Robert De Niro Faces Accusations of Abusing Former Personal Assistant
During her $12m ‘abusive boss’ trial, Robert De Niro confessed in a Manhattan court that he had instructed his former assistant to scratch his back. The 80-year-old legendary actor is facing accusations of gender discrimination from his former assistant, Graham Chase Robinson, in a four-year legal battle that finally went to trial on Monday October 30.
Robinson, who started as De Niro’s assistant and later became the vice-president of Canal Productions, alleges mistreatment and gender discrimination. She also claims to have been paid less than a male colleague with similar responsibilities. She is seeking $12 million in damages for severe emotional distress and reputational harm. In response, De Niro’s company initially sued her in 2019 for improper use of the company’s funds.
During the trial, De Niro vehemently denied the allegations of abusive behavior, expressing frustration and disbelief. He claimed that his actions were never with disrespect and that the back-scratching incidents were blown out of proportion.
