Robert De Niro's Legal Battle with Former Employee Goes to Trial

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

Robert De Niro and his former employee, Graham Chase Robinson, have finally begun trial proceedings in federal court in Manhattan this week on a four-year legal dispute. The case has brought to light allegations of gender discrimination and improper spending by both parties.

Graham Chase Robinson's Claims

Robinson, who initially started as De Niro's executive assistant in 2008 and later held the position of vice president at Canal Productions, filed a lawsuit against the acclaimed actor De Niro and his company for gender discrimination.
In her lawsuit, Robinson contended that De Niro had subjected her to demeaning and gender-based treatment, referring to her as an «office wife.» She claimed that he assigned her tasks such as washing his sheets and scratching his back that were inconsistent with her job descriptions. Additionally, she alleged that she was paid less than a male colleague who performed tasks of similar skill and responsibility.

The lawsuit also detailed instances where De Niro reportedly made derogatory gender-based comments, including calling Robinson a «bitch» and a «brat.» The jury will evaluate the validity of Robinson's claims under New York City’s Human Rights Law, which covers gender discrimination and retaliation.

Robinson's retaliation claim revolves around a dispute between her and Tiffany Chen, De Niro's current girlfriend. Both Robinson and Chen worked on preparing a townhouse for the couple to move into. Robinson's lawyer, Brent Hannafan, argued that Chen expressed concerns that Robinson had romantic interests in De Niro, leading to tensions between the two women. After Robinson raised the issue with De Niro, Chen allegedly stripped her of her job duties, causing Robinson to resign.

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