Fresh footage has emerged that appears to show Francis Ford Coppola engaging in inappropriate behavior with female extras on the set of his latest film, "Megalopolis." The allegations against the "Godfather" director surfaced in May, prompting an investigation into the incident.
Francis Ford Coppola, the legendary director behind the "Godfather" trilogy, is facing scrutiny once again following the release of videos that show him hugging and kissing multiple women on the set of his new film, "Megalopolis." The incident, which allegedly occurred in February 2023, has reignited concerns about Coppola's alleged inappropriate behavior towards women on set.
Francis Ford Coppola's On-Set Behavior: Accusations, Videos Emerge
The videos, obtained by Variety, reportedly depict Coppola embracing and kissing various extras during the filming of a nightclub scene for the sci-fi film. According to the outlet, the scene involved actresses who had been "cleared for topless nudity" and others who had been "cleared for scantily clad."
Sources close to the production told Variety that Coppola allegedly got on a microphone after multiple takes and told the crowd, "Sorry, if I come up to you and kiss you. Just know it’s solely for my pleasure." Despite the apparent discomfort of the extras, no one is reported to have attempted to stop his behavior or publicly raise concerns.
Francis Ford Coppola's On-Set Behavior: Accusations, Videos Emerge
Coppola, who self-funded the $120 million film, has not yet responded to requests for comment from Fox News Digital. In May, The Guardian published a report alleging that Coppola had been engaging in inappropriate behavior on set, including pulling women to sit on his lap and making advances towards them.
Darren Demetre, executive co-producer of "Megalopolis," issued a statement to The Guardian defending Coppola's actions, claiming that the director was merely trying to "help inspire and establish the club atmosphere" by offering "kind hugs and kisses on the cheek." Demetre added that he was not aware of any complaints of harassment or ill behavior during the project.
Francis Ford Coppola's On-Set Behavior: Accusations, Videos Emerge
In a recent interview with The New York Times, Coppola denied allegations of being "touchy-feely," attributing his shyness as a reason for his behavior. However, sources told The Guardian that Coppola's actions went beyond playful embraces and could be seen as crossing the line of consent.
The allegations against Coppola have sparked discussions about the power dynamics and inappropriate behavior that can occur on movie sets. Some have argued that Coppola's status as a renowned director may have made it difficult for the extras to object to his advances.
Others have questioned the lack of oversight on the set of "Megalopolis," given that Coppola's self-funding of the film meant there was no independent Human Resources department to address potential misconduct. Sources have suggested that the absence of a proper reporting mechanism may have contributed to the unchecked behavior.
The incident has raised concerns about the prevalence of inappropriate behavior in the entertainment industry. While Coppola has yet to face formal charges or consequences for his alleged actions, the allegations have brought attention to the need for clearer guidelines and better reporting mechanisms to protect employees and prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
"Megalopolis" is Coppola's first film in 13 years and his 23rd overall. The epic is scheduled to be released in 2024, but the controversy surrounding its production may overshadow its creative merits and hinder its critical and commercial success.
