Rob Lowe's Ex-Nanny Sobs Through Press Conference On Countersuit

LOS ANGELES — A former nanny for Rob Lowe took part in a dramatic, tear-filled press conference Thursday regarding her lawsuit that accuses the actor's wife of sexual harassment.

Laura Boyce, former nanny to the Lowes, clutched a tissue and openly sobbed as attorney Gloria Allred read a statement explaining the reasons for the suit, which was filed Wednesday in Los Angeles Superior Court. Allred kept her arm around the woman throughout the announcement; at times, Boyce nuzzled her face into the attorney's shoulder.

Boyce is one of three ex-employees the Lowes sued last month, claiming the workers spread lies about the couple and broke confidentiality agreements.

"Their lawsuit appeared to be a pre-emptive strike because the Lowes feared that one or both of their former nannies were about to sue them for sexual harassment and other claims," Allred said.

The attorney is also representing former nanny Jessica Gibson, who countersued the couple last month, claiming Rob Lowe sexually harassed her.

Boyce's lawsuit alleges that Lowe's wife, Sheryl, walked around naked in front of her and repeatedly made crude comments about her boyfriend's genitals. It doesn't make any sex allegations against the actor, though he is named in the cross-complaint.

The lawsuit claims that Sheryl Lowe "made numerous sexually crude, lascivious and racially derogatory comments. The last sexually and racially offensive comment made by cross-defendant Sheryl Lowe on November 16, 2007 ... forced (Boyce) to resign her employment."

Sheryl Lowe also discussed her sex life with her husband in detail with Boyce, the lawsuit claims, and would ask intrusive questions about the nanny's sex life, according to the lawsuit.

It goes on to say that Boyce advised Sheryl Lowe "on many occasions" that she "did not want to engage in that type of (sexual) conversation."

Boyce also claims she was wrongfully fired and is owed money.

Sheryl Lowe's attorney, Lawrence Stein, says the allegations are false.

Boyce read a brief statement during the press conference, dabbing her eyes and crying throughout.

"I respected the Lowes and did everything I could to assist them in their home by taking care of their children," she said between sobs. "I was devastated to find out that the Lowes had sued me because she actually called me the week before and offered me my job. I can't believe she's doing this to me."

At that point, Boyce began gasping and trembling and was unable to continue.

Allred hugged the woman and whispered, "Shh, it's OK."

"She's very brave," Allred said. Then the attorney told her client to "move aside."

"I'm going to read the rest of her statement," Allred said.

The attorney took a few questions from reporters, then cut the press conference short "because I'm concerned this is just too much for her," she said, clutching Boyce close and stroking her hair.

"We believe the tactics that the Lowes have used in suing two poor, defenseless nannies who loved and cared for their children is despicable and they will not be able to hide behind their star power, their money, their high-priced legal talent or their confidentiality clauses to shield themselves from their own improper conduct," Allred said. "We intend to litigate this fiercely ... We are on top of this, all over it, under it and around it, and we are not going to stop until there is justice for Ms. Boyce and Ms. Gibson."

"And truth," added Boyce, Kleenex in hand.

Comments

[mondobleu]

There are plenty of show-biz families in Hollywood that are totally on the level with their nannies.
There seems to be a tinge of a Freakoid element in this household.
Where there's smoke, there's fire and where there's fire, there are lawsuits.

[MM5]

How does Gloria Allred stand herself? Talk about doing anything for money.

[americanwhocares]

Looks like a Media Show.

[observing]

Where is her hair? What happened to her hair? I can't get past the hair. Did the Lowes shave it off in some sex-crazed drug filled orgy?

[thegirlnextdoor]

so, did she resign or get fired?
"comments force boyce to resign"

"Boyce claims she was wrongfully fired"

You can't have it both ways. Hum.

[NicoleAnonymous]

There are many things I don't know in life, but there are two things I know for sure:

1) If a man's wife is murdered and Alan Dershowitz is his lawyer, then he is guilty.

2) If a woman hires Gloria Allred, she doesn't have a legitimate case.

[PanFx]

Great point... and I hope Lowes attorneys use this against Boyce during trial. Gloria Allred is nothing short of a mediocre attorney. Her abilities are highly over-rated, as one can see from the above conflicting statements. If I were in court against her, I'd have no problem tearing her case apart. If the defendants had no money, Allred wouldn't even bother with defending them. It's all about celebrities and how much can be extorted from them under the guise of the law. I hope Lowe wins.

[annawing]

But she seems good at getting media attention, which is what these two young women needed after Lowe publically (in Huffington Post) presented his case. They have a right to respond publically.

[hopeless277]

Ca-ching!

[Plus15]

When is one of these plaintiffs going to catch on that when publicity hound/attorney Gloria Allred introduces herself as your attorney you've already said it all.

[hollyo]

The case grows more scattered and elliptical.
Changing from Lowe to the wife is totally weird.

[annawing]

Not really. Maybe they are just a kinky couple.

[Jeffin90019]

You just know an allegation is BS if Gloria Allred is involved. She's the uber-feminist who sees everything through ovo-centric eyes that always, always, always see the woman as the poor, innocent victim of male aggression. I might have believed "nanny's" allegation had some merit had she not been fronted by one of the most media-hungry lawyers in the ABA.

[MM5]

Trust me...Allred in no feminist. She just uses that to cash in on these women.

[annawing]

I believe both of these young woman. But I think their choice of Gloria may have been a mistake.

[BroMan]

"Huh, huh huh.. He said 'ovo-centric.' huh, huh.." - Butthead

[rwferr]

Does Gloria Allred own another outfit or does she just have an entire closet of red pantsuits?

[PerryWhite]

All red.

[deedrdo]

it's called the nancy reagan syndrome.

[NABNYC]

Notice how the story is already changing. Gloria "I Love TV" Allred signed up this money-grubbing babysitter and immediately went public making allegations of sexual harassment by Rob Lowe. Now, a few weeks later, the story has radically changed. No sex at all, huh? No three-some, no group grope, no molestation, no forced sexual conduct. Hmmmmm.

The new story is such a tiny tiny little tale: Mrs. Lowe showers naked, changes clothes with nanny standing in bedroom doorway (gasp) and swears. Gosh. That's it? And Rob Lowe now, with the new version, Rob Lowe did absolutely nothing? I want to know what swear words were used that were worth $1.5 million, which I believe was the initial demand by the babysitter "or she'll go public."

The best part, though, is watching any client of Gloria Allred having a press conference: the client says nothing. First press conference the client kept grinning (like Hi Mom, isn't this cool?). And when everyone in the entire world said Wow, she didn't look traumatized, Gloria has a new press conference and probably brought one of those tear-sticks to make the babysitter weep in public.

Wonder why the public hates attorneys? Anything for a buck.

[annawing]

These were two separate nannies. They each have their own story. If what these TWO young women are saying is true, then the Lowe's are super creeps.

[mingjia]

I had to laugh aloud when I saw Allred in the picture. She has to be the biggest legal wh-re in history!! She's a pseudo-celebrity ambulence chaser--some unknown woman pops up in the news and then, minutes later, Allred pops up beside her! Does she actually make money from these gigs or is she all about being on the tube. Bizarre woman who is ripe for a comedy skit sendup.

[kingofscotts]

And the little problem with.

"caused her to resign"

"wrongfully fired"

Which is it? Did she resign or was she fired. Seems like a pretty simple contradiction for such a "great" lawyer such as Gloria Media Whore Allred.

[hollyo]

Seems to me if you don't want someone near your children you can fire them.

[XCITIZEN]

My God, what a freak show!

[jetbanana]

I saw the sobfest. THERE WERE NO TEARS!

[SweetAngie]

Yes, I believe it! I tried to get a look into her eyes . . . I can always tell if someone is lying. But, she never once - not once - looked anyone straight into the eyes. That, jetbanana, says it all!

[cobraxus]

If you're sexuelly harrassed while working for a family then quit.When asked why you're leaving their employment(probably by their attorney)give them a full statement and cite examples.Odds are the family and their attorney will give you glowing recommendations and possible severence pay just to keep you quiet.Hiring Gloria Allred and giving press conferences just makes you look like a publicity hound out for money.

[annawing]

Lowe told his story very publically, on Huffington post. I think these young women have just as much right to respond publically. I think the Lowe's are guilty. He has a history after all.

[cobraxus]

god Allred is a piece of work.I think it's having to deal with people like this that have turned our news media into vacuous cynical morons.Allred's latest client/victim was coached to cry alot because the last one spent her entire interview laughing.it sickens me that there are real victims of sexuel harrassment out there who can't get any help and whose stories are not believed because of all this crap Allred and her ilk drag out.