The director of Megalopolis Francis Ford Coppola is suing the major American media outlet for defamation. The one to whom we owe The Godfather or Apocalypse Now intends to clear his name and reputation.
Megalopolis, Coppola and the controversies
What an end to a career for Francis Ford Coppola! The director of the trilogy The Godfather and Apocalypse Nowcertainly did not expect to find himself at the heart of several controversies, following the shooting of his film Megalopolis. After complicated financing, there were very harsh criticisms after a first screening intended for the press. Then this trailer that got people talking. Since removed from the Web by Lionsgate, the trailer begins with journalists' critiques diverted in order to highlight the misunderstood genius of the director and his cult works. “True genius is often misunderstood,” The Godfather would be “diminished by its artistic side” and “sloppy and complacent.” As for Apocalypse Now, it would be “a spectacular failure,” we could read.
Lionsgate subsequently issued a public apology in a statement published by Variety. “We sincerely apologize to the critics involved, as well as to Francis Ford Coppola and American Zoetrope (his production company, editor's note) for this inexcusable error in our selection process. We made a mistake. We are sorry.”
200% Deposit Bonus up to €3,000 180% First Deposit Bonus up to $20,000Coppola files a complaint and demands $15 million
But while the case surrounding the trailer seems to be finally closed, the one surrounding the filmmaker's inappropriate behavior on the set of his film is taking a new turn. As a reminder, Lauren Pagone, an extra in Megalopolis has filed a lawsuit against him for sexual assault,and other members of the film crew for assault and battery. She claims the director hugged and kissed her, and “touched her buttocks without her consent” while filming a nightclub scene in February 2023. She says she is “shocked and confused” by the events. Variety shared two videos(filmed by a crew member during filming), showing the filmmaker attempting to hug and kiss female extras, and raised the director's “unprofessional” behavior.
Francis Ford Coppola has since attempted to proclaim his innocence, condemning the “malice”that the publication allegedly showed toward him. This time, he's taking things up a notch by suing Variety for defamation. Deadline reports that the 85-year-old filmmaker is seeking $15 million as well as damages from Variety Media LLC and journalists Brent Lang and Tatiana Siegel in a lawsuit.
In a statement from the filmmaker shared by his representatives, Coppola intends to clear his name and defend his reputation, while saying he is very affected by these accusations, and the way in which Variety brought the matter to light.
Nothing in my sixty-year career can match the laborious but artistically triumphant journey of bringing Megalopolis to the silver screen. It was a collaboration of hundreds of artists, extras, and box-office stars to whom I have always had the utmost respect and gratitude. And to see our collective efforts tainted by false and reckless reporting is devastating. No media outlet, especially a reputable legacy outlet, should be allowed to use surreptitiously captured and anonymous video for profit. While I have no intention of arguing my case in the media, I will vigorously defend my reputation, and I trust the courts to hold them accountable.”
As a reminder, Megalopolis is set to hit theaters on September 25.