Rob Lowe is speaking out publicly against a former employee who is attempting to blackmail him and his wife, Sheryl.

In a letter written to the Huffington Post, Lowe explained that “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.”

Lowe said that he and his wife are devastated by the betrayal; he said that they had taken the woman under their wing, helping her with personal problems until the employee’s abrupt departure.

Lowe also posted text messages sent from the woman soon after she left. “Sheryl, I am really sorry,” the employee, named Jess, said in the first message. “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!”

As for why the woman has now changed her tune, Lowe offered his own assessment. “Everyone knows we live in a time where public figures are targets,” he wrote. “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.”

Lowe also noted he’d been told the employee had had a crush on him, and had frequently said, “I wish he would get a divorce.”






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