (is that the same as false negatives?). Lowe supposedly decided against cutting a check to make her go away, and he went so far as to summarize his case on the Huffington Post, noting that "when people make false claims of harassment particularly for financial gain, it must be defended vigorously and openly, for it weakens the claims of legitimate victims." Lowe doesn't identify the woman on but Nikki Finke reports that three lawsuits were filed - two in Santa Barbara and one in L.A. They accuse three Lowe employees of breaching a contract, along with a bunch of other stuff. But the serious charges seem to involve only one of the three.

It is an attempt to damage and humiliate not only my wife and me, but our two young sons as well. My family is devastated at this betrayal; this woman worked in our home and traveled with us off and on for seven years, without complaint. In fact, she left other jobs to return to work for us three different times. Several weeks ago she quit abruptly, leaving us without a replacement.

Somehow this doesn't seem like a fair fight, especially with Lowe including this email snippet from the alleged shakedown artist. Still, it provides some insight into stuff that no doubt happens all the time (and which never gets publicized because of confidentiality statements). By the way, Sheryl is Mrs. Lowe.

------ SMS Text ------ From: (phone number redacted) Sent: Feb 25, 2008 9:47 AM Subject: Sheryl, I am really sorry.

Sheryl, I am really sorry. I have nothing bad 2 say about your family and really am thankful for what you guys have done for me over the years. I hope we can handle this as friends. I did not leave out of spite or anger, it was just time for my heart to let go. I am embarassed that I just up and left like this but I could not see another way. It was time for me to move on. I'm sure you and rob feel the same. My heart has not been in the job and that is not fair to you or the boys. I have nothing but love and respect for your family and would love to maintain a caring relationship with you guys. You have been a huge part of my life for so many years it will be hard to let go of those boys. I am really sorry Sheryl! Jess Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T