Fame director Francis Ford Coppola has denied reports of inappropriate behavior on the set of his latest epic Megalopolis , saying: “I’m not touchy-feely.” The Godfather director, 85, premiered his 140-minute self-financed magnum opus , which stars Adam Driver and Aubrey Plaza, at the Cannes Film Festival in May. On the eve of the premiere, The Guardian published a report alleging “chaotic behavior” on the set, including Coppola reportedly “pulling women to sit on his lap” and “trying to kiss some of the topless and scantily-clad female extras.
” In a new interview with The New York Times , Coppola reacted to the allegations by first referencing his mother Italia, who he said resembled Hedy Lamarr. “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,” he said. Pressed further about the specific allegations, Coppola said there was a photo of one of the “girls” he had kissed on the cheek that had been taken by her father.
“I knew her when she was 9,” said the director. He added: “I’m not touchy-feely. I’m too shy.
” In a statement responding to The Guardian report, Megalopolis executive producer Darren Demetre said: “I was never aware of any complaints of harassment or ill behavior during the course of the project. “Francis successfully produced and directed an enormous independent film, making all the difficult decisions to ensure.