Just over two weeks before the highly anticipated release of Francis Ford Coppola’s passion project, “Megalopolis,” the renowned director has filed a lawsuit against Variety for libel. The lawsuit stems from an article published on July 26, which described Coppola’s behavior on the set of the sci-fi film as “unprofessional.” The article alleged that the Oscar winner hugged and kissed female background actors during a party scene, leading to a claim of $15 million in damages, in addition to punitive and exemplary damages. This legal action was initiated by Coppola in the LA Superior Court, targeting Variety Media LLC and journalists Brent Lang and Tatiana Siegel.
In response to the accusations made in the Variety article, Coppola’s legal team from Sauer & Wagner attorneys emphasized his status as a “creative genius” in the world of motion pictures. The lawsuit asserts that the statements made in the article were false and defamatory, aiming to tarnish Coppola’s reputation and cause him emotional distress. The complaint highlights the alleged malice demonstrated by Variety and its writers towards the director, dismissing the claims as baseless and malicious attacks.
Despite the claims made in the Variety article, other individuals involved in the production of “Megalopolis” have come forward with contrasting testimonies. An extra from the movie, Rayna Menz, refuted the allegations of Coppola’s misconduct, stating that the director did not make anyone feel uncomfortable on set. However, a follow-up article featuring extra Lauren Pagone detailed allegations of sexual assault against Coppola, including unwanted hugging, kissing, and inappropriate touching during filming.
The legal actions taken by both Coppola and Pagone shed light on the complexities of navigating on-set conduct, particularly concerning intimacy and boundaries. Pagone’s lawsuit underscored the lack of clear guidelines regarding sexual content and nudity on set, as well as the absence of Intimacy Coordinators during sensitive scenes. These incidents raise questions about industry standards and the responsibility of productions to prioritize the safety and well-being of cast and crew members.
The conflicting narratives surrounding Coppola’s behavior in “Megalopolis” highlight the role of media outlets in reporting sensitive allegations. The lawsuit against Variety calls into question the publication’s sourcing and journalistic integrity, particularly regarding the use of anonymous statements and unreliable sources. The case underscores the importance of balanced and ethical reporting, especially when dealing with potentially damaging claims against public figures.
The libel suit filed by Francis Ford Coppola against Variety reflects a contentious issue in the entertainment industry regarding allegations of misconduct and defamation. The conflicting accounts and legal actions surrounding the production of “Megalopolis” underscore the complexities of navigating on-set dynamics and industry standards. As the lawsuit unfolds, it will be crucial to consider the broader implications for media responsibility, ethics, and the protection of individuals’ reputations in the public eye.