Francis Ford Coppola was accused of pulling women to sit on his lap and trying to kiss a string of topless or scantily clad female extras. Photo / Getty Images
Francis Ford Coppola was accused of pulling women to sit on his lap and trying to kiss a string of topless or scantily clad female extras. Photo / Getty Images
Francis Ford Coppola has admitted to kissing women on the Megalopolis set but denied allegations of unprofessional behaviour.
“It’s all so ridiculous. Look at the timing of that article. It’s right before we’re about to premiere the film at Cannes. They’re just trying to damage the picture.”
Ford Coppola insisted someone wanted to hurt his movie because he doesn’t “follow rules” set by Hollywood.
“There’s a prevailing tendency in Hollywood to say, if you follow our rules, you’ll have a better chance of a success.
Ford Coppola has been defended against the claims he acted inappropriately on the set of his latest film by its executive co-producer, Darren Demetre.
“I was never aware of any complaints of harassment or ill behaviour during the course of the project,” Demetre told the Guardian in the same report that carried allegations of Ford Coppola’s apparent misbehaviour on set.
“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.
“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.
“I was never aware of any complaints of harassment or ill behaviour during the course of the project.”
