Paul Schrader issues denial after being accused of sexual harassment

Doe’s attorneys say Schrader fired her in September of 2024 after she turned down his advances, which reportedly included an incident in which the Taxi Driver writer called her to his hotel room with claims that he was “dying,” only to show her his penis when she arrived, and an incident where Schrader “demanded Ms. Doe go to his hotel room, trapped her inside, grabbed her arms, and thrust his face into hers to kiss her against her will, and then further restrained her in an effort to keep her in the room before she managed to free herself and flee the hotel room.” After her termination, Doe’s attorneys worked out a settlement agreement with Schrader’s representatives, but he ultimately refused to sign it after several weeks of delay, supposedly saying he “could not live with himself” if he did. Schrader’s attorneys have responded by noting that they acknowledge two incidents in which Schrader tried to kiss Doe during “nights of drinking”—one of which was at Cannes in May 2024—but stated that he backed down both times once it was clear his advances weren’t being reciprocated.

Doe’s attorneys filed their motions in a New York state court today—making this whole thing very suddenly very public—saying they’re simply seeking to have the terms of the previously crafted settlement agreement enforced.