CELEBRITY
Robert De Niro Testifies In Workplace Lawsuit Brought By Former Assistant
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Robert De Niro testified Monday in a New York City civil case brought by his former executive assistant, who alleges he overworked and harassed her, and is expected to take the stand again Tuesday.
Graham Chase Robinson filed the lawsuit after she quit the job in 2019, having worked for the Oscar winner for 11 years. According to her complaint, De Niro made sexual jokes around her and made inappropriate physical contact, such as requiring her to scratch his back when it itched.
Brent Hannafan, one of Robinson’s lawyers, said during opening arguments that when Robinson suggested De Niro use a back scratcher, he told her, I like the way you do it.
The lawsuit also alleges she was overworked, required to be on call at all times and required to keep De Niro apprised of her whereabouts and travel plans at all times, even if she just went out for a run.
During questioning on Monday, De Niro described Robinson’s accusations as nonsense.
Andrew Macurdy, another attorney for Robinson, asked what De Niro meant when he said during an earlier deposition that Robinson did anything and everything for him.
“I asked her to do anything within reason — within the confines of her job,” De Niro said, clearly frustrated. “I dont know what youre trying to say,” De Niro said. “I dont like that implication.”
De Niro also said Robinson’s hours were civilized, and that he only called on her at odd hours during emergencies. As an example, he admitted calling her at 4 a.m. for help getting to the hospital after he fell down a staircase at his home.
De Niro is countersuing Robinson, alleging she improperly used a company credit card for personal expenses and vacations and embezzled $6 million from his management company, Canal Productions.
“This is not the story of a helpless woman subject to discrimination by her employer,” Richard Schoenstein, an attorney for De Niro, said in court. He said that Robinson created workplace drama, and “manufactured grievances” against other employees who will testify against her.
An eight-person jury will decide on both their claims, including whether Robinson is liable for stealing from De Niro and Canal.
De Niro is expected to resume testifying Tuesday.
TMX contributed to this article.
