Renowned screenwriter and film director Paul Schrader, known for crafting iconic movies like Taxi Driver and Raging Bull, has been accused of sexual harassment and assault by a former assistant in a lawsuit filed in New York. The plaintiff alleges that Schrader, 78, forcibly kissed her during the 2023 Cannes Film Festival and later exposed himself to her in his hotel room.
According to the legal complaint, the 26-year-old assistant endured prolonged harassment before being abruptly terminated in September. The suit claims that after she resisted his advances, Schrader emailed her, comparing himself to disgraced producer Harvey Weinstein—a figure central to the #MeToo movement—and acknowledging potential perceptions of his behavior as predatory.
The filing states that the woman has suffered severe emotional distress, including nightmares and social withdrawal, following the incidents. It also reveals that Schrader initially agreed to a confidential financial settlement but later changed his mind, prompting the plaintiff to seek enforcement of the terms and compensation for legal expenses.
Schrader’s attorney, Philip Kessler, dismissed the allegations as “fundamentally untrue” and contested the validity of the unsigned settlement. He argued that Schrader had only kissed the plaintiff twice over three-and-a-half years, ceasing after she expressed discomfort, and denied claims of explicit exposure or sexual propositions. Kessler emphasized that no formal agreement was finalized, rendering the settlement document legally unenforceable.
At the time of the alleged misconduct, Schrader was promoting his film “Oh, Canada” at Cannes. Festival organizers have not yet commented on the allegations. The case underscores ongoing tensions surrounding accountability in Hollywood.
Schrader’s legal team vows to vigorously challenge the lawsuit, maintaining his innocence against the contentious claims.
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