In a landmark verdict, a Manhattan jury has held Robert De Niro's production company, Canal Productions, accountable for discrimination and retaliation against the actor's former assistant, Graham Chase Robinson.
The jury's decision marks the end of a two-week trial and a four-year legal battle, with Canal Productions being ordered to pay Robinson $1.2 million in damages.
Robinson accused De Niro of frequently making inappropriate comments and demeaning requests, alleging that she was often assigned tasks below her job level. The jury ruled in her favor, awarding her slightly over $633,000 for each charge of discrimination and retaliation.
In a significant development, Robinson was not held responsible for several countercharges, including misuse of company funds for personal purchases, misappropriation of company frequent flier miles, and excessive use of company time for personal entertainment.
Despite the ruling against his company, De Niro was not held personally liable. His attorney, Rich Schoenstein, who also represented Canal Productions, expressed satisfaction with the jury's decision to separate De Niro from the case. "It's a great victory for Mr. De Niro. He was absolved," Schoenstein stated.
Robinson, who described De Niro as a "boss from Hell," claimed that the actor asked her to perform personal tasks such as scratching his back and conversed with her while urinating. She also alleged that she was underpaid due to her gender.
De Niro, who was absent for most of the trial and the verdict announcement, denied the allegations when he testified last month. He dismissed Robinson's claims as "nonsense," insisting that his requests were not sexually motivated and were never disrespectful. He acknowledged calling Robinson a "spoiled brat" when she failed to wake him for an important appointment but denied being abusive.
Robinson's attorney, Brent Hannafan, hailed the verdict as a complete vindication of his client. "The jury saw what Ms. Robinson saw and completely vindicated her," Hannafan said. "We're thrilled with the verdict. Ms. Robinson is thrilled with the verdict. She feels vindicated," he added.
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