Robert De Niro accuser says she won't be intimidated and sends powerful message

01 November 2023 , 18:41

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Robert De Niro is on trial for alleged gender discrimination

Robert De Niro's hearing in a civil lawsuit accusing him of gender discrimination began on Monday.

The Plaintiff, Graham Chase Robinson, filed a complaint against De Niro which alleges 'abusive and sexist comments, demeaning and inappropriate conduct, wage discrimination based on gender, and retaliation.' However, as part of her complaint, her attorneys included a powerful message and delved into the impact this case may have broadly.

Court documents obtained by The Mirror read: "Ms. Robinson will not be intimidated. She brings this lawsuit to obtain justice for herself and to send a message that even the most powerful men should not be permitted to escape the consequences of their illegal behavior."

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The trial began on Monday and is expected to last through early November (AP)

Robinson began working for De Niro in 2008, before the #MeToo movement rose to prominence. At 25 years old, "she hoped to build a career in the entertainment industry". The documents reference the movement and, specifically, the allegations that came to light against Harvey Weinstein. According to Robinson, De Niro was a "frequent collaborator" with the convicted sex offender.

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In reflection on the way the world changed in recent years, Robinson insisted that De Niro has not kept up with public sentiment. The documents read: "Robert De Niro is someone who has clung to old mores. He does not accept the idea that men should treat women as equals. He does not care that gender discrimination in the workplace violates the law. Ms. Robinson is a casualty of this attitude."

Robinson's court documents include an inspirational message (Getty Images)

According to Robinson, she is persisting with this litigation despite alleged retaliation from De Niro who filed a lawsuit in advance of her complaint. While once eager to pursue a career in the industry, she insists that, as the result of De Niro's alleged actions, "her reputation and her career have been destroyed."

When Robinson would try to walk away from her position with De Niro, she claims he allegedly would make tempting 'promises' and also 'threaten' her. She made it known that she intended to sue him for his alleged conduct and court documents explain: "In response, De Niro took a page out of the Bill O’Reilly playbook. Before Ms. Robinson could sue, De Niro retaliated. He had Canal sue Ms. Robinson in New York County Supreme Court and ensured that the suit would be widely publicized. The lawsuit is replete with 'clickbait' allegations that falsely characterize Ms. Robinson as a loafer, a thief, and a miscreant. Now, when her name is Googled, these allegations pop up on the screen. The results have been devasting to Ms. Robinson."

Alex West