Second ex-nanny countersues Rob Lowe, wife

LOS ANGELES, California (AP) -- A former nanny for actor Rob Lowe took part in a dramatic, tear-filled news conference Thursday regarding her lawsuit that accuses his wife of sexual harassment.

Laura Boyce, former nanny to the Lowes, clutched a tissue and 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; at times, Boyce turned her face into the attorney's shoulder.

Boyce is one of three ex-employees the Lowes sued last month, claiming that 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 that Lowe sexually harassed her. Watch Allred discuss both cases »

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 that she was wrongfully fired and is owed money.

"Rob Lowe ... is Ms. Boyce's employer along with his wife," Allred said. "We believe that he and his wife are jointly liable for any sexual harassment in the workplace."

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

Boyce read a brief statement, 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. "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.

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 and then cut the news conference short "because I'm concerned this is just too much for her," she said, clutching Boyce 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," Boyce added, tissue in hand. E-mail to a friend

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