Film Legend Francis Ford Coppola Embroiled in Harassment Controversy

Francis Ford Coppola, the 85-year-old director famous for The Godfather series and Apocalypse Now, is embroiled in allegations of sexual harassment.

He is accused of pulling a woman onto his lap on the set of his new film Megalopolis, attempting to kiss scantily-clad female extras who were topless.

The New York Times reported on June 8, “Director Coppola denied these allegations in an interview with film critic Manohla Dargis.”

Coppola responded to the allegations by stating, “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.”

When further questioned, Coppola referred to a photo of a woman kissing his cheek, saying, “I’ve known that woman since she was 9 years old. Her father took the photo.”

He vehemently denied the sexual harassment allegations by sharing, “I’m not touchy-feely, I’m too shy.”

The executive producer of Megalopolis stated, “There has never been a complaint about Coppola’s inappropriate behavior on set.”

He added, “There were two days when we shot a club scene where he walked around the set to give kind hugs and kisses on the cheek to the cast and extras to establish the scene’s spirit. It was his way to help inspire and establish the club atmosphere, which was important to the film.”

Born in 1939, Coppola is a renowned film director who produced several famous works such as Is Paris Burning?, Apocalypse Now, and The Godfather series, winning five Oscars and two Golden Palm awards from Cannes Film Festival.