Robert De Niro's Ex-Assistant Testifies: "He Shouted at Me Two Days Ago" | Vanity Fair

Written by Dan Adler

Actor Robert De Niro's civil trial this week has drawn attention for its intensity. Two lawsuits are under investigation; one alleging gender-based discrimination against his former employee, Graham Chase Robinson, and another, filed by his company Canal Productions, accusing Robinson of misusing company resources and time. His defense on Monday was rather loud, as he exclaimed, “This is all nonsense!”

On Thursday, Robinson testified, stating that her tenure under De Niro was generally filled with comments like these. When queried by her lawyer about the frequency of such outbursts from De Niro, she stated, “He yelled at me two days ago.” according to AP.

Robinson, who further testified on Friday, shared more about her work experience with De Niro. Initially joining as his assistant in 2008, she ascended to the role of Canal’s vice president of finance and production. Robinson testified that these roles required her availability 24/7, 365 days a year, reported by Variety. By late 2018, when she exited her role, De Niro had referred to her as a “bitch” twice, according to her.

Robinson tearfully recounted, “It was extremely hard to hear him call me that,” adding “It was very demeaning [and] incredibly hurtful to hear that from your boss.”

Earlier in the week, De Niro admitted to having asked Robinson to help him with an unreachable itch on his back. On the witness stand, Robinson expressed her discomfort about these “creepy” and “disgusting” requests. De Niro allegedly complimented her, saying, “I like the way you do it.”

This trial is anticipated to continue for another week.