'Megalopolis' Director Francis Ford Coppola Denies 'Old School' Behavior Toward Women On Set: 'I'm Too Shy'
Director Francis Ford Coppola addressed the report that he had "old school" behavior toward females on set.
In a recent interview with the New York Times, the "Megalopolis" director seemingly denied the allegations about his misbehavior when they filmed a nightclub scene for the new sci-fi movie. There were claims that he "tried to kiss some of the topless and scantily clad female extras." According to the report, he was "trying to get them in the mood," but he strongly denied this in his new interview.
"I'm not touchy-feely," Coppola said. "I'm too shy."
The 85-year-old film director credited his mother, Italia Coppola, for raising him to be someone who doesn't make advances on women.
"But my mother told me that if you make an advance toward a woman, it means you disrespect her, and the girls I had crushes on, I certainly didn't disrespect them," he added.
When pressed further, he acknowledged a photo of one of the girls he kissed on the cheek. However, he said the snap was taken by her father.
In May, the Guardian published a report about "The Godfather" director.
Several sources told the outlet he had an "old school" behavior around women. Coppola allegedly pulled women to sit on his lap when they filmed one bacchanalian nightclub scene. Witnesses alleged that he came on set and tried to kiss the women.
Meanwhile, Darren Demetre, the executive co-producer, said they never received any complaints about Coppola's behavior on the set. Demetre said he has known Coppola and his family for over 35 years, and they worked together in "Megalopolis."
"As one of the first assistant directors and an executive producer on his new epic, 'Megalopolis,' I helped oversee and advise the production and ran the second unit," Demetre told the Guardian. "Francis successfully produced and directed an enormous independent film, making all the difficult decisions to ensure it was delivered on time and on budget, while remaining true to his creative vision."
As for the "celebratory Studio 54-esque club scene." He said they spent two days on the scene, and the director was there to "establish the spirit of the scene."
"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," Demetre explained. "I was never aware of any complaints of harassment or ill behavior during the course of the project."
