Godfather Director Sues Variety For Millions
Francis Ford Coppola is making Variety an offer the trade publication can’t refuse: a libel suit seeking $15 million in damages. The 85-year-old director is suing Variety and two of its executive editors over claims the magazine made in July alleging that he behaved inappropriately on the set of his most recent movie, Megalopolis. Coppola’s attorneys have filed documents with the California Supreme Court that claim, among other things, that Variety’s accusations are false and were made with “reckless disregard of the truth.”
The Megalopolis Muckraking
The Variety report in question alleged that Francis Ford Coppola tried to kiss several young female extras while filming a debaucherous nightclub scene. Variety shared two videos allegedly taken by a crewmember that appear to corroborate claims from sources that Coppola attempted to “kiss some of the topless and scantily clad female extras,” reportedly telling them that he was just trying to “get them in the mood.”
The director released a statement Wednesday denying any claims of wrongdoing and calling Variety’s reporting “reckless” and “irresponsible.” He further stated that “no publication” should be allowed to use “video and unnamed sources” to make money, especially Variety, which he called a “legacy industry outlet.” The statement ended with Francis Ford Coppola vowing that while he has “no intention of litigating this in the media,” the Godfather director will “vigorously defend” his professional reputation and trusts the legal system to “hold them [Variety] accountable.”
Counterpoints Were Allegedly Not Considered
According to court filings, Francis Ford Coppola’s attorneys claim that the director gave Variety “evidence” that proved all the allegations false before filing the lawsuit. Coppola then demanded Variety retract their accusations against him, which the publication refused. His attorneys claim Variety “doubled down” and repeated the allegations, an action which they claim “emphasized its [Variety’s] malice” toward the Megalopolis director.
Clearing Coppola’s Name
Coppola’s attorneys said Variety left the director no choice but to sue the publication to “clear his name” and achieve a “public determination of the falsity of Variety’s allegations.” The filings claim that Variety’s alleged libel was intentional and posted with intent to “vex, injure” or “annoy” Francis Ford Coppola. As a result, the documents claim that Coppola is entitled to “exemplary and punitive damages” in an amount steep enough to “punish and make an example of” Variety so no one else will make such accusations in the future.
That amount is $15 million, a figure Coppola’s attorneys devised to both hurt Variety’s pockets and cover the director’s legal fees. Francis Ford Coppola has also made it clear that he wants a jury trial.
Alleged Misconduct Was Misrepresented
Several other people involved in Megalopolis’s production have come forward to defend Coppola. Executive Producer Darren Demetre gave a statement declaring that he’s worked with Coppola for “over 35 years” and never heard any mention of the director harassing anyone on the Megalopolis set. Demetre went on to explain the situation in Variety’s accusations against Francis Ford Coppola from his point of view.
According to Demetre, Francis Ford Coppola shot a “celebratory Studio 54-esque club scene” on the Megalopolis set for two days. During the filming, Demetre claims the director would walk around the set, giving “hugs and kisses on the cheek” to extras to establish a “club atmosphere.” Meanwhile, one of the extras in the Variety videos came out and said the situation was misrepresented.
Talent Coming To Coppola’s Defense
The extra, identified as Rayna Menz, called Variety’s accusations false and said Francis Ford Coppola was a “legend” she was honored to work with. Menz also said she hopes that, eventually, everyone will “see the truth for what it is.”
Representatives for Variety have declined to comment on the Francis Ford Coppola lawsuit.
Source: The Wrap
