- Paul Schrader, 78, faces a lawsuit from his former assistant, Jane Doe.
- Doe alleges sexual assault and a hostile work environment during her employment from 2021 to 2024.
- Schrader allegedly reneged on a confidential settlement agreement after ‘soul searching.’
- Schrader’s lawyer denies the allegations, calling the lawsuit ‘frivolous.’
- The case highlights ongoing debates around power dynamics in Hollywood.
Paul Schrader Accused of Sexual Assault and Settlement Breach
Paul Schrader, the acclaimed writer of “Taxi Driver” and director of “American Gigolo,” is facing a lawsuit filed by his former personal assistant, identified as Jane Doe. The lawsuit, filed in a New York court on Thursday, accuses the 78-year-old filmmaker of sexual assault, creating a hostile work environment, and later breaching a settlement agreement intended to resolve the allegations.
Allegations Against Schrader
According to court documents, Jane Doe worked for Schrader from 2021 until 2024. She alleges that during her employment, Schrader subjected her to a “sexually hostile, intimidating, and humiliating environment.” The lawsuit details incidents where Schrader allegedly made inappropriate sexual comments, asked invasive questions, and made unwanted advances.
One of the most serious allegations occurred during the Cannes Film Festival in 2023, where Schrader was promoting his film “Oh, Canada.” Doe claims that Schrader trapped her in his hotel room, forcibly grabbed her arms, and kissed her against her will. Days later, she alleges, Schrader called her repeatedly, claiming he was “dying” and needed help packing his bags. When she arrived, Schrader allegedly opened the door wearing only an open bathrobe, exposing himself to her.
Doe further claims that after she rejected his advances, Schrader retaliated by firing her in September 2024. In an email sent after her termination, Schrader allegedly expressed fear that he had become “a Harvey Weinstein” in her mind, referencing the disgraced Hollywood mogul convicted of rape and sexual assault.
Settlement Agreement and Breach
The lawsuit also reveals that the two parties had negotiated a confidential settlement agreement earlier this year. According to Doe’s legal team, the agreement included a monetary payment to resolve her claims. However, Schrader reportedly delayed signing the agreement and later backed out entirely, citing “soul searching” and an inability to live with the settlement.
Doe’s lawyer, Gregory Chiarello, described the case as “an open-and-shut settlement enforcement matter.” However, Schrader’s attorney, Philip J. Kessler, disputes this characterization, stating that the agreement was never finalized because it required both parties’ signatures. “Mr. Schrader declined to sign it. It’s frankly as simple as that,” Kessler said.
Schrader’s Defense
Schrader’s legal team has vehemently denied the allegations. Kessler described the lawsuit as “desperate, opportunistic, and frivolous,” claiming that many of the allegations are false or materially misleading. “We absolutely deny that there was ever a sexual relationship of any kind between Mr. Schrader and his former assistant, and we deny that Mr. Schrader ever made an attempt to have a sexual relationship of any kind with his former assistant,” Kessler stated.
Kessler also criticized the lawsuit as an attempt to coerce Schrader into settling. “The underlying intentions of the plaintiff here contain many very material inaccuracies and are obviously designed to paint Mr. Schrader in a very false light,” he said.
Context and Broader Implications
Paul Schrader is a prominent figure in Hollywood, known for his collaborations with director Martin Scorsese on films like “Taxi Driver” and “Raging Bull.” He has also directed 23 films, including the critically acclaimed “American Gigolo” and the Oscar-nominated “First Reformed.”
In recent years, Schrader has been outspoken on various social and political issues, including his criticism of “cancel culture” and diversity initiatives in Hollywood. These public statements, combined with the current allegations, have reignited discussions about power dynamics and accountability in the entertainment industry.
The lawsuit comes in the wake of the #MeToo movement, which has brought increased scrutiny to allegations of sexual misconduct in Hollywood. While Schrader has denied the claims, the case underscores the ongoing challenges faced by individuals who come forward with allegations against powerful figures in the industry.
Next Steps
Jane Doe is seeking a court order to enforce the settlement agreement and is pursuing damages for the alleged misconduct. Schrader’s legal team has indicated that they will vigorously defend against the claims.
The outcome of this case could have significant implications for both parties and may further influence the broader conversation around workplace misconduct and accountability in Hollywood.
Sources: Associated Press, The Independent, The Hollywood Reporter