'Megalopolis' extra Lauren Pagone breaks silence on Francis Ford Coppola's alleged on-set misconduct

"I was in shock. I didn't expect him to kiss and hug me like that," Lauren Pagone told Variety.

Lauren Pagone, an extra featured in several scenes of Francis Ford Coppola's upcoming film "Megalopolis", has stepped forward to accuse the renowned director of inappropriate behavior on set. In an interview with Variety, Pagone detailed an incident during the filming of a nightclub sequence where Coppola allegedly hugged and kissed her without consent.   

Pagone's account directly challenges statements made by another extra, Rayna Menz, who had previously defended Coppola on social media, claiming that no such misconduct occurred. In response, Pagone expressed her frustration at Menz's remarks, stating, "I don't appreciate anybody speaking for me... My experience was different."   

A separate cast member, who chose to remain anonymous, corroborated Pagone's allegations, revealing that Coppola had kissed "multiple women" during the same nightclub scene. The source described feeling "uncomfortable" and "surprised" by Coppola's actions, characterizing the overall experience on set as "super weird."

These latest allegations add another layer to the ongoing controversy surrounding the production of "Megalopolis." Earlier reports had already surfaced, detailing complaints about Coppola's alleged unprofessional behavior and inappropriate conduct towards female extras.   

Coppola has previously addressed these claims, denying any wrongdoing and stating that he does not "disrespect" women. However, with multiple individuals now coming forward with similar accounts, the accusations against him are gaining traction and raising concerns about the work environment on his film set.   

As the controversy continues to unfold, industry insiders and fans alike are closely watching how the situation will impact the future of "Megalopolis" and Coppola's career. The allegations have sparked a broader conversation about power dynamics and consent within the film industry, highlighting the importance of creating safe and respectful working environments for everyone involved.