Coppola Sues Variety for $15 Million Over Alleged Misconduct Claims

Francis Ford Coppola, the acclaimed director of iconic films like "The Godfather" and "Apocalypse Now," has filed a $15 million libel lawsuit against the Hollywood trade magazine Variety and two of its editors. The lawsuit comes in response to Variety's reporting that Coppola had behaved unprofessionally on the set of his upcoming film "Megalopolis," including allegedly trying to kiss extras.

Legendary Director Fights Back Against Alleged Misconduct Claims

Coppola Denies Inappropriate Behavior on "Megalopolis" Set

The 85-year-old director has vehemently denied the claims made in the Variety article, which was published in July. The article alleged that Coppola had pulled women onto his lap and attempted to kiss them during the filming of a nightclub sequence for "Megalopolis." The article included two videos from the set that appeared to show the director trying to hug and kiss extras.Coppola has refuted these allegations, stating that the claims are "false, reckless and irresponsible." In a statement, the director expressed his outrage at the "surreptitious video and unnamed sources" used by Variety in its reporting, which he believes was done "in pursuit of their own financial gain."

Echoing Previous Allegations from The Guardian

The Variety article's claims echoed those made in a previous report by The Guardian, published in May. An executive co-producer of "Megalopolis" told The Guardian that he had not heard any complaints of misconduct and that Coppola's behavior during the nightclub sequence was intended to "establish the spirit of the scene."Coppola's lawsuit seeks to set the record straight and protect his reputation, which he believes has been unfairly tarnished by the media reports. The director has a long and celebrated career in the film industry, and he is determined to defend his legacy against what he sees as false and damaging allegations.

Coppola's Ambitious and Experimental "Megalopolis" Project

"Megalopolis" is an ambitious and experimental film project that Coppola has been working on for years. The director has invested $120 million of his own money to finance the production, which he has described as a "futuristic saga about an architect who seeks to rebuild a city."The film features a star-studded cast, including Adam Driver, who plays the lead role of the architect. Coppola's vision for "Megalopolis" is to create a bold and innovative cinematic experience that challenges the traditional boundaries of the medium.Despite the challenges and controversies surrounding the production, Coppola remains committed to bringing his vision to life. The director's lawsuit against Variety is a testament to his unwavering dedication to his craft and his determination to protect his reputation and legacy in the industry.