Variety Loses Bid to Dismiss Francis Ford Coppola Defamation Lawsuit Over ‘Megalopolis’ Set Claims

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Diversity found itself appealing a court’s decision that refused to throw out a defamation lawsuit brought by Francis Ford Coppola, who took legal action against the publication due to an article suggesting misbehavior on the set of Megalopolis, and the lack of safeguards to prevent sexual harassment.

The central issue in this court case is based on a report published by Variety last year, which stated that Coppola seemed to act without consequences during the film’s production. The report, backed by two sources, claimed his conduct was unbecoming and that he frequently hugged and kissed several female crew members. Coppola requested a correction and retraction from the publication, but they refused. Later, Coppola filed a defamation lawsuit, while denying accusations of sexual harassment from an extra on the film set, who filed a separate lawsuit against him for unwanted kissing and touching.

As a gamer, I recently learned that a court order on Feb. 19 didn’t dismiss a complaint against me, which Variety had argued was meant to stifle free speech. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Christopher Lui found that claims in the article accusing me of ruining a nightclub scene by forcing myself into the shot could be interpreted as defamatory because it implies incompetence as a director.

(Variety is owned by Penske Media, which is also the parent company of The Hollywood Reporter.)

As a fan, I must say, the court’s verdict also included a point about a video mentioned in an article from Variety, which supposedly showed me attempting to kiss some of the extras. However, it’s important to note that this video doesn’t necessarily prove any inappropriate behavior on my part, as I could have been leaning in close to whisper instead.

In addition, if the Plaintiff actually kissed the women, whether they felt uncomfortable and therefore did not consent to hugging or kissing – which could suggest that the Plaintiff was engaging in unwanted physical contact (battery) – is a matter that can be determined only by examining witness testimonies. Lui stated this.

In the story, additional statements that the court considered as potentially defamatory include allegations, reportedly made by an unidentified source, accusing Coppola of making crew members uneasy with his habit of kissing background actors. Additionally, it was claimed that he used a microphone to publicly declare, within hearing distance of everyone in the room, “I’m sorry if I approach you and kiss you. Just understand it’s only for my pleasure.

The statement made implies that it’s proven false: either crew members felt uncomfortable because the plaintiff was displaying affection like kissing and hugging, creating a hostile or sexually inappropriate work environment, or they did not. This suggestion could harm the plaintiff’s professional reputation as a director. The fact that these opinions were expressed about the plaintiff’s behavior does not protect them from being considered defamatory.

The statement claims it’s proven that crew members either felt uncomfortable due to the plaintiff kissing and hugging, creating an inappropriate work environment, or they didn’t. This could damage the plaintiff’s professional reputation as a director. The fact that these opinions were shared doesn’t make them any less likely to be harmful or untrue.

The court agreed with Variety, stating that the absence of a human resources department and conventional safeguards for preventing sexual harassment isn’t sufficient grounds for accusations of defamation.

To counter the lawsuit, Variety contended that the article as a whole does not imply defamation because it emphasized that Megalopolis was completed on schedule and within budget. Additionally, the article cited other sources stating it was a pleasure to collaborate with Coppola.

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2025-02-26 22:54