UPDATED 7/31, 2:05 p.m. ET: Rayna Menz, seen in a clip used in a recent report alleging inappropriate behavior on the set of Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis, has spoken out against such characterizations of the production. She said in an Instagram Stories update on Tuesday that "none of the claims" being made about the director were true.
"A video involving me has been released with a misleading headline," Menz wrote on IG. "None of the claims about [Coppola] are true. It was an honor to work with such a legend. This video was taken on a CLOSED set that prohibited [cell] phones specifically for the safety of all the actors. I am disgusted by these allegations and hope everybody will see the truth for what it is."
Speaking with Deadline, Menz added that Coppola was "nothing but professional" during the shoot and pointed out that she was the one who asked him to dance, not the other way around.
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Francis Ford Coppola is in hot water after video footage was released of him attempting to kiss female extras on the set of his upcoming film Megalopolis.
On Friday, Variety reported obtaining two videos that showed the legendary director trying to get several kisses in on various extras while filming a nightclub scene last year. The footage showed Coppola moving around the club and kissing several women.
According to Variety, the footage was taken by one of the film's crewmembers. Two sources close to the situation told the outlet that no one brought the issue to light as Coppola put up the film's $120 million budget by himself, eliminating any checks and balances system.
In May, the Guardian was the first to report on the alleged chaotic vibes on the set of Megalopolis. The 85-year-old is alleged to have pulled different women to sit on his lap while also trying to kiss "some of the topless and scantily clad female extras." He also allegedly told the women he was "trying to get them in the mood."
In the call sheet for the nightclub scene that Variety obtained, the female extras were either "cleared for topless nudity" or "cleared for scantily clad." Variety's source also claimed that Coppola didn't seem to care about his actions as he freely moved around to hug and kiss the women, which led to him showing up and messing up several shots.
"I've worked with really important directors and that behavior is uncommon — the most I've ever seen any director do is say something like, 'high energy, guys,'" the source told Variety. "I've never seen anyone on set, and this extends to a camera operator, so much as touch an actor."
The source also claimed that Coppola would get on the microphone and tell everyone on set, "Sorry, if I come up to you and kiss you. Just know it's solely for my pleasure."
Another source told Variety that several crewmembers were uncomfortable with Coppola's actions, and nothing could be done since the director had invested his own money to make the movie.
"Because Coppola funded it there was no HR department to keep things in check," the second source said. "Who were they supposed to talk to? Complain to Coppola and report Coppola to himself?"
A representative for Coppola denied commenting on the pair of videos and claims of his unprofessional behavior. However, his team gave Variety a statement from Darren Demetre, an executive producer on the film, that claimed he didn't witness any unprofessional behavior.
"There were two days when we shot a celebratory Studio 54-esque club scene where 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," said Demetre. "It was his way to help inspire and establish the club atmosphere, which was so important to the film. I was never aware of any complaints of harassment or ill behavior during the course of the project."
Megalopolis is scheduled to hit theaters on September 27 and stars Adam Driver, Giancarlo Esposito, Jon Voight, Shia LaBeouf, Aubrey Plaza, Chloe Fineman and more.