The #MeToo movement has prompted many brave young women to come forward and speak about their experiences with sexual harassment and sexual assault. This phenomenon has most impacted Hollywood and the film industry, with many once-beloved individuals having their abhorrent behavior exposed in the media and the press. Big names such as Harvey Weinstein, Matt Lauer, and Kevin Spacey have seen their reputations tarnished as a result of individuals coming forward and sharing their experiences.

One of the most recent figures in Hollywood to be exposed for sexual harassment and gender discrimination is legendary actor Robert De Niro. Like most other alleged cases of harassment, this one is very complex. Whether you’re a super-fan of De Niro or just simply want to hear more about the case, keep reading!

The Background

The alleged harassment accusation is coming from a former employer of De Niro, who was fired back in August for allegedly watching too much Netflix while on the job. In addition, she made unauthorized purchases on the company (De Niro’s production company Canal Productions) credit card. For these reasons, the company decided to terminate her employment.

However, attorneys for the woman, identified as Graham Chase Robinson, claimed that the woman was discriminated against and sexually harassed during her tenure of employment at Canal Productions. She was allegedly frequently asked to scratch Robert De Niro’s back and button his buttons. Apparently no male employees hired by the company were asked to do the same work as Graham Chase Robinson.

The story gets even juicier. According to Robinson, she was treated like De Niro’s office wife. One time, when she did not return his phone call, he left her an angry voicemail full of profanity and calling her a “spoiled brat.” The accuser claims that this was not an isolated incident and yet another example of the horrible treatment that she was subject to.

An attorney for De Niro called the claims made by Robinson “absurd.” Robinson had been employed by De Niro’s production company for 11 years and she claims that the harassment and discrimination began during her first year of employment. Apparently, she told De Niro several times that she wished to resign as his assistant.

In addition to the claims made about the sexual harassment and gender discrimination, Robinson claims that once De Niro and his legal team heard that Robinson was planning to file suit in civil court, they decided to file their very own lawsuit alleging frivolous spending of corporate funds and that the former employee watched 55 episodes of Friends once while on the job. Robinson and her lawyers claim that this was done as a retaliatory lawsuit intended to destroy her reputation in the entertainment industry and beyond.

While De Niro and his team are only seeking 6 million in damages, Robinson and her attorneys are seeking 12 million in damages. Currently, no judgment has been made, but all eyes are on the situation to see what will play out next.