Paul Schrader, renowned for penning the screenplay of “Taxi Driver” and helming “American Gigolo,” faces serious allegations, as detailed in a lawsuit filed by his former personal assistant. The assistant, referred to as Jane Doe in legal documents, has accused Schrader of sexual assault, followed by her termination for not capitulating to his unwanted advances. Additionally, the lawsuit claims Schrader backed out of a previously agreed-upon settlement, initially intended to keep such claims under confidentiality.
Jane Doe filed the lawsuit against Schrader and his production entity in New York’s court last Thursday, seeking judicial enforcement of the said agreement, which had been nullified by Schrader. The settlement terms, including any financial compensation, were not revealed. Her legal representation, Gregory Chiarello, highlighted in court filings that this should be straightforward in enforcing the settlement.
Contrarily, Schrader’s attorney, Philip J. Kessler, labeled the accusations as groundless and driven by desperation. Kessler staunchly refuted any existence of a sexual liaison or attempts thereof between Schrader and his erstwhile assistant.
The legal complaint splays out details supposed to be hushed by the aborted settlement. Among Doe’s assertions is an incident from the previous year, where Schrader allegedly accosted her in a hotel room while the two were engaged in promotional activities for his film “Oh, Canada” at Cannes. She claims he forcefully kissed her and restrained her arms without her consent. Additionally, Doe alleges that two days post the hotel incident, Schrader harassed her with calls and texts, under the pretense of needing help, eventually exposing himself when she arrived.
Doe claims her employment was terminated last September following another refusal to his advances. A subsequent email from Schrader reportedly expressed regret, fearing she perceived him akin to Harvey Weinstein, the infamous film executive embroiled in sexual misconduct scandals.
As per the litigation, Schrader initially concurred to the settlement on February 5 but opted out post some personal deliberations and health setbacks, which he relayed via his lawyer. Kessler countered this narrative, clarifying the agreement’s enforceability was contingent on mutual signatures—which Schrader declined to provide.
Jane Doe reportedly worked under Schrader from 2021 until 2024. During her tenure, Kessler pointed out Doe’s numerous social media posts expressing both praise and admiration for Schrader.
Schrader captured the spotlight through partnerships with Martin Scorsese, notably with 1976’s “Taxi Driver,” featuring Robert De Niro in a role that spawned the legendary line, “You talkin’ to me?” These collaborations continued into renowned projects like “Raging Bull” and “The Last Temptation of Christ.” Besides scribing, Schrader has directed 23 films; “American Gigolo” and “First Reformed” are among his key directorial ventures.
An interview with The Associated Press revealed Schrader’s motivations behind “Oh, Canada,” referencing his contemplation of mortality influenced by long COVID. Schrader’s career, however, has not been devoid of controversy. In 2016, authorities paid him a visit for incendiary remarks about Donald Trump on social media. Recently, Schrader criticized the Oscars and spoke against “cancel culture,” underscoring its pervasive influence, likening it to an infectious virus.