In a shocking turn of events, renowned filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola has filed a lawsuit against Variety for libel over allegations of unprofessional behavior on the set of his upcoming film Megalopolis. The 85-year-old director is seeking $15 million in damages from Variety Media LLC and journalists Brent Lang and Tatiana Siegel, accusing them of making false and defamatory statements that have tarnished his reputation.
According to the lawsuit filed in LA Superior Court, the July 26 article published by Variety claimed that Coppola hugged and kissed female background actors during a party scene in the film. These accusations of misconduct have led to severe emotional distress for the Oscar-winning director, who vehemently denies any wrongdoing on his part.
Coppola’s legal team has called into question the veracity of the sources cited by Variety, noting that all cast and crew members involved in the production of Megalopolis had signed non-disclosure agreements. Additionally, another extra from the movie came forward to refute the claims of misbehavior, stating that Coppola had never made anyone on set feel uncomfortable.
In response to the allegations made by Variety, extra Lauren Pagone filed a civil lawsuit in Georgia against Coppola and others for civil battery, civil assault, and negligent failure to prevent sexual harassment. Pagone detailed her experience during certain nightclub scenes on the set, alleging that she was sexually assaulted by the director.
Pagone’s lawsuit also highlighted the absence of Intimacy Coordinators on the set of Megalopolis, raising concerns about the lack of guidelines for sexual content and nudity. The lawsuit names Rose Locke Casting and CL Casting as additional defendants, claiming that Pagone was not provided with adequate information about the nature of the scenes she would be filming.
Despite the mounting legal challenges, Coppola’s lawyers have remained tight-lipped about the accusations, declining to comment on the ongoing litigation. As the release date for Megalopolis approaches, the controversy surrounding the film and its director continues to escalate.
With conflicting accounts of the events that transpired on set, the truth behind the allegations of unprofessional behavior remains murky. As both Coppola and Variety prepare to present their respective cases in court, the outcome of this legal battle could have far-reaching implications for the future of the entertainment industry. Only time will tell how this high-profile dispute will ultimately be resolved.
Leave a Reply