Just before “Megalopolis” premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in May, a shocking exposé accused the film’s director, Francis Ford Coppola, of inappropriate behavior towards some of the women on set.
Eyewitnesses informed the Guardian that Coppola, 85, “came on to the set and tried to kiss some of the topless and scantily clad female extras” while filming a wild nightclub scene.
Several sources indicated that Coppola could be “old school” in his interactions with female cast and crew, allegedly even inviting some to sit on his lap.
On Friday, Variety acquired two videos that seemed to support the witnesses’ claims about Coppola attempting to kiss the women.
The scene in question was filmed in February 2023 at the Tabernacle, a concert hall in Atlanta.
According to the call sheet reviewed by the outlet, the extras playing female party goers had been “cleared for topless nudity,” while others were “cleared for scantily clad” attire.
An insider present at the nightclub scene reported that there were between 150 to 200 people on set.
While directing, Coppola allegedly kept jumping up to kiss and hug several women, often unintentionally getting into the shot and spoiling it.
The insider described this behavior as “uncommon.”
After multiple takes, Coppola reportedly used a microphone to announce, “Sorry — if I come up to you and kiss you, just know it’s solely for my pleasure.”
The Guardian also noted that during the production of “Megalopolis,” Coppola’s wife, Eleanor Coppola, fell ill and was present on set until her condition prevented her from attending. She passed away in April.
A source close to Francis mentioned that the film was completed on schedule and within budget despite Eleanor’s death.
