Screenwriter Paul Schrader, known for films such as ‘Taxi Driver’, ‘Raging Bull’, ‘American Gigolo’ and ‘Affliction’, is under scrutiny for allegations of sexual misconduct towards a previous assistant, along with claims that he reneged on agreed-upon settlement payments.
On Thursday, a lawsuit was submitted in New York, where a 26-year-old woman, referred to as Jane Doe, alleges that director Schrader sexually assaulted her during last year’s Cannes Film Festival. According to the claim, he enticed her into a hotel room and forcefully kissed her against her verbal objections. This incident occurred while Schrader was in Cannes for the debut of his movie, titled Oh, Canada.
According to the lawsuit, the woman who was employed by Schrader between May 2021 and September 2024, successfully escaped and left the hotel room.
Three days after multiple calls and aggressive text messages from Defendant Schrader, who claimed he was near death and couldn’t pack himself, the woman returned to the screenwriter’s hotel room, as stated in the lawsuit. Upon opening the door, it is alleged that Schrader was only wearing an open bathrobe, revealing his exposed genitals.
She hastily packed his belongings in a quiet, fearful manner, swiftly doing so before departing from the hotel room.
The lawsuit states that Schrader is accused of repeatedly writing messages indicating he was aware his behavior was unwelcome and inappropriate towards his former assistant. Despite this awareness, he allegedly continued to harass and physically touch her against her will. The complaint also includes emails that the screenwriter reportedly sent to Jane Doe, including one from May 22, 2023, where he expressed feeling she was uncomfortable with his affections towards her.
After she reportedly rejected Schrader’s advances of a sexual nature, she asserted that he retaliated by firing her from her job in September 2024.
After she declined Schrader’s unwanted sexual advances, she said he reacted by terminating her position in September 2024.
In two days’ time, the lawsuit claims that Schrader admitted his wrongdoing and predatory actions by sending an email to his ex-assistant, saying, “I made a huge mistake… If my behavior now reminds you of Harvey Weinstein, then naturally, I must be moved out of sight.
Following the lawsuit, it’s stated that the woman hired a lawyer and both parties consented to a private settlement where Schrader would pay an undisclosed sum to resolve her claims. Yet, Schrader reportedly delayed signing the contract. After several weeks had passed, the woman’s lawyer declared that Schrader changed his mind and rejected the legally binding agreement, claiming he couldn’t bear the thought of accepting it.
On Friday, Philip Kessler, Schrader’s lawyer, shared with The Hollywood Reporter that this legal action is an “unfounded, grasping, and baseless lawsuit aiming to enforce a settlement agreement that Schrader never endorsed.
Kessler stated that several allegations in the lawsuit are “incorrect in many aspects, misleading in others and overstated.” It’s important to note that Mr. Schrader never engaged in sexual activity with his former assistant, nor did he attempt to do so. The situation has been greatly exaggerated, leading to a distorted perception of the reality. He further mentioned, “We are prepared to strongly contest this case.
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2025-04-05 05:24