A recent report by The Guardian claimed that director Francis Ford Coppola tried to kiss female extras while there on the Megalopolis set. After so many crew alleged that Coppola’s behavior towards women on set was not something very welcoming. Following that, Megalopolis executive co-producer Darren Demetre has come in support of Coppola.
What Was Francis Ford Coppola Accused of?
The Guardian’s report on Francis Ford Coppola, just before the debut of the upcoming movie Megalopolis, at the Cannes Film Festival has ignited controversy.
The report claims that his behavior towards women on the film’s set was “old school.”
Allegations include instances where Coppola reportedly pulled women onto his lap and attempted to kiss topless and scantily clad female extras during a nightclub scene, purportedly claiming it was to “get them in the mood.”
There were also allegations against him which say that to “get them in the mood”. Coppola reportedly pulled women onto his lap and tried to kiss topless and scantily clad female extras.
“He allegedly pulled women to sit on his lap, for example,” reads The Guardian report. “And during one bacchanalian nightclub scene being shot for the film, witnesses say, Coppola came on to the set and tried to kiss some of the topless and scantily clad female extras. He apparently claimed he was ‘trying to get them in the mood.‘”
Coppola is investing a huge $120 million of his personal money to finance Megalopolis. This project is set in a New York City-like metropolis in a post-catastrophic destruction. The film boasts an ensemble cast including Adam Driver, Giancarlo Esposito, and Nathalie Emmanuel. The cast also includes Aubrey Plaza, Shia LaBeouf, Dustin Hoffman, Jon Voight, Laurence Fishburne, Talia Shire, and Jason Schwartzman.
Megalopolis Executive Producer Addresses The Claims Against Francis Ford Coppola
It was a straight refute from the executive producer Darren Demetre on the allegations against Ford Coppola. According to Demetre, though the report of Coppola kissing some extras on the set is true, it was in a friendly manner and no one was uncomfortable.
“I have known and worked with Francis and his family for over 35 years. As one of the first assistant directors and an executive producer on his new epic, ‘Megalopolis,’ I helped oversee and advise the production and ran the second unit. Francis successfully produced and directed an enormous independent film, making all the difficult decisions to ensure it was delivered on time and on budget, while remaining true to his creative vision,” Demetre said.
The co-exec also said that such kisses were to make everyone feel easy on the set and it helped the film.
“There were two days when we shot a celebratory Studio 54-esque club scene where Francis walked around the set to establish the spirit of the scene by giving kind hugs and kisses on the cheek to the cast and background players,” he added. “It was his way to help inspire and establish the club atmosphere, which was so important to the film. I was never aware of any complaints of harassment or ill behavior during the course of the project.”
In another remark to The Hollywood Reporter, Demetre said that he was never aware of any complaints of harassment or ill behavior during the course of the project.
Coppola released the first teaser trailer of this passion project Megalopolis on May 13, Monday. The film will premiere at the Cannes Film Festival on May 17.
