Lowe Suing Ex-Nanny Over Extortion Plot

Rob Lowe took to the web and courts yesterday to defend himself against a $1.5 million blackmail scheme by a former employee who claims he repeatedly hit on her. The actor, whose career was derailed by a sex scandal in the '80s, went public on the ex-nanny's charge and is suing her in Los Angeles Supreme Court for breach of confidentiality, the New York Post reports.

"My family is devastated at this betrayal; this woman worked in our home and traveled with us...for several years without complaint," the "Brothers and Sisters" star said in a Huffington Post piece which includes affectionate text messages the nanny sent Lowe and his wife, apologizing for her sudden departure and saying it "had nothing to do with you or rob either, this was me. I love you guys." She also wrote: "I have nothing but love and respect for your family and would love to maintain a caring relationship with you guys." (More California stories.)