Paul Schrader, the acclaimed screenwriter known for classics like Taxi Driver and Raging Bull, faces serious allegations of sexual harassment from a former assistant, identified only as Jane Doe, in a lawsuit filed in New York on April 3, 2025. The 26-year-old woman claims that Schrader's behavior during the Cannes Film Festival last year was not only inappropriate but also unlawful.
According to the lawsuit, the troubling incidents began during the festival, where Schrader was present for the premiere of his latest film, Oh, Canada. Jane Doe alleges that Schrader forcibly grabbed her and kissed her against her will, despite her verbal protests. The suit states that she managed to escape the situation, fleeing the hotel room in distress.
Three days later, the situation escalated when Schrader allegedly summoned her back to his hotel room, claiming he was “dying” and needed help packing his bags. Upon her arrival, she was met with a shocking sight: Schrader allegedly opened the door wearing nothing but an open bathrobe, with his penis fully exposed. The lawsuit describes how she packed his belongings in “terrified silence” before quickly leaving the room.
Schrader’s conduct reportedly continued after these incidents. The lawsuit claims he sent numerous emails to Jane Doe that indicated he understood his actions were unwelcome. In one email dated May 22, 2023, Schrader allegedly wrote, “I sense you are uncomfortable with my affection for you.” This pattern of behavior allegedly included “near-constant inappropriate sexual questions and lewd and misogynistic commentary,” making her work environment unbearable.
In September 2024, after refusing Schrader’s advances, Jane Doe claims she was fired from her position. Following her termination, the woman retained legal counsel, and her attorneys reportedly reached an agreement for Schrader to pay a confidential settlement to resolve her allegations. However, the lawsuit alleges that after weeks of delay, Schrader backed out of the settlement, stating he “could not live with himself” if he accepted the agreement.
Schrader’s attorney, Philip Kessler, has publicly denied the allegations, labeling the lawsuit as “desperate, opportunistic and frivolous.” He emphasized that Schrader never signed the settlement, making it unenforceable. Kessler also claimed that the accusations are “in many respects inaccurate, in other respects materially misleading and exaggerated.” He added, “Mr. Schrader never had sex with his former assistant. He never tried to have sex with his former assistant.”
Furthermore, Kessler pointed out that during the three-and-a-half years of employment, Jane Doe attended numerous events with Schrader, and at no point did she express discomfort. He noted that her previous favorable comments about Schrader on social media were removed shortly before her legal team sent their initial demand letter.
As the case unfolds, the public and industry figures are watching closely, given Schrader's significant contributions to cinema. He was awarded the Venice Golden Lion for career achievement in 2022, and his works have influenced generations of filmmakers. The allegations against him, however, have cast a shadow over his legacy.
In light of the current climate surrounding issues of sexual misconduct in Hollywood, this case adds to the ongoing discourse regarding power dynamics and the treatment of women in the film industry. As more individuals come forward with their experiences, the implications for those in positions of power, like Schrader, are becoming increasingly serious.
This lawsuit not only raises questions about Schrader's behavior but also highlights the broader issues of accountability and the need for safe work environments in the entertainment industry. The outcome of this case could have significant repercussions, not just for Schrader but for others in the industry as well.
As the legal proceedings continue, it remains to be seen how this situation will evolve and what it will mean for the future of those involved, particularly for Jane Doe, who is bravely bringing her allegations to light.
