Actor Rob Lowe sues former nanny

Lowe is currently playing a Presidential hopeful in Brothers and Sisters

Actor Rob Lowe and his wife Sheryl have taken legal action against their former nanny, claiming she "betrayed their trust" and spread "malicious lies".

The complaint, filed in Los Angeles, charges Laura Boyce with violating a confidentiality agreement, defamation and infliction of emotional distress.

According to court papers Boyce - who had been hired to care for the Lowes' two sons - left her post in November.

It asks for at least $1m (£505,527) in damages, the Associated Press reported.

'Devastated'

The court papers make no specific reference to what information Ms Boyce is alleged to have passed on.

But they do state she "engaged in a scheme to hurt the Lowes" both during and after her term of employment.

Lowe has also posted a message on the Huffington Post website, in which he alleges Ms Boyce demanded payment of $1.5m (£758,547) "by the end of the week".

"My family is devastated at this betrayal," he writes. "We will defend ourselves with vigour and without fear."

Lowe's recent screen credits include The West Wing and Brothers and Sisters.