Graham Chase Robinson, a former assistant to Oscar-winning actor Robert De Niro, has accused her former employer of gender discrimination and alleged that she feared retaliation if she spoke out about the alleged mistreatment she endured while working at his company, Canal Productions. Robinson, 41, revealed these concerns during her ongoing $12 million lawsuit against De Niro.
During the trial at Manhattan Federal Court, Robinson expressed her worries about the potential repercussions of addressing the discrimination she faced while serving as De Niro’s vice president of production and finance. She claimed that she hesitated to make any internal complaints before eventually resigning in 2019 and filing a civil action against her former boss. Robinson said, “I really feared what would happen if I did that. I feared that making a formal complaint was going to be loading a gun which was going to be then pointed at me. I feared for my reputation. I was really scared.”
Robinson has alleged that De Niro assigned her stereotypical female tasks while paying her less than her male colleagues and made “creepy” requests. De Niro, on the other hand, has denied these claims and has countersued for $6 million, accusing Robinson of misusing company benefits.
The trial has revealed details about Robinson’s resignation and her request for a compensation package that included severance pay, recommendation letters, and a press release. She explained that her request for a press release aimed to protect her future in the entertainment industry and prevent potential damage to her reputation.
Throughout her testimony, Robinson maintained that she recorded conversations with colleagues to ensure accuracy and protect herself. Expert witness Dr. Robert L. Goldstein, a practicing psychiatrist, diagnosed Robinson with generalized anxiety disorder linked to her employment at Canal. He emphasized that her condition was a result of her perceived discrimination and retaliation at work.
As the trial continues, Robinson’s allegations against De Niro remain at the forefront, shedding light on the challenges faced by employees who fear retaliation when addressing workplace discrimination. The outcome of the trial will determine the resolution of these allegations, and the public awaits further developments in this high-profile case.