Paul Schrader is accused of abuse – denies

A 26-year-old former assistant to Paul Schrader accuses him of several cases offending, among other things, the 78-year-old director must have exposed her during the Cannes Film Festival last year.

The woman states that Paul Schrader first offered her money to keep quiet, but then backed out of the agreement and she has now sued him.

Now Paul Schrader speaks in an open letter to friends and acquaintances in the film industry, writes Variety.

« It is important that you hear this directly from me, » writes the director who claims that the assistant demanded him several million dollars so as not to go public with his accusations.

Paul Schrader admits that he kissed his assistant on two occasions. Only at the second time, during the Cannes Festival, « she indicated discomfort, » writes the director. According to him, they have never had sex.

« I have nothing to hide about my behavior, including my decision not to give in to the press of my former assistant’s threat of publishing their startling allegations, a threat that she and her lawyers have now realized. »

Paul Schrader wrote the script for the classic films « Taxi Driver », « The Bull from Bronx » and « American Gigolo ». He also directed the latter film.

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