Two videos and reports emerged from the set of Francis Ford Coppola’s film Megalopolis, alleging that the 85-year-old director behaved inappropriately on set. The videos showed him kissing women during a nightclub scene, leading to claims that he made some actors feel uncomfortable. Coppola, who funded the $120 million project himself, denied the allegations, stating that the young women he kissed were individuals he knew, and the accusations were an attempt to damage the film’s reputation just before its premiere at Cannes.
The director expressed frustration with the timing of the accusations, suggesting they were intended to sabotage the film due to his unconventional approach to filmmaking. Coppola emphasized his desire to challenge Hollywood norms and create innovative work. The initial report included claims that after kissing several women during a scene, Coppola announced over a microphone that it was solely for his pleasure. With no studio involvement or human resources department due to self-financing, he was able to operate without constraints, although intimacy coordinators were hired for certain scenes.
One of the actresses featured in the videos, Rayna Menz, defended Coppola on Instagram, denying the claims and praising the opportunity to work with a legendary director. However, another actress, Lauren Pagone, recounted an incident in which Coppola unexpectedly hugged and kissed her, leaving her feeling surprised and uncomfortable. She emphasized the importance of individuals speaking for themselves rather than assuming everyone had a positive experience. The conflicting statements from cast members highlight the complexities of navigating situations involving inappropriate behavior on set.
Amidst the controversy, Coppola addressed the allegations in a Rolling Stone interview, dismissing the claims as untrue and suggesting they were fabricated to undermine the film’s success. He emphasized his commitment to challenging industry norms and pushing boundaries in filmmaking. Coppola’s insistence on creating unique and innovative work aligns with his reputation as a maverick director who prioritizes artistic vision over commercial considerations. Despite the allegations, the true impact on the film and Coppola’s career remains to be seen.
The case of Francis Ford Coppola and the allegations of inappropriate behavior on the set of Megalopolis raises important questions about power dynamics and accountability in the film industry. The conflicting accounts from cast members show the complexities of navigating situations involving possible misconduct. As the film industry continues to grapple with issues of harassment and abuse, it is essential for productions to maintain a safe and respectful environment for all individuals involved. The controversy surrounding Coppola’s behavior serves as a reminder of the importance of promoting a culture of accountability and transparency in the filmmaking process.
