Seemingly damning footage of Megalopolis director Francis Ford Coppola has emerged – only weeks after he denied being ‘touchy-feely’ on the set of his $120,000,000 comeback movie.
The Apocalypse Now and Godfather director, 85, issued a statement in June, denying allegations of inappropriate behaviour on the set of his latest film.
The forthcoming sci-fi blockbuster, which stars Adam Driver, Giancarlo Esposito and Shia LaBeouf, has been plagued with controversy since its director was accused of pulling women to sit on his lap and trying to kiss numerous extras during a nightclub scene.
Coppola denied the allegations, claiming that he could never be a predator due to his upbringing and the respect for women instilled in him by his mother.
However, recently leaked footage obtained from the set of Megalopolis seems to contradict Coppola’s version of events.
Two videos, said to be taken by a crewmember, seem to show the director navigating a crowded dancefloor, while trying to pull several female extras in for a kiss.
The videos, obtained by Variety, were filmed during the making of the film’s bacchanalian nightclub scene – and back up allegations made in May.
A source told the US entertainment magazine: ‘I’ve worked with really important directors and that behavior is uncommon — the most I’ve ever seen any director do is say something like, “high energy, guys.” I’ve never seen anyone on set, and this extends to a camera operator, so much as touch an actor.”
The source continued, saying how Coppola announced via megaphone: ‘Sorry, if I come up to you and kiss you. Just know it’s solely for my pleasure.’
Another source said: ‘Because Coppola funded it there was no HR department to keep things in check. Who were they supposed to talk to? Complain to Coppola and report Coppola to himself?’
The film did have two intimacy coordinators, but neither were present during the nightclub scene.
‘I can’t really speak to the reason why they chose to bring us in when they did and not when they didn’t,’ said intimacy coordinator Samantha McDonald.
Metro.co.uk has contacted a rep for Francis Ford Coppola for further comment.
Coppola was previously defended by his co-producer and first assistant director, Darren Demetre.
Demetre told The Guardian: ‘I was never aware of any complaints of harrassment or ill behaviour during the course of the project. I have known and worked with Francis and his family for over 35 years.
‘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.
‘It was his way to help inspire and establish the club atmosphere, which was so important to the film,’ he added.
This marks more bad news for the director’s passion project, which has already been dubbed ‘the worst film of 2024.’
Its release at Cannes was derailed when reports first emerged of Coppola’s alleged impropriety toward female extras. This followed personal tragedy for the director, when his wife, Eleanor Coppola, died only months earlier, in April.
Meanwhile, a recent report by The Hollywood Reporter claimed that Coppola will be responsible for covering the film’s $15m (£11.8m) to $20m (£15.8m) marketing campaign himself – meaning that it will cost him more than $135m (£106m) when all is said and done.