In a legal saga that has spanned years, celebrated actor Robert De Niro recently found himself testifying in a civil trial in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, facing a gender discrimination lawsuit filed by his former assistant, Graham Chase Robinson.
De Niro Faces the Jury
Monday marked a pivotal juncture in this courtroom drama as De Niro faced a jury and staunchly refuted the allegations that have hung over him for some time.
The 2019 Legal Battle Against Robinson
The legal tug-of-war traces its roots back to 2019 when Canal Productions, De Niro’s company, initiated a $6 million lawsuit against Robinson.
From Assistant to Vice President at Canal Productions
She had been in De Niro’s employ since 2008, originally as an assistant, and later ascended to the role of “vice president of production and finance” at Canal Productions.
The Controversial Exit in 2019
Robinson’s abrupt exit from the company in April 2019 was marked by allegations of “company sabotage.”
At the time of her departure, Robinson’s annual salary was reportedly $300,000. Canal Productions contended that she had indulged in Netflix binges during office hours and misappropriated company funds for personal use.
Dueling Lawsuits
Robinson swiftly countered by filing her own lawsuit against Robert De Niro and Canal Productions, invoking the New York City Human Rights Law.
A Tale of Gender-Based Discrimination
Her legal action painted a concerning picture of gender-based discrimination and retaliation.
Robinson’s Accusations
Robinson claimed that De Niro had subjected her to sexist comments and behavior, relegating her to “stereotypically female job duties” that were unsuited to her official title.
Furthermore, she alleged that she received lower compensation than a male colleague due to gender-related biases.
De Niro’s Girlfriend’s Role
A significant facet of her lawsuit revolves around allegations that De Niro’s girlfriend, Tiffany Chen, had falsely accused her of harboring a romantic interest in the actor, leading to Robinson’s removal from pivotal job responsibilities in what she characterizes as a retaliatory act.
Witness List
Chen may be among the numerous witnesses summoned during the proceedings.
Seeking $12 Million in Damages
In her lawsuit, Robinson seeks $12 million in damages for severe emotional distress and reputational harm.
Trial Kick-Off
The trial’s commencement saw jury selection and opening statements, and it was here that Robert De Niro assumed the role of the defendant.
De Niro’s Defense
De Niro strongly dismissed Robinson’s claims, branding them as “all nonsense.”
A Civilized Approach
He asserted that he had always adhered to “civilized” hours when communicating with Robinson, even permitting her to work remotely.
“It’s not like I’m telling her to go out and scrape floors, mop floors,” De Niro emphasized. He explained that Robinson’s responsibilities included tasks such as scheduling, arranging travel, and purchasing gifts for loved ones.
Tasks that De Niro maintained were far from belittling or gender-biased.
Robinson’s Attorney’s Confidence
Robinson’s attorney, Brent Hannafan, has expressed confidence in the strength of her discrimination and retaliation claims, vowing that the evidence supporting them is crystal clear.
Contrasting Narratives and Legal Action
The complexity of this case lies in the intricate interplay of contrasting narratives.
Robinson contends that she endured a consistent pattern of discrimination and retaliation, while De Niro and Canal Productions assert that Robinson’s actions, including the alleged misappropriation of company funds and unprofessional conduct, warranted legal action.
High Stakes Trial
The trial, now in full swing, has drawn considerable attention. As the proceedings advance, the testimonies and evidence presented will play a pivotal role in determining the verdict.
Workplace Dynamics and Gender Discrimination
The outcome of this trial carries profound implications for workplace dynamics and gender-based discrimination within the entertainment sector, making it a watershed moment for both parties.
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The post Robert De Niro Faces Gender Discrimination Lawsuit in High-Stakes Trial first appeared on Mama Say What?!.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / taniavolobueva. The people shown in the images are for illustrative purposes only, not the actual people featured in the story.
