Director Francis Ford Coppola is taking legal action against Variety, seeking $15 million in damages over the publication’s reporting of alleged misconduct on his upcoming film, Megalopolis. The film, starring Adam Driver as Cesar Catilina, an architect aiming to reconstruct a futuristic city called New Rome after a devastating accident, has been under scrutiny due to mixed reviews and allegations against Coppola for inappropriate conduct with young actresses on set.
According to a report by the Associated Press, Coppola is claiming emotional and reputational harm from a July 26 article by Variety, which accused him of attempting to kiss and touch young female extras without their consent during the production of Megalopolis. The lawsuit specifically targets reporters Bret Lang and Tatiana Siegel, asserting that they made baseless accusations against the director. A portion of the lawsuit states:
[W]riters and editors, concealed by supposedly anonymous sources, accused Coppola of gross incompetence as a director, of unprofessional conduct on the Megalopolis set, of orchestrating a scenario where complaints about harassment could not be filed, and of embracing topless actresses. Each of these claims is false.
Coppola responded to these allegations on Thursday, denouncing them as “false, reckless, and irresponsible reporting.” The claims were partly supported by anonymous sources and two videos purportedly substantiating the accusations. One video depicts Coppola in a white suit approaching a group of women to hug, whisper to, or kiss them on the cheek, while another shows a woman recoiling as he leans in. Coppola’s representatives issued a statement to People denying Variety’s allegations:
In my over 60-year career, nothing matches the arduous yet artistically rewarding journey of bringing Megalopolis to fruition. It was a partnership involving hundreds of artists, from extras to stars, to whom I consistently showed utmost respect and gratitude.
Witnessing our collaborative efforts tarnished by false, reckless, and irresponsible reporting is devastating. No publication, particularly a legacy industry outlet, should resort to covert video and unnamed sources for financial gain. While I have no desire to litigate this publicly, I am committed to defending my reputation and trust the courts will hold them accountable.
Variety spokesperson Jeffrey Schneider informed the AP that, despite the ongoing legal matter, “we stand by our reporters.” The lawsuit briefly mentions extra actor Lauren Pagone, who publicly shared her experience with Variety, alleging Coppola hugged, kissed, and touched her inappropriately on set. This follows another extra, Rayna Menz, who told Deadline that the director did not make anyone uncomfortable. Coppola’s representatives declined to comment directly on the lawsuit when approached by the AP.
Implications of Coppola’s Lawsuit for Variety & Megalopolis
Potential Impact on Variety’s Reporting
Coppola’s lawsuit against Variety is a significant development amid the controversies surrounding his forthcoming film, currently holding a 54% rating on Rotten Tomatoes from 71 reviews. In August, a controversy arose over a fake review quote in Megalopolis’ second trailer, using critical comments about Coppola’s past works, only to be exposed as fabricated. This incident added to the film’s controversies, stemming from negative reviews at its premiere at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival.
Megalopolis Cast & Character Guide: Who Is In Francis Ford Coppola's Sci-Fi Epic
While the mixed reviews and false quotes pertain directly to the film, Coppola’s lawsuit could affect Variety’s narrative regarding the misconduct allegations, which remain accessible as of now. The recent progression of the lawsuit leaves its impact on the publication’s coverage uncertain. Given the detailed video descriptions hinting at misconduct, this legal dispute could significantly influence the final stages of Coppola’s filmmaking career.
Our Perspective on Coppola’s Lawsuit Against Variety
The Climax of Megalopolis’ Controversy
Coppola’s lawsuit marks the most significant event in the ongoing controversies surrounding Megalopolis, seemingly bringing the film’s negative publicity to a turning point. While the impact on its box office success remains unpredictable, the film’s unfavorable reception, compounded by persistent controversies, suggests a disheartening conclusion to the director’s illustrious career. However, with the misconduct allegations still unresolved, the legal proceedings with Variety may shed more light on what occurred on set.
Coppola personally financed a substantial portion of Megalopolis, including selling parts of his wine business to support the project.
Source: AP; People
Megalopolis
- Drama
- Sci-Fi
Megalopolis, directed by Francis Ford Coppola, is a visionary 2024 film exploring the ambitious dream of reconstructing New York City into a utopia, following a devastating disaster. The narrative delves into the clash between the architect's utopian vision and the political and personal turmoil that ensues. With a star-studded cast, the film examines themes of ambition, power, and the human spirit's resilience against the backdrop of a futuristic metropolis.
