shot-button
Ganesh Chaturthi Ganesh Chaturthi
Home > Entertainment News > Hollywood News > Article > Director Francis Ford Coppola accused of trying to kiss extras

Director Francis Ford Coppola accused of trying to kiss extras

Updated on: 16 May,2024 03:32 AM IST  |  Mumbai
Agencies |

These allegations were countered by Darren Demetre, an executive co-producer on Megalopolis, which is Coppola’s self-financed passion project

Director Francis Ford Coppola accused of trying to kiss extras

Francis Ford Coppola

Several crew members on Francis Ford Coppola’s Cannes-bound Megalopolis have alleged that the veteran filmmaker tried to “kiss some of the topless female extras” and make the team wait for hours without filming. The allegations, reported by The Guardian newspaper, come days before the film, fronted by Adam Driver, receives its world première at the ongoing Cannes Film Festival in the Competition segment. 


Multiple sources told the publication that Coppola, best known for The Godfather trilogy and Apocalypse Now (1979), was “old school” in his behaviour toward women. “He allegedly pulled women to sit on his lap. During the shoot of one bacchanalian nightclub scene, witnesses say Coppola came on to the set and tried to kiss some of the topless and scantily clad female extras. He apparently claimed he was ‘trying to get them in the mood’,” the report read.


These allegations were countered by Darren Demetre, an executive co-producer on Megalopolis, which is Coppola’s self-financed passion project. He told the UK-based publication that the filmmaker, 84, gave “hugs and kisses” to the cast and background players but no one ever complained to him about it.


“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,” Demetre said.

On allegations of mismanagement, Demetre—who has worked with the filmmaker since 35 years— said Coppola “successfully” mounted a big-budget independent film like Megalopolis. Mike Figgis, one of Coppola’s longtime friends, said the director held together a “massive team”. “He was up every morning making notes on his way to the set, or he’s discussing his ideas with Roman, his son. And at the end of the day, he’s also the producer, so he’s thinking about his interest rate.”

This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

Register for FREE
to continue reading !

This is not a paywall.
However, your registration helps us understand your preferences better and enables us to provide insightful and credible journalism for all our readers.

Mid-Day Web Stories

Mid-Day Web Stories

This website uses cookie or similar technologies, to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalised recommendations. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. OK