Filmmaker Paul Schrader, renowned for his work on classic films such as Taxi Driver, American Gigolo, and Raging Bull, is currently facing a lawsuit from a former personal assistant. The assistant, who has chosen to remain anonymous and is referred to as “Jane Doe,” accuses Schrader of sexual assault and harassment during her employment with him. This legal action was reported by The Independent, a prominent UK news outlet.

The allegations came to public attention after Schrader allegedly failed to uphold the terms of a previously agreed-upon confidential settlement. This breach prompted the complainant to file a new affidavit in the New York State Supreme Court, seeking to enforce the settlement.

According to reports from AP News, the complainant is requesting a judicial order to compel adherence to the settlement agreement after Schrader expressed his inability to follow through with it. Details of the settlement remain undisclosed, adding a layer of complexity to the proceedings.

A statement from the legal representatives of the complainant, Outten and Golden, emphasized their commitment to enforcing the settlement. “As stated in our motion, Ms. Doe is simply seeking to enforce the settlement agreement between the parties resolving her sexual harassment and sexual assault claims. We have no further comment at this time and ask that the media respect Ms. Doe’s privacy,” the statement read.

In response, Schrader’s attorney, Philip Kessler, asserted that his client vehemently denies all allegations. He characterized the claims as “a desperate, frivolous and opportunistic claim.” The Independent reached out to Schrader’s legal team for further comments, underscoring the ongoing nature of the situation.

The lawsuit alleges that the incidents occurred between 2021 and September 2024, during which time the complainant, now 26 years old, claims that Schrader exploited his position of power. The allegations detail a series of disturbing events, including an accusation that Schrader lured her into a hotel room where he forcibly grabbed and kissed her. Furthermore, it is asserted that just three days later, he forced her into another hotel room where he exposed himself to her.

In addition to these grave accusations, the lawsuit describes Schrader creating a “sexually hostile, intimidating, and humiliating environment” for the complainant on a daily basis. This included what she described as a “barrage” of harassment from Schrader, which comprised forced exposure of his genitals, unwanted sexual advances, and repeated professing of love and desire to touch her, both verbally and through numerous emails. The complainant claims to have faced near-constant inappropriate sexual questions and lewd, misogynistic comments throughout her employment.

According to the lawsuit, Schrader terminated the complainant’s employment last September after she rebuffed his advances, a claim that adds another dimension to the narrative of power dynamics and workplace harassment.

In a defense of Schrader, Kessler stated, “The underlying intentions of the plaintiff here contain many very material inaccuracies, and are obviously designed to paint Mr. Schrader in a very false light, in an effort to intimidate and coerce him into settling. And just to be very clear, Mr. Schrader never had sex in any form with the plaintiff, nor did he ever attempt such a thing. We will vigorously defend this.” The stark contrast between the allegations and Schrader’s defense sets the stage for a contentious legal battle ahead.