Ex-assistant alleges filmmaker Paul Schrader sexually assaulted her

Director Paul Schrader poses for a portrait for the film Oh, Canada (Scott A Garfitt/Invision/AP)

Paul Schrader, the writer of Taxi Driver and director of American Gigolo, has been accused in a lawsuit of sexually assaulting his former personal assistant.

He also stands accused of firing her when she would not acquiesce to advances and reneging on a settlement that was meant to keep the allegations confidential.