Francis Ford Coppola sues Variety for $15M over ‘Megalopolis’ story
The lawsuit contends that the defendants were “jealous and resentful,” leading them to publish “false and defamatory statements.”
Francis Ford Coppola has filed a significant libel lawsuit against Variety magazine and two of its executive editors, following a July article that alleged the director acted inappropriately on the set of his upcoming film Megalopolis.
The lawsuit, filed Tuesday in Los Angeles Superior Court and obtained by Deadline, asserts that Coppola’s legal team believes the defendants acted with "knowledge of falsity or with reckless disregard of the truth." The suit accuses Variety of publishing "false and defamatory statements" out of "jealousy and resentment." Coppola is seeking $15 million (over C$20 million) in damages, along with punitive compensation, and has requested a jury trial.
In a statement released Wednesday night via TheWrap, Coppola expressed his frustration, saying, "Nothing in my 60+ year career can equal the painstakingly difficult, yet artistically triumphant journey of bringing Megalopolis to the screen. It was a collaboration of hundreds of artists, from extras to box office stars, to whom I consistently displayed the utmost respect and my deepest gratitude."
He continued, "To see our collective efforts tainted by false, reckless, and irresponsible reporting is devastating. No publication, especially a legacy industry outlet, should be enabled to use surreptitious video and unnamed sources in pursuit of their own financial gain. While I have no intention of litigating this in the media, I will vigorously defend my reputation and have trust in the courts to hold them accountable."
Variety had reported that Coppola allegedly hugged, kissed, and touched extras inappropriately during the filming of a party scene, claiming he acted with "impunity" on set. This followed an earlier report by The Guardian, which suggested the Oscar-winning director "tried to kiss some of the topless and scantily clad female extras."
Coppola requested a correction and retraction from Variety, which the publication refused, according to the lawsuit. The legal documents also dispute claims that Coppola ruined scenes by stepping into the camera’s view. "The true facts are that there were four cameras shooting during the above-referenced scene and three of the cameras were mobile," the complaint reads. "At different times, members of the crew and Coppola were in some of the shots, which was anticipated and unavoidable. That is why shots are edited."
This lawsuit comes just days after another legal claim was filed by Lauren Pagone, an extra from Megalopolis. Pagone alleged that Coppola kissed her on the cheek and touched her without consent during the party scene, despite being told there would be no sexual content. She also claimed the absence of an intimacy coordinator made it difficult for her to voice her concerns.
Megalopolis is set to be released in about two weeks.
