Harassment in the workplace, sexual or otherwise, is something I take very seriously. In my home and on the set, I have been surrounded for years by hardworking women (and men) whom I respect and whose rights are to be protected. But 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.
A former employee is demanding my wife Sheryl and I pay her $1.5 million by the end of the week or she will accuse us both of a vicious laundry list of false terribles. 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. Within days we received these texts from her explaining her sudden departure:
------ 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
------ SMS Text ------
From: (phone number redacted)
Sent: Feb 25, 2008 10:29 AM
Subject: Thank you so much sheryl and I...
Thank you so much sheryl and I really am sorry. Please tell the kids it had nothing 2 do w them, they are absolutely amazing boys. It had nothing to do with you or rob either, this was me. I love you guys. Ps tell rob I'm really sorry as well
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
Does that sound like someone who has been treated badly? Nothing about abuse in the workplace or inappropriate conduct; nothing about discrepancies with monies owed, no explanation as to why she would return numerous times to a job she considered so abusive. Just a correct assessment of her relationship with our family. But clearly, if you are going to demand a million-five for supposed "anguish" suffered in our home, you'd better change your tune fast; so she did.
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.
We live in a time where businesses build glass-walled offices to prevent this exact kind of "his-word-against-mine" extortion. But you can't build a world of glass. You shouldn't have to live in fear of being alone in a room with a co-worker or having to tip-toe through your own home. Conversely, legitimate sexual harassment, when proved-up, with witnesses and proper documentation is to be dealt with severely.
During her time in our home my wife tried to mentor this young woman. She took her into her confidence. We took her into our hearts. Having 18 years of sobriety, both my wife and I tried to be supportive as she struggled with personal issues. But we never saw this coming. Apparently, she wanted more. Recently, a colleague of hers has come forward to reveal that this young woman had "a crush" on me and told her on many occasions, "I wish he would get a divorce."
My two boys are Jewish, by way of my wife. The other day I asked their rabbi for advice. She said: "People see threats for what they are, just as they see truth for what it is." I hope that's true. I don't want to live in a world of glass.
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two words. Who Cares? why are people lecturing Rob Lowe? do you know him? does he call you at home? (ace ventura-pet detective) lack of interest in ones own life appears to produce a severe distaste for someone elses. BORINGGGG
We're supposed to give a damn about this why???
Oh, boo-hoo-hoo! I'm worth 8,000 times more than your family makes in a decade and I couldn't spend a few bucks to pick an honest person to hire.
Go chat with your lawyers, Robbie. For enough cash, even THEY might care - a little.
PA Firefighter
For shame!
I am sorry that you and family have been subjected to this Rob. Please keep fighting and don't give in.
Why was this story moved from the Entertainment page to the Home page? It got plenty of play last week when it appeared the day before Lowe filed his lawsuits against two former nannies, a former chef, and 1-100 "DOES", John or Jane.
Its now been mentioned on infotainment tv shows. It was gone from HuffPost for a few days and now its back. Why? More press for Lowe and his sad tale of CelebritiesBeingTakenAdwantageOf.?
Robbie, your sleazy past makes those of us who remember wonder what was going on in your household. And I doubt it was the fault of all your former employees.
Get lost.
This is exactly the kind of behavior you Democrats have fostered with all this "power to the unions" and "workers rights" crap.
Jobs aren't forever and they shouldn't be. If you are a worker who feels like you are getting abused, then LEAVE. I've done that about ten times (usually cuz the "abuse" I felt was not getting more $$$), but you are not a slave. Just go away.
There is a scene from The West Wing where C.J. lectures Rob Lowe about his "chickens coming home to roost" about some bad business deal that he had done as a private sector lawyer years ago. But now he can feel that in real life.... You Democrats have propped up these two groups that are WRECKING America and now are hitting you too, Rob: the labor unions, and the trial lawyers, who believe you should be able to sue anyone, for any reason, for any amount.
And drag their name through the mud too... I hope you learned a bit here.
Happy for you that you are wealthy enough to live without unemployment or get by between jobs
The group that has been wrecking America, and everything it has always stood for, isn't the fault of the Democrats.
No, it's the GOP who have given us the Bush administration, which took us from budget surpluses to record deficits (we're now up to our ears in hock to the Chinese - how does a good conservative justify THAT?).
Bush's administration has prosecuted a poorly planned and executed war of choice that has wrecked our military in Iraq (and killed or wounded over 30,000 Americans) - with no end in sight.
The GOP has destroyed the moral high ground that has been characteristic of American foreign policy since WWII by embracing torture and surveillance of its own people with no oversight.
The GOP has mocked the science of global climate change, directing us away steps towards energy independence and reduction of greenhouse gasses... and climate change is a greater threat to us than Iraq ever was.
The GOP has enabled Bush's interpretation of unfettered executive power to the point where the traditional system of checks and balances among our branches of government are in tatters. This administration has nothing but contempt for the rule of law.
All of those things that Republicans used to stand for - fiscal discipline, law and order, military readiness, they have all been undermined and compromised by a GOP drunk on power and the false gods of tax cuts, deregulation and privatization.
That's a little bit off-topic, but I don't think it's the GOP who's decided to go out and trash Rob Lowe right now.
I can't believe Rob Lowe's attorney gave him an OK to publically state his case like this.
If they did Mr. Lowe, then get another lawyer - trust me, you need one.
(Just some friendly advice).
I can't believe he thinks we give a damn.
What ever happened to the good old fashioned Hollywood "cleaners" that would make silliness such as this "disappear"? Please don't moralize. Anyone with the stones to threaten blackmail should have the stones to accept "outside of traditional law" retribution.
In my book, more lawyers equal more trouble. On the other hand, Rob broke the principle rule of "never volunteer information" so he kind of fucked up there.
I basically believe him. But offering up information out of the blue looks odd.
You got that right wawa. Never do this.
HuffPo readers demand to know if there's a racial angle corresponding to the class conflict angle in this story! If she's poor white trash from Arkansas, we're on your side. Rob, although with some reservations. If she's a plucky economic migrant from Central America straight out of central casting, then how dare YOU, you exploitative capitalist pig? This is just much needed economic justice for the downtrodden working classes much delayed!
Let us know, because really, the answer holds a major key to the formation of public opinion around these parts.
HaHa: I had to read your profile to to if you were serius about this, but you are my new favorite Huffpo poster, NetParrot. I Effing love making fun of these fools as much as you do.
Arnold Karma??? Maybe? Just a thought.
I say this as reasonable as I can be, but Why do you feel the need to have to tell the public this? To warn us? I'd be more concerned about what you think about China. Or other issues. China comes to mind because considering Tianammen Square about 18 years ago, and all the mainstream press was concerned about were your piccadillos at the time. In this day and age, I'd prefer to see you comment, on issues other than celebrity. Celebrities, targets? You chose your lifestyle. Go get a trade in plumbing then. Try writing something on how the mainstream press should not concentrate on entertainers, as the rest of the world is falling to s*it. Sorry, I wish you luck, but otherwise, this belongs in the Entertainment section and maybe get family members next time to look after your household and kids. I'm sure you or you wife have cousins. Best of Luck.
Why has this idiotic story reappeared?
The accuser, of course, has no such forum in which to make her case. So we're left to take Mr. Lowe's word on this.
Not to in any way state that Lowe is guilty. Who's to know? Certainly not me. But I am struck as always by the ready media access available to champion the message of the rich and well-connected.
The accuser will have several forums. They will have court, television, newspapers, tabloids, etc.
The way things go in the court of public opinion, many people will automatically assume that Mr Lowe and his family are guilty, and then sort any "evidence" based on their foregone conclusion.
I know nothing more about this case than Mr Lowe wrote here, so I'm neither defending nor condemning him and his family. I'm just pointing out that Mr Lowe is getting his side of the story out before the potential media storm that will come when the accuser is heard. Whether the accuser's case is legitimate or not, they will likely be paid a lot of money just to speak to media outlets about it.
Anyway, the bottom line is that whether Mr Lowe and his family are guilty of anything or not, the media will likely give their accuser a very large forum indeed.
The court is where these arguments should be heard.
Guilty or no, HuffPost is doing a disservice by providing Lowe with an opportunity to paint the picture the way he wants the public to see it.
Greed will make people do stupid and thoughtless acts.This nanny clearly saw a way of getting instant recognition and put a few bucks in her pocket at the same time.If he was "Rob Nobody",this wouldn't be happening.We live in a day and age where the public loves to see the famous ones fall from grace.If this was a legitimate charge made by the nanny,you would think she would seek justice,not exstortion! I'm truly sorry for your troubles,Mr.Lowe.I've had people in my life that have screwed me over also.
So she's obviously guilty... why? Rob Lowe is pretty?
This just proves my point. HuffPost has given Lowe the opportunity to present one side of a case, and the public is buying it. No defense necessary.
Nice.
Rarely happens in Latin countries. I wouldn't trust "help" made in the USA even if they paid me instead the other way araound. I never get into a Hotel where "service" is made-in-the-USA either. Lou Dobbs agrees with me even if he doesn't say so.
Typically American- thinking you can enforce loyalty, discretion and honesty with a contract, the courts and your big deep pockets. Have fun trying but ... hey- Rob - aren't you Christian? Where does it say Jesus sued people for their trespasses... I think forgiveness was what he was talking about.
Seems like teaching your kids (and maybe even Jessica, by example!) that part, instead of the part about an eye for an eye and might makes right etc. might help with their extreme emotional distress from finding out the nanny tells lies, loves them for a paycheck and not otherwise (hey- it's SoCal- everyone's an actor!) and is a disloyal contract-breaking strumpet. Or not. Or that she tells truths that daddy or mommy wants to say are lies. Whatever.
Check out Colin Tipping's Radical Forgiveness website for a great resource likely worth more in this situation than any ruling, any publicity, any vindication, or anything else your money or your rightiousness can buy. Please don't hold what I say against his work- my opinions not related formally or informally.
Peace...
The more I think about this case the worse it sounds.
1. He sued three former employees on unrelated charges. THREE AT THE SAME TIME . All three of them just happened to commit actions that justified a lawsuit--at the same time? Hmmm. Very strange. What are the odds of this? At the least, it makes them look like the worst employers ever.
2. He is trying to shut them up, especially Gibson and Boyce. (even if he is telling the truth he's trying to shut her up.) By filing a lawsuit claiming she has defamed them by breaking confidentiality, he signals to her that she had better keep her mouth shut or she'll get more of the same.
But the wierd part of this is she has to be able to defend herself. I just hope they are all three getting good legal advice--it must be scary.
Normally, I wouldn't bother linking to the New York Post, but this might help to explain the John Does 1-100 listed in the lawsuit. From this article, it appears that Rob Lowe doesn't know how many people the nannies conspired with, spread gossip to, brought into the house when they weren't there, had sex with (the boyfriends), used drugs with illegally, etc. These unknowns are covered by the Does 1-100 in the suit. You have the named parties and the unnamed. Not all that uncommon.
http://www.nypost.com/seven/04092008/news/regionalnews/lowe__our_raunch_house_105614.htm
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Posted April 7, 2008 | 03:14 PM (EST)