5-time Oscar-winner Francis Ford Coppola filed a $15 million lawsuit in opposition to Selection accusing the far-left outlet of knowingly libeling him in an article alleging #MeToo misconduct.
Additionally named within the swimsuit are Selection govt editors Tatiana Siegel and Brent Lang, who wrote the July 26, 2024, article in query.
Within the swimsuit, the 85-year-old legend says Selection and its govt editors went forward and printed the story understanding it was “false” and to “hurt Coppola’s popularity and trigger him extreme emotional misery.” The swimsuit provides that “hurt has been precipitated” and he’s now in search of no less than $15 million, plus punitive damages, reimbursement for his authorized payments, and no matter different monies the court docket believes acceptable. He additionally needs a jury trial.
In a press release to Folks, Coppola stated:
Nothing in my 60+ years profession can equal the painstakingly troublesome, but artistically triumphant journey of bringing Megalopolis to the display screen. It was a collaboration of tons of of artists, from extras to field workplace stars, to whom I constantly displayed the utmost respect and my deepest gratitude.
To see our collective efforts tainted by false, reckless and irresponsible reporting is devastating. No publication, particularly a legacy trade outlet, needs to be enabled to make use of surreptitious video and unnamed sources in pursuit of their very own monetary achieve. Whereas I’ve no intention of litigating this within the media, I’ll vigorously defend my popularity and have belief within the courts to carry them accountable.
Beneath the blaring headline — “Video of Francis Ford Coppola Kissing ‘Megalopolis’ Extras Surfaces as Crew Members Element Unprofessional Conduct on Set (EXCLUSIVE)” — Selection claimed it had unearthed video proving “the legendary director [tried] to kiss younger feminine extras on the set of his bold sci-fi epic.”
As I wrote on the time, nothing in that darkish and blurry video justified the headline. The story was so ridiculous that I didn’t even report it. Just a few days later, although, Rayna Menz, the additional who stated she was the supposed “sufferer” in that video, spoke out to defend Coppola…
“He did nothing to make me or for that matter anybody on set really feel uncomfortable…. I used to be blindsided by it as a result of … as a result of he solely ever spoke about how great his spouse is.”
She added that Coppola’s “spouse was on set with us, most days. It feels gross, seeing that video and the best way they have been attempting to convey a message. Simply gross.”
Menz then revealed that she was “the one who requested Coppola to bop. I requested him to bop, in entrance of everyone else. That’s why it’s so humorous that this story got here out.”
“He was nothing however skilled, a gentleman, he was like this cute Italian grandfather, operating across the set,” she continued. “It was simply a lot enjoyable. He’s a pleasant, beneficiant individual.”
The lawsuit additional claims that previous to the article being printed, Coppola’s authorized group offered Selection with proof the allegations have been false. Selection went forward and printed it anyway.
The swimsuit says this was finished by Selection to:
…deliberately or with a aware disregard of Coppola’s rights and with an intent to vex, injure, or annoy him similar to to represent malice, fraud, or oppression thus entitling Coppola to exemplary and punitive damages in an quantity to punish and make an instance of Defendants and to discourage such conduct sooner or later as can be proved at trial.
I hope Coppola sues them into oblivion. This man has been a public determine for greater than 50 years and I have no idea of a single allegation of something that may rise to a #MeToo allegation in opposition to him.
Hollywood hates the man as a result of he has efficiently bucked their fascist system for many years. They hate him as a result of he doesn’t play the sport and the trades have at all times finished the bidding of the studios—it’s how retailers like Selection achieve entry, interviews, scoops, and studio promoting.
The entire thing is obscene.
Bury them, Francis.
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