Director Francis Ford Coppola is facing serious allegations of inappropriate behavior toward female extras during the filming of his latest movie, Megalopolis.

In February 2023, Coppola allegedly engaged in inappropriate conduct, kissing and hugging topless and scantily clad female extras during the shooting of a nightclub scene, according to witnesses and video evidence obtained by Variety, as Page Six reports.

Accusations Arise from Nightclub Scene

The controversial events reportedly took place at the Tabernacle in Atlanta, where a nightclub scene for Megalopolis was filmed.

Witnesses told the Guardian that Coppola attempted to kiss and hug several female extras on set, actions that were corroborated by two videos obtained by Variety.

The extras were present for a scene that required them to be either topless or scantily clad. This scene involved between 150 to 200 people, creating a crowded and chaotic atmosphere.

An insider described the director's actions as "uncommon," stating that Coppola even announced via microphone that his behavior was for his pleasure.

World Premiere and Allegations

Megalopolis premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in May. However, the celebrations were overshadowed by these allegations of inappropriate behavior. Coppola's representative declined to comment on the videos and claims, while Coppola himself denied the allegations to the New York Times, asserting he was "too shy" to be "touchy-feely."

Executive producer Darren Demetre admitted to the physical touching but described it as Coppola's way to "help inspire and establish the club atmosphere." He also claimed that he was unaware of any harassment complaints.

The lack of a Human Resources department on set, due to Coppola self-funding the $120-million project, left no formal mechanism to address such issues.

Impact of Personal Life on Production

During the production of Megalopolis, Coppola was also dealing with personal challenges. His wife, Eleanor Coppola, was ill during this period and later passed away in April. Despite these difficulties, the film was completed on time and on budget.

The absence of intimacy coordinators on the day of the nightclub scene has also raised concerns. One coordinator stated they could not speak to the reason behind their selective presence during filming.

Moreover, senior crew members reminded everyone of their non-disclosure agreements, aiming to prevent the sharing of behind-the-scenes footage.

Denial and Defense

Demetre's defense of Coppola described the physical interactions as part of establishing the scene's spirit. He stated that Coppola's actions involved giving "kind hugs and kisses on the cheek" to the cast and extras.

Despite these defenses, the allegations have cast a shadow over Coppola's conduct and raised questions about the working environment on the set of Megalopolis.

Production and Release

Megalopolis is set to hit theaters in September, with the film's production metrics showing that it was completed on time and within budget.

The movie's release will likely reignite discussions about the allegations and the broader issues of behavior and accountability on film sets.

As the film approaches its release date, the allegations against Coppola remain a point of contention, highlighting the complexities of power dynamics and professional conduct in the entertainment industry.