Paul Schrader breaches settlement over sexual assault allegations
- Paul Schrader is accused of multiple instances of sexual assault and harassment against his former assistant, Jane Doe.
- After allegedly reaching a confidential settlement with Doe, Schrader reneged on the agreement, prompting her to file a lawsuit.
- The case highlights the ongoing issues of sexual misconduct in the film industry and power dynamics in the workplace.
In New York, Paul Schrader, a renowned filmmaker, faces serious allegations of sexual assault made by his former personal assistant, known as Jane Doe. These claims surfaced in civil court documents when Doe filed a lawsuit against Schrader and his production company, accusing him of sexual harassment and abuse during her employment from May 2021 to September 2024. The lawsuit also alleges that Schrader terminated her employment after she rebuffed his advances, further claiming he had previously engaged in wrongful conduct at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2024. The allegations claim that Schrader exploited his position of power, creating a sexually hostile work environment. Specifically, Doe states that during a Cannes event promoting his film, he coerced her into his hotel room, where he assaulted her against her will. Documented incidents reveal chilling details in which Schrader trapped her, physically restrained her, and made inappropriate advances despite her protests. After enduring this treatment, Doe ultimately sought legal recourse after being terminated for refusing to comply with his demands. In February 2025, both parties purportedly reached a confidential financial settlement, intended to keep the allegations away from public scrutiny. However, Schrader later expressed regret over this agreement, citing personal reflection and an illness he'd experienced. His attorney claimed that the settlement was never formally signed and therefore could not be enforced. This breach of the agreement has prompted Doe to pursue legal action to hold Schrader accountable for not adhering to the terms set forth in their settlement. Schrader's legal team vehemently denies the allegations, asserting that there was never a sexual relationship between him and Doe. They describe the lawsuit as opportunistic and frivolous, vehemently challenging the claims made against the filmmaker. As the situation unfolds, it raises questions about power dynamics in the workplace, the treatment of sexual harassment claims in the film industry, and the ramifications of breaking legal agreements regarding such serious accusations. The ongoing legal battle underscores the persistent issues surrounding sexual misconduct and the responsibilities of those in powerful positions within the entertainment sector.