Former nanny sues Sharon Stone, claims harassment

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A former nanny for Sharon Stone sued the actress Wednesday claiming the Oscar-winner repeatedly insulted her Filipino heritage and fired her after discovering she had been paid overtime.

Erlinda T. Elemen's harassment lawsuit claims Stone insulted her accent, her religion and other aspects of her culture in the final months of her employment. Elemen worked for Stone for more than four years and was promoted to head nanny, a live-in position, but was fired after the actress discovered the overtime payments, the lawsuit claims.

The suit also claims Stone, who was nominated for an Oscar for her role in "Casino," forbade Elemen from reading the Bible in the actress' home.

Stone's accountants issued the payments because the nanny worked on vacations and holidays, but the actress did not approve, the lawsuit states.

Stone's publicist Paul Bloch called Elemen a disgruntled former employee who first sought disability and worker's compensation payments after she was fired roughly 15 months ago.

"Now, she is obviously looking for another opportunity to cash in," Bloch wrote in a statement. "This is a frivolous lawsuit for absurd claims that are made-up and fabricated. Sharon Stone will be completely vindicated in court."

Elemen's spokesman, Eric Rose, said in response to Bloch's remarks, "We can't wait to see Ms. Stone in court."

The former nanny is seeking unspecified damages on harassment, wrongful termination and retaliation claims.