De Niro was declared innocent, yet facing a $1.2 million fine
3:54 PM EST, November 13, 2023
Robert De Niro's legal battle with his former assistant, Graham Chase Robinson, has come to a surprising conclusion. Although the star was declared innocent, his company, Canal Productions, has been ordered to pay a significant settlement to the plaintiff.
This case was initiated in 2019 when Chase Robinson accused De Niro and Canal Productions of gender discrimination and retaliation, according to "Deadline". Robinson's legal response came after De Niro had filed a lawsuit against her, alleging that she was neglectful in her duties and watched Netflix during work hours. De Niro, who recently played Uncle Hale in "Bloody Moon Time", had sought $6 million in damages, but it is he who now faces a payout.
Verdict unfavorable for De Niro
Robinson's attorneys implemented a strategy premised on the notion that De Niro's suit against their client was an intimidation tactic. It is reported by "Deadline" that De Niro's team aimed to beat her to the punch upon learning she intended to launch her own lawsuit. Robinson counter-sued for $12 million.
On Thursday, November 9, 2023, the jury found Canal Productions, De Niro's company, liable for two of the alleged offenses. Damages were assessed at over $1.2 million, which will be paid to Robinson. Importantly, De Niro himself was found innocent of all charges.
As we have previously reported, the case caused De Niro considerable stress. Accused of bullying and making sexist comments, the actor occasionally failed to maintain self-control during court sessions, directly addressing his former assistant. He expressed bemusement at allegations of inappropriate behavior, viewing the entire case as absurd.
The LBC portal reports that Robinson sought damages for alleged emotional distress and damage to her reputation. She claimed she has been unemployed and largely housebound due to trauma suffered during her tenure with De Niro. As the former vice president of production and finance, she earned a yearly salary of $300,000. She resigned following a conflict with De Niro's girlfriend, 64-year-old Tiffany Chen.
