Coppola sues Variety for defamation for her behavior on the set of “Megalopolis”.

Francis Ford Coppola, the acclaimed filmmaker known for his works in the "Godfather" trilogy and "Apocalypse Now," has initiated legal action against Variety magazine and two editors for alleged libel. This follows a July report claiming unprofessional conduct by Coppola on the set of his film "Megalopolis," including inappropriate behavior with extras on set. The 85-year-old director is pursuing damages of at least $15 million.

The Allegations and Legal Battle

The report in question described incidents during the filming of a nightclub scene, where Coppola was purportedly seen pulling women onto his lap and attempting to kiss them. The article included video evidence from the set, seemingly showing the director engaging with extras in a way that raised concerns of unprofessional behavior.

The claims echoed allegations made in a May article by The Guardian, which cited an executive co-producer of "Megalopolis" as stating that there were no complaints of misconduct and that Coppola's actions were intended to "establish the spirit of the scene."

In the U.S., libel lawsuits involving public figures encounter a significant legal hurdle. Plaintiffs must not only demonstrate that a falsehood has caused harm to their reputation but also that the publisher acted with knowledge or recklessness regarding the truth.

The legal dispute raises questions about the portrayal of high-profile individuals in the media and the thresholds for proving defamation in the context of public figures. As Coppola seeks compensation for the alleged harm caused by the report, the case underscores the complexities of navigating issues of libel, reputation, and media conduct in the realm of public life.