Paul Schrader Responds to Sexual Assault Allegation In Open Letter: ‘I Have Nothing to Hide About My Conduct’

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In a correspondence sent out to his friends and colleagues, filmmaker Paul Schrader firmly denies allegations of sexual misconduct leveled against him by his 26-year-old ex-assistant. He insists that her claims bear no resemblance to reality.

On April 3rd, it was reported that Jane Doe, who used to work for Schrader, accused him in a legal document of sexually assaulting her on various occasions. One incident she mentioned happened shortly following last year’s “Oh, Canada” premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, where she asserts that Schrader exposed himself to her in his hotel room. Furthermore, she claimed that Schrader’s lawyer agreed upon a financial settlement after the alleged abuse, but later reneged on the deal after some introspection. Consequently, Jane Doe’s legal team submitted a motion in a New York court to enforce the agreement and recover costs related to litigation.

Schrader has recently issued a statement in response to the allegations made against him. In this statement, he emphasizes that it is crucial for people to hear his perspective on the matter directly from him, as he considers the accusations to be “untrue and deceptive.

In the autumn of the past year, out of nowhere, a lawyer I hadn’t crossed paths with before, acting on behalf of my ex-assistant, dropped a letter onto my doorstep. This missive demanded that I pay millions to my former assistant or face the potential fallout of salacious, untrue, and misleading allegations about our relationship and my actions, which she threatened to air publicly through a lawsuit. As a cinephile, I felt as if I had just stumbled upon an unexpected plot twist in one of my favorite movies.

He argues that he had a legitimate reason to withdraw from an agreement, stating that it wasn’t valid unless both parties involved signed it. Later, Schrader describes some of the “closest physical interactions” he had with his ex-assistant, admitting they exchanged two kisses on the lips. However, he emphasizes that there was no sexual activity between them in any manner.

The first kiss happened in a New York bar in December 2023, following some drinks we both had. She continued working with me afterwards without any obvious signs of trouble over the kiss or any intention to alter or end our relationship. In May 2024 at Cannes where she accompanied me for my film premiere, I kissed her again after more drinks. This time she showed displeasure and I didn’t try to kiss her again, also apologizing. Despite this incident, the Plaintiff made it clear that she wanted to continue working with me, dining with me, and traveling with me.

In conclusion of his letter, Schrader acknowledges that he may be seen as “innocent until proven guilty” might not apply in the present atmosphere concerning sexual misconduct in Hollywood. However, he maintains his belief that the court would recognize the “truth” if his case proceeds to trial.

Schrader stated, ‘I’m open about my actions, even those such as standing firm against the threats made by my ex-assistant to expose sensitive information. She and her legal team have carried out this threat. If this matter ever reaches a court trial, I promise to be truthful with both the judge and jury, trusting that they will recognize the facts as I see them.’

Read the full letter below.

I wanted to reach out and share with you some personal news that has been circulating recently. It appears that my previous aide has filed a lawsuit with certain claims against me. I thought it was essential for you, who hold an important place in my life, to hear about this matter directly from me.

In late autumn of last year, unexpectedly, a lawyer I hadn’t met before, representing my ex-assistant, sent me a letter claiming I owed my former assistant millions due to our past work together. The accusations were sensational, false, and misleading, threatening to publicly tarnish my reputation through a lawsuit. I knew the mere allegations would be damaging and hurtful. Initially, I was inclined to settle the claims by paying a small portion of the demanded amount to avoid the harm and distress that a lawsuit with such unfounded accusations might bring, as well as the expense of litigation. However, after careful consideration, I decided to withdraw from the agreed-upon settlement, a decision I believe was legally permissible. I chose not to yield to the pressure from what I considered baseless and opportunistic claims, opting instead to defend myself.

The plaintiff has recently initiated a lawsuit, seemingly with the expectation of a swift financial gain. It’s important to note that she hasn’t filed a claim for sexual harassment; instead, she’s trying to enforce a settlement agreement that I chose not to sign. However, this settlement agreement explicitly states that it would only be valid if both the plaintiff and I put our signatures on it.

Despite the fact that her lawsuit primarily concerns the breach of the proposed settlement agreement, it also makes sweeping and unfounded allegations reminiscent of those in her initial demand letter. I may not be able to read minds, but I suspect these accusations are strategically employed—to intimidate me into making a payment. Regardless of their intentions, this tactic will not work on me.

Or:

Her lawsuit, centered around the breach of the drafted settlement agreement, includes unwarranted and misleading claims similar to those in her original demand letter. While I can’t know for sure, it seems these accusations are used as a ploy—to force me into writing a check. No matter their objective, this approach won’t sway me.

Or:

The lawsuit she filed focuses on the breach of the proposed settlement agreement, but it also contains unsubstantiated and sensational claims from her initial demand letter. I can’t read minds, but it looks like these accusations are intended to pressure me into paying money. Regardless of their objective, this strategy won’t work on me.

The lawsuit is trying to portray a misleading picture about my personality and our relationship. It’s an effort to distort the facts, aiming to change our three-year-long relationship—one marked by Plaintiff’s hard work and voluntary non-romantic company—into something uncomfortable, forced, and unpleasant for her. However, nothing could be more dissimilar from reality.

Let me make this perfectly clear: I have never engaged in any form of sexual activity with the Plaintiff, nor did I ever attempt to do so. At no point in time did I expose myself to the Plaintiff. The closest we came physically was exchanging two kisses on the lips, which happened months apart. Additionally, we would greet and part ways by giving each other a friendly peck on the cheek.

In December 2023, we shared our first kiss in a New York bar following some drinks. Subsequently, she continued working closely with me. Neither did she express any discomfort about the kiss nor hinted at wanting to alter or conclude our relationship. Surprisingly, she even collaborated with me on a script after that kiss.

In May 2024, during the premiere of my latest movie at Cannes, I found myself kissing her again, following a shared drinking session. This time, however, she showed signs of disapproval. Subsequently, I refrained from another attempt and even offered an apology. Despite this incident, Plaintiff continued to express interest in working with me, dining together, and traveling. She also indicated her willingness to collaborate on my next film, initially scheduled for production in the fall. To top it off, she participated in an interview and willingly posted positive comments about me on social media.

For over three years, starting from June 2021, my Production Assistant was with me. Throughout this period, she willingly attended various work and social functions as my guest. These events ranged from intimate dinners with well-known figures in the entertainment world to dining at restaurants, socializing at bars, visiting museums, attending concerts, plays, and film festivals. At no point did she indicate any discomfort or reluctance about participating in these activities. Instead, she consistently showed excitement about being involved. However, her lawsuit presents a contrasting narrative – one that is not accurate.

It’s quite telling, during the course of her employment, that the Plaintiff freely posted complimentary comments about me on social media, highlighting my skills and enjoying my guidance. I also find it significant that several of her posts have been removed since she retained legal representation and made her claims. Among the deleted content was a reference to me as “my man.”

It’s quite interesting to note that throughout her employment, the Plaintiff on her own accord complimented me on social media, expressing her admiration for my abilities and enjoyment of my mentorship. It’s equally intriguing that many of her social media posts have been taken down since she hired a lawyer and made her allegations, including a reference to me as “my man.

2024 summer found me wrapping up my latest movie, leaving me without a constant need for an assistant. At the time, the plaintiff was residing in Arizona, attending to her ailing grandfather who sadly passed away. Instead of terminating her position entirely, I decided to cut her pay by roughly half since she wasn’t actively contributing much to my work at that moment. I hoped that she would be ready to jump back into full-time duties when the next movie idea crossed my mind and called for an assistant once again. I made it clear to her that if she felt it was time to advance her career, I would fully support and encourage her every step of the way.

In just a few short months after my salary decrease, I became aware for the very first time of the issues outlined in the complaint letter, some of which have appeared in the court documents.

In today’s world, people often assume a defendant charged with sexual harassment is guilty before being proven innocent in a court of law. However, this assumption isn’t always correct. It definitely isn’t true in this particular case. I have no secrets about my behavior, and that encompasses my refusal to succumb to the pressure from my former assistant’s threat to expose sensational accusations, which she and her legal team have ultimately carried out. If this matter goes to trial, I will openly testify, trusting that the judge and jury will perceive the truth.

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2025-04-08 02:47