Robert De Niro, the acclaimed actor known for his iconic roles in films like “Taxi Driver” and “Raging Bull,” took the stand Monday, October 30, 2023, in a Manhattan federal court. The two-time Oscar winner testified in a contentious legal battle initiated by his former personal assistant, Graham Chase Robinson, who alleges years of abusive treatment and reputational damage. This high-profile case delves into the complex dynamics of a celebrity workplace and raises questions about professional boundaries, alleged sexism, and the cost of working for a Hollywood legend.
Robert De Niro at CinemaCon, 2022. Now, he faces legal accusations from his former personal assistant.
De Niro, now 80, employed Robinson from 2008 to 2019, with her annual salary reaching $300,000 before her resignation as vice president of production and finance. Robinson’s responsibilities ranged from managing holiday decorations to accompanying De Niro to the hospital following a fall. She now seeks $12 million in damages, claiming severe emotional distress and career repercussions due to De Niro’s alleged refusal to provide a job reference after her departure.
The Testimony: Clashing Narratives and Rising Tensions
De Niro’s testimony was marked by visible frustration and occasional outbursts. While acknowledging Robinson’s role as his emergency contact and her assistance with personal tasks, he vehemently denied treating her poorly. When questioned about Robinson’s competence, De Niro retorted, “Not after everything I’m going through now,” highlighting the strained relationship between the two.
The courtroom atmosphere grew tense as De Niro defended his girlfriend, Tiffany Chen, against Robinson’s accusations. He emphasized their shared decision-making, raising his voice to declare, “We make decisions together.” Another heated exchange erupted when Robinson’s lawyer suggested De Niro had inconvenienced her with early morning calls for hospital transport. De Niro angrily explained the incident involved a serious back injury sustained from falling down stairs, clarifying he delayed contacting Robinson until absolutely necessary. Judge Lewis J. Liman repeatedly intervened to remind De Niro of courtroom decorum and the limitations of his testimony.
De Niro’s Manhattan townhouse, a point of contention in the lawsuit.
De Niro maintained he treated Robinson well, even after purchasing a five-bedroom Manhattan townhouse and entrusting her with some of the preparations for his move with Chen. He exclaimed, “It is not like I’m asking for her to go out there and scrape floors and mop the floor. So this is all nonsense!” This outburst underscored De Niro’s perception of the lawsuit as baseless.
Jealousy and Suspicion: The Role of De Niro’s Girlfriend
Correspondence between De Niro and Chen, presented to the jury, revealed Chen’s growing distrust of Robinson. Chen suspected Robinson of behaving like De Niro’s wife and harboring “imaginary intimacy” with the actor. De Niro defended Chen’s suspicions, stating, “She felt there was something there and she may have been right.” This added another layer of complexity to the already intricate legal battle, suggesting personal dynamics played a significant role in the escalating conflict.
Opening Statements: Contrasting Portraits of Employer and Employee
Prior to De Niro’s testimony, opening statements from both sides presented starkly different portrayals of the actor and his former assistant. Robinson’s attorney, Andrew Macurdy, argued that De Niro’s alleged abusive behavior, including yelling and using derogatory language, has left Robinson unable to find new employment and fearful of leaving her home. He linked De Niro’s alleged treatment of Robinson to broader sexist attitudes. Macurdy attributed the conflict to Chen’s jealousy of De Niro’s close working relationship with Robinson, emphasizing that Robinson never had a romantic interest in De Niro.
Conversely, De Niro’s attorney, Richard Schoenstein, painted a picture of a “kind, reasonable, generous” employer who treated Robinson well. He suggested Robinson felt entitled to more than she received and exhibited “condescending, demeaning, controlling, abusive” behavior, constantly “playing the victim.” Schoenstein assured the jury that testimony from other Canal Productions employees would corroborate De Niro’s version of events. Canal Productions, De Niro’s company, has filed a countersuit against Robinson.
The Stakes: Reputations and Millions on the Line
This trial extends beyond a simple employer-employee dispute. It involves the reputation of a Hollywood icon and the potential for substantial financial repercussions. The jury must carefully weigh the conflicting accounts and determine the truth behind the allegations. This case serves as a reminder of the power dynamics within the entertainment industry and the potential for workplace conflicts to escalate into costly legal battles. The outcome will undoubtedly have significant implications for both De Niro and Robinson, impacting their careers and public image.
What’s Next: The Trial Continues
As the trial progresses, more witnesses will be called to testify, shedding further light on the complex relationship between De Niro and Robinson. Expert testimony and further evidence will be presented, allowing the jury to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the events that led to this high-stakes legal confrontation. The verdict will ultimately determine whether De Niro will be held accountable for Robinson’s alleged damages or if her claims will be dismissed. The trial continues to unfold, captivating public attention and prompting discussions about workplace conduct, power imbalances, and the complexities of human relationships.
