In a legal battle that has captured the attention of both Hollywood and corporate America, Robert De Niro has taken the stand, vehemently rejecting claims of abusive behaviour towards his former assistant, Graham Chase Robinson. The courtroom drama unfolded over allegations of discrimination, emotional distress, and workplace misconduct, with the Oscar-winning actor delivering a performance marked by fervent denials and a controversial admission of berating his ex-employee.
De Niro’s testimony in a New York courtroom on the second day was as intense as the opening act, with the actor pushing back against accusations from Robinson, who is seeking substantial damages for what she describes as severe emotional distress. The actor, known for his explosive characters on screen, did not shy away from expressing his frustration during the proceedings, leading to an apology for his raised voice in court.
Robinson worked at Canal Productions for over a decade, when she rose to a high executive position and earned a six-figure salary. However, the heart of the dispute is her contentious departure and subsequent legal battles, which entangled not only De Niro but his partner, Tiffany Chen, who is implicated in Robinson’s departure from the company.
Robinson’s lawsuit describes a work environment rife with gender discrimination and unprofessional demands, including personal tasks that belied her executive title. De Niro’s rebuttal characterized Robinson as a less-than-ideal employee, citing her misappropriation of company resources and unprofessional behaviour.
The courtroom exchange grew particularly heated over allegations of name-calling, with De Niro admitting to berating Robinson on an occasion when she failed to fulfill a duty yet insisting that his actions did not constitute abuse. The actor also dismissed claims of preferential treatment and inappropriate requests, including the peculiar detail of back-scratching, which De Niro addressed with a mix of denial and sarcasm.
Gender discrimination became a focal point when the disparity in pay between Robinson and another employee was scrutinized, with De Niro defending the difference based on tenure and unrelated job functions, dismissing any insinuation of sexism as nonsensical.
The curtain has yet to fall on this off-screen drama as the trial proceeds. With more testimonies and evidence to be weighed by the jury, the case against Robert De Niro and Canal Productions promises to keep the public and legal experts watching closely. The stage is set for a complex exploration of workplace dynamics, celebrity culture, and the legal boundaries of employer-employee relationships.