A former assistant to Robert De Niro has been awarded $1.26 million in a lawsuit against the actor’s loan-out company, Canal Productions, for gender discrimination and retaliation. The jury found De Niro not personally liable in the case and also rejected his counterclaim that she stole five million frequent flyer miles from the company.
The jury took roughly 4 hours over a single day of deliberations to reach the verdict, and De Niro was not present in the courtroom when the decision was announced. The trial centered on the fallout from when the plaintiff, Graham Chase Robinson, who was employed by De Niro’s Canal Productions from 2008 to 2019 in various positions from executive assistant to vp of production and finance, left the company. It involved allegations that De Niro subjected her to vulgar comments and assigned her domestic duties, like buttoning his shirt and washing his sheets, despite her lofty executive title.
After Robinson refused to sign a release, De Niro sued her for stealing millions of frequent-flyer miles and other property from Canal Productions. Robinson responded by filing her own lawsuit two months later, accusing De Niro of gender discrimination and retaliation.
When De Niro testified on Oct. 31, he dismissed the case as “nonsense” and stressed that it was “absurd.” The lawyer for Robinson, David Sanford, said in a statement, “We are delighted that the jury saw what we saw and returned a verdict in Chase Robinson’s favor against Robert De Niro’s company, Canal Productions. Not only did Ms. Robinson win her case against Canal but the jury completely vindicated Ms. Robinson by finding De Niro’s claims against her to be without merit.”
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The case has drawn attention not only for the high-profile nature of the parties involved but also for its timing near the precipice of the #MeToo movement. The jury’s decision could have implications for similar cases involving workplace discrimination and harassment.
The $1.26 million award includes damages for pay and emotional distress, among other factors. The decision is seen as a victory for Robinson and a blow for De Niro and Canal Productions. It remains to be seen whether De Niro’s company will appeal the decision.
The case has reignited conversations about power dynamics in the workplace and the ongoing need for accountability in the entertainment industry. It serves as a reminder that even those in positions of influence and fame are not immune to allegations of misconduct and discrimination.
The outcome of this case could prompt other employees in similar situations to come forward and seek justice for any mistreatment they may have experienced. It also sends a message to employers that they are not above the law and will be held accountable for their actions.
In the wake of this verdict, there may be increased scrutiny on workplace policies and practices within the entertainment industry, as well as a renewed focus on creating safer and more equitable work environments for all employees.
Overall, the jury’s decision in this case has far-reaching implications that extend beyond the specific details of the lawsuit. It represents a step forward in the ongoing effort to address issues of discrimination and harassment in the workplace, particularly within high-profile industries like entertainment.
