'Taxi Driver' Author Paul Schrader Responds to Sexual Assault Allegations

Famed Hollywood screenwriter and director Paul Schrader has determined to subject an announcement following the sexual assault accusations that his former assistant made towards him just a few days in the past. Though his authorized workforce has already responded to the allegations, Schrader himself has determined to handle the accusations that he vehemently denies: “I’ve nothing to cover about my conduct.”

Per a report by Selection, the Taxi Driver author has launched a proper assertion wherein he addresses the allegations made by his former assistant, whom he refers to as “plaintiff,” whereas all authorized filings confer with her as Jane Doe. The lawsuit wherein Schrader was accused of sexual misconduct signifies that he “uncovered himself” to her, and between 2021 and 2024, she was the topic of a “sexually hostile, intimidating, and humiliating atmosphere.” Though the authorized proceedings had been about to be settled out of court docket, Schrader backed off. As a substitute, he has launched his personal model of the story, and what follows is a abstract of his assertion:

“Within the fall of final yr, a lawyer I had by no means heard of, representing my former assistant, despatched me a letter demanding that I pay my former assistant thousands and thousands of {dollars} or she would go public with sensational, false and deceptive accusations about our relationship and my conduct by way of a lawsuit. I understood that the mere assertion of such accusations can be damaging and hurtful.

“Because of this, I almost dedicated to settling the claims by paying a small fraction of the quantity that had been initially demanded to keep away from the damage and hurt that the publicity surrounding a lawsuit with these sorts of false and deceptive accusations would trigger, to say nothing of the price of litigation. Upon reflection, I modified my thoughts, which I imagine I used to be legally entitled to do, and declined to signal the written settlement settlement the attorneys had ready. I refused to bow to the coercion created by what I regard as unwarranted and opportunistic claims and resolved to defend myself.”

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Schrader’s assertion has been addressed to his pals and colleagues, and it additionally mentions that Jane Doe is just not accusing him of sexual harassment, however of refusing to signal the settlement. He additionally mentions that, despite the fact that they by no means had intercourse, they did kiss on a few events. In keeping with the author, when issues received awkward, all of it stopped. However in the course of the time when she labored for him, she by no means talked about feeling distressed by his presence. In the meantime, within the authentic report, it was alleged that he despatched her emails addressing his “unwelcome and offensive” actions. Learn the remainder of Schrader’s assertion:

“It’s greater than a little bit revealing that, all through her employment, Plaintiff selected on her personal to make flattering social media remarks about me, emphasizing her perception in my expertise and her enjoyment of my mentorship.

“I perceive that within the present local weather a defendant accused of sexual harassment is commonly presumed responsible within the court docket of public opinion with out the equity of due course of– except and till the defendant proves his or her innocence. However that presumption is just not at all times true. It isn’t true on this case. I’ve nothing to cover about my conduct— and that features my choice to not yield to the stress of my former assistant’s menace to make her sensational allegations public, a menace that she and her attorneys have now executed. If this case ever makes it to trial, I can be trustworthy with the choose and jury who I’m assured will see the reality.”

What Different Films Is Paul Schrader Identified For?

Paul Schrader’s physique of labor speaks for itself. In addition to his groundbreaking work on Taxi Driver and different Martin Scorsese motion pictures like Raging Bull, The Final Temptation of Christ and Bringing Out the Lifeless, Schrader has additionally written and directed movies like American Gigolo, Hardcore, First Reformed and The Card Counter. In 2019, he was nominated for an Academy Award for his work in First Reformed.

Despite the fact that he has determined to formally defend himself towards accusations in court docket, there isn’t any doubt that this may put his profession in jeopardy. This can be a actuality that each one celebrities face these days, no matter their guilt, political beliefs, or beliefs. Schrader may show himself to be harmless of any wrongdoing, however he may be compelled to take a step again from making any motion pictures within the close to future.

Supply: Selection

Taxi Driver

Launch Date

February 9, 1976

Runtime

114 Minutes