Film director Paul Schrader faces serious allegations from his former personal assistant, Jane Doe, who claims he sexually assaulted her and fired her after she rejected his advances.

According to Breitbart News, a 26-year-old former personal assistant has filed a lawsuit against acclaimed filmmaker Paul Schrader, alleging sexual assault and breach of a confidential settlement agreement.

The lawsuit, filed in a New York court, details disturbing incidents that allegedly occurred during the 2024 Cannes Film Festival. The former assistant, identified as Jane Doe, claims Schrader, 78, trapped her in his hotel room and forcibly kissed her while promoting his latest film "Oh, Canada." She further alleges that subsequent incidents led to her termination after rejecting his advances.

Settlement Agreement Controversy Emerges

Attorney Gregory Chiarello, representing Jane Doe, characterizes the case as straightforward settlement enforcement. The agreement, reached on February 5, 2025, included undisclosed terms and monetary compensation. However, Schrader's legal team disputes the validity of the settlement, stating their client never signed the document.

Philip J. Kessler, Schrader's lawyer, strongly refutes the allegations, describing the lawsuit as "desperate, opportunistic and frivolous." He emphasizes that many claims presented in the legal filing are either false or misleading. Kessler also points to social media posts where the assistant previously praised Schrader as an extraordinary mentor.

Following the alleged Cannes incident, Schrader reportedly expressed concerns about being perceived similarly to Harvey Weinstein. The filmmaker sent an email to his former assistant addressing these fears, adding another layer to the complex legal situation.

Distinguished Career Amid Controversy

Schrader's illustrious career spans nearly five decades, beginning with his breakthrough collaboration with Martin Scorsese on "Taxi Driver" in 1976. His portfolio includes writing credits for acclaimed films like "Raging Bull" and "The Last Temptation of Christ." The filmmaker received his sole Academy Award nomination for writing "First Reformed" in 2017.

Recent years have seen Schrader making headlines for controversial statements about various industry issues. He criticized the Academy Awards' diversity initiatives in 2023, suggesting they were "scrambling to be woke." In 2021, amid the #MeToo movement's prominence, he spoke against what he termed "cancel culture."

Personal health challenges have also marked Schrader's recent history. His latest film, "Oh, Canada," emerged from a period of reflection following multiple hospitalizations for long COVID. The filmmaker has been open about confronting his mortality through his work.

Legal Battle Details Emerge

The lawsuit provides specific details about the alleged incidents at Cannes. According to court documents, two days after the initial alleged assault, Schrader repeatedly called the assistant, claiming he was "dying" and needed help packing. The situation allegedly escalated when she arrived at his room.

Schrader's attorney disputes the enforceability of the settlement agreement, maintaining that both parties needed to sign for it to become legally binding. This technical detail forms a crucial part of their defense strategy. The timeline of events spans from 2021 to 2024, during which the assistant worked closely with Schrader.

Kessler offered this statement regarding his client's position:

We absolutely deny that there was ever a sexual relationship of any kind between Mr. Schrader and his former assistant, and we deny that Mr. Schrader ever made an attempt to have a sexual relationship of any kind with his former assistant.

Settlement Enforcement Case Moves Forward

Jane Doe's legal team seeks judicial intervention to enforce the previously negotiated settlement. The case highlights ongoing challenges within the entertainment industry regarding workplace conduct and accountability. The proceedings will likely focus on the technical aspects of the settlement agreement and its enforceability.

The matter raises questions about industry practices and protection for entertainment industry workers. As the case progresses through the legal system, it may establish precedents for similar situations in the future. Both parties appear prepared for extended litigation if necessary.

Why This Story Matters

The allegations against Schrader are particularly significant due to his high profile in the film industry. They remind us of the ongoing challenges women face in professional settings, particularly in industries known for imbalances in power dynamics. Raising awareness of these issues can help catalyze necessary changes in workplace cultures across various sectors.

Case Summary and Next Steps

Acclaimed filmmaker Paul Schrader faces serious allegations from his former personal assistant, who claims sexual assault occurred during the 2024 Cannes Film Festival. The lawsuit centers on enforcing a settlement agreement allegedly reached in February 2025 but later contested by Schrader.

The case will proceed through the New York court system, where a judge must determine the validity of the settlement agreement and potential enforcement. Both parties have retained legal representation and appear prepared to present their arguments regarding the agreement's enforceability and the underlying allegations of misconduct.