Breaking News: Canal Productions, Robert De Niro’s Company, Held Liable in Landmark Gender Discrimination Case

For the past few years, a legal battle between actor Robert De Niro and his former assistant, Graham Chase Robinson, has unfolded, culminating in a recent verdict that holds De Niro’s production company, Canal Productions, liable for gender discrimination and retaliation.
Lawsuits and Allegations
In 2019, De Niro filed a lawsuit against Robinson, accusing her of misusing company funds for personal purposes. In response, Robinson countersued, alleging gender-based harassment and discrimination. The recent civil trial, which lasted two weeks in a Manhattan federal court, addressed both lawsuits.
Verdict and Compensation
On Thursday, a jury ruled that neither De Niro nor Robinson was personally liable for the other’s claims. However, Canal Productions was found liable for gender discrimination and retaliation, leading to a significant decision in Robinson’s favor. She was awarded $1.26 million in damages.
David Sanford, Robinson’s lawyer, emphasized the victory, stating, "Not only did Ms. Robinson win her case against Canal, but the jury completely vindicated Ms. Robinson by finding De Niro’s claims against her to be without merit."
Testimonies and Work Environment
During the trial, Robinson testified about her experiences, alleging that De Niro assigned her "stereotypically female" tasks around his home. A dispute with De Niro’s girlfriend, Tiffany Chen, reportedly contributed to Robinson’s resignation from Canal Productions.
Robinson expressed feeling "humiliated and embarrassed" and described the interactions with De Niro as "creepy" and "disgusting." Despite De Niro’s irritated testimony and a moment where he acknowledged asking Robinson to scratch his back, he maintained that his actions were not disrespectful.
Legal Outcome and Response
While De Niro’s personal exoneration was highlighted by his lawyer, Richard C. Schoenstein, the jury’s decision held Canal Productions accountable for gender discrimination. The outcome raises questions about workplace practices within De Niro’s production company.
"I’ve been so humiliated and embarrassed, and I feel so judged,” Robinson testified. “I feel just so damaged, in a way.”
This verdict puts a spotlight on the larger issue of gender discrimination in the entertainment industry, even involving prominent figures like Robert De Niro. The $1.26 million awarded to Robinson reflects not only a legal victory for her but also a consequential judgment on the workplace culture at Canal Productions.
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Exploring the Legal Implications: Questions Arising from De Niro’s Production Company Trial
Is Robert De Niro Liable for Gender Discrimination?
After a two-week trial, a jury in New York found Robert De Niro’s production company liable for gender discrimination and retaliation, directing a $1.2 million payout to his former assistant. Despite the verdict against Canal Productions, the 80-year-old actor and director was not personally held liable. This landmark decision raises questions about workplace practices within De Niro’s company and highlights the broader issue of gender discrimination in the entertainment industry.
Key Points:
- Canal Productions found liable for gender discrimination and retaliation.
- $1.2 million awarded to Robert De Niro’s former assistant.
- Robert De Niro not personally held liable by the jury.
- Verdict prompts scrutiny of workplace practices in De Niro’s production company.
- Raises broader concerns about gender discrimination in the entertainment industry.
Why Did Robert De Niro Pay $1.2 Million?
In a recent verdict, a jury ordered Robert De Niro’s production company to pay over $1.2 million to his former personal assistant. The decision stemmed from findings of gender discrimination and retaliation within the actor’s company. This legal outcome prompts a closer look at the workplace practices within De Niro’s production company and underscores the broader issue of gender discrimination and retaliation in the entertainment industry.
Key Details:
- Jury orders payment of $1.2 million to Robert De Niro’s former personal assistant.
- Verdict based on findings of gender discrimination and retaliation.
- Raises questions about workplace practices within De Niro’s production company.
- Highlights the pervasive issue of gender discrimination and retaliation in the entertainment industry.
What Did the Jury Say about Chase Robinson vs Robert De Niro?
In a statement, David Sanford, lawyer for Chase Robinson, expressed satisfaction with the jury’s verdict in favor of Robinson against Robert De Niro’s company, Canal Productions. "We are delighted that the jury saw what we saw and returned a verdict in Chase Robinson’s favor," Sanford stated. This outcome not only vindicates Robinson but also brings attention to the legal issues surrounding gender discrimination and retaliation within De Niro’s production company.
Key Statement:
- Jury returns a verdict in favor of Chase Robinson against Canal Productions.
- David Sanford, Robinson’s lawyer, expresses delight with the jury’s decision.
- Verdict seen as a vindication of Robinson’s claims.
- Sheds light on legal issues related to gender discrimination and retaliation within De Niro’s company.
Why Did Robert De Niro Leave Federal Court?
Actor Robert De Niro was seen leaving federal court after participating in closing arguments for a civil trial involving claims by his former Vice President and personal assistant on November 8. The trial, centered on allegations of misconduct within De Niro’s company, Canal Productions, sheds light on the legal challenges and controversies surrounding the actor’s professional relationships.
Key Points:
- Robert De Niro exits federal court after attending closing arguments.
- Civil trial focuses on claims by former Vice President and personal assistant.
- Trial reveals legal challenges and controversies within De Niro’s company, Canal Productions.
- Highlights the ongoing scrutiny and complexities surrounding De Niro’s professional relationships.
What Were the Specific Allegations Against Robert De Niro in the Gender Discrimination Case?
In the gender discrimination case, apart from accusations of non-consensual touching and inappropriate comments, Graham Chase Robinson alleged that Robert De Niro subjected her to verbal abuse. Furthermore, she claimed De Niro treated her as an "office wife" and assigned her "stereotypically female duties like housework." These specific allegations provide insight into the broader claims of gender discrimination and misconduct within De Niro’s professional interactions.
Key Allegations:
- Non-consensual touching and inappropriate comments.
- Verbal abuse directed at Graham Chase Robinson.
- Treatment of Robinson as an "office wife."
- Delegation of "stereotypically female duties" such as housework.
- Specific instances contributing to the gender discrimination case against Robert De Niro.
How Did the Jury Rule on the Personal Liability of Robert De Niro and Graham Chase Robinson?
In the recent verdict, the jury determined that Robert De Niro was not personally liable for the alleged abuse. However, they directed his production company, Canal Productions, to make two payments of $632,142 each to his longtime personal assistant, Graham Chase Robinson. This nuanced decision highlights the legal separation between De Niro’s individual responsibility and the corporate accountability of Canal Productions in the gender discrimination case.
Key Verdict Details:
- Jury finds Robert De Niro not personally liable for the alleged abuse.
- Canal Productions ordered to make two payments of $632,142 each to Graham Chase Robinson.
- Emphasizes the distinction between individual and corporate responsibility in the legal outcome.
- Addresses the complexities of the gender discrimination case against De Niro and his production company.