How Rob Lowe’s Nanny Blackmailed Him for $1.5M for Her Silence — She Suddenly Quit Working for Him after 7 Years

Rob Lowe's idyllic world was unexpectedly disrupted when his nanny suddenly resigned after seven years of service. The apparent amicable separation soon turned into a deeply divisive conflict. The former nanny levied accusations and demanded $1.5 million in what appeared to be a blackmail attempt.

The love between Rob Lowe and his wife, Sheryl Berkoff, has endured and made history in Hollywood. Renowned for his versatile acting prowess, Lowe has lit up both the silver screen and television with his memorable performances. Meanwhile, Berkoff has made her mark as a distinguished makeup artist and jewelry designer.

The two recently celebrated an impressive 32 years of marriage. Lowe took to social media to shower his wife with adoration on their anniversary. In a heartfelt Instagram post, Lowe affectionately described Berkoff as a remarkable blend of qualities.

"Today marks 32 years married to this beautiful, inspiring, nurturing, strong, industrious, sexy, and wonderfully unique woman," he penned. His caption accompanied a radiant snapshot of Berkoff, her smile illuminating the joy they've shared. He continued:

"I am SO grateful for the day she said she'd join me on our amazing life journey together. Happy Anniversary, Baby!!"

Valentine's Day of 2021 saw Berkoff reminisce on their wedding day, sharing a throwback picture accompanied by a heartfelt caption: "Feeling so grateful to have you in my life. Wishing the sweetest, happiest day to my forever Valentine ❤️."

The enchanting narrative of their romance traces back to the set of the 1990 film "Bad Influence," where Lowe and Berkoff first kindled their connection. This spark of affection blossomed into marriage in 1991. In the years that followed, their union was graced with the arrival of two sons.

He voiced his determination to confront the accusations openly and transparently, acknowledging the importance of addressing false claims that could undermine genuine cases of harassment.

In 1993, the couple welcomed their first child, Matthew, and two years later, their familial bond deepened with the birth of John Owen in 1995.

Jessica Gibson's Allegations, Blackmail, and Legal Proceedings

In 2008, the couple's peaceful existence was disrupted by allegations involving their former nanny, Jessica Gibson, who had spent seven years caring for their sons, John and Matthew. Gibson, who had become a familiar presence within the Lowe household, announced her departure from their employ in February.

The separation seemed amicable at first, with messages exchanged between Gibson and Berkoff reflecting a cordial parting of ways. However, the situation changed when Gibson started making accusations against the family. Lowe shared:

"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."

These allegations included inappropriate behavior on Lowe's part, such as regularly exposing himself during the seven years she worked on and off with his family. She also alleged that on several occasions between September 2005 and January 2008, he groped her butt and reached his hand inside her pants.

Lowe responded with a firm denial of these allegations, emphasizing his commitment to maintaining a respectful and fair workplace. He voiced his determination to confront the accusations openly and transparently, acknowledging the importance of addressing false claims that could undermine genuine cases of harassment. He said:

"Now it's in the court system and potentially a criminal investigation."

The legal proceedings that followed took place in both the courtroom and the court of public opinion. Lowe's defense highlighted the complexities and consequences of handling accusations in the public eye, underscoring the significance of protecting the integrity of both personal and professional relationships.

The Resolution

Following a year-long legal dispute that garnered attention and sparked discussions, the Lowe and Gibson saga took an unexpected turn. A resolution surfaced, marked by dismissed lawsuits and settlements, finally concluding a tense chapter dominated by allegations of blackmail and sexual harassment.

In response, Gibson's counter-narrative made waves as she filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against Lowe and his wife.

On May 14, 2009, the headlines announced Lowe's decision to conclude his extended legal battle with Gibson. The specifics of the resolution, akin to the legal tangle it resolved, remained hidden due to the silence of both sides' attorneys. The public was left to speculate on whether a financial arrangement was part of this unforeseen ending.

The intricate tangle of lawsuits that had once embroiled Lowe and Gibson was now carefully unraveled. Both sides requested their lawsuits be dismissed, but the terms of the agreement were not disclosed. It is unknown if a financial settlement was involved. A year's worth of legal wrangling, replete with serious accusations and counterclaims, had swiftly transitioned into history.

The initial spark of this legal clash ignited in April of the prior year. Lowe had initiated the process by filing a lawsuit against Gibson in Santa Barbara Superior Court. He claimed that she was involved in a scheme to extort $1.5 million from him. In response, Gibson's counter-narrative made waves as she filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against Lowe and his wife.

Gibson's allegations were weighty, asserting indecency and harassment during her seven-year tenure. Although Lowe steadfastly denied these allegations, the ensuing legal drama seized global attention, inviting speculation into the dynamics of power, authority, and personal boundaries.

With the lawsuits now dismissed, a chapter reached its conclusion, leaving lingering queries that may forever remain unanswered. The specifics of the resolution, agreements, and motivations behind these decisions remain concealed within private negotiations.

Lowe's unyielding denial and eventual decision to terminate the legal dispute emphasized his commitment to preserving his reputation. While the circumstances surrounding this resolution may remain obscured, the outcome itself signified a turning point for both Lowe and Gibson, marking the closure of a tumultuous chapter and enabling them to forge ahead on separate paths.

Now, 14 years after the scandal, their family stands stronger than ever, thriving amidst the challenges they faced. As a testament to their enduring bond, Lowe and Berkoff recently celebrated more than three decades of being together, a milestone that highlights their resilience and commitment to each other through the trials that once shook their foundation.