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Vincent Gallo and his new film The Policeman are being scrutinized by SAG-AFTRA following the emergence of misconduct complaints against Gallo by three female actors, Deadline has confirmed.
“We are aware of these complaints and are investigating,” said a spokesperson for the guild. “We extensively engaged with production regarding the complaints and, while shooting has wrapped, we continue to monitor and investigate. We also reaffirm our commitment to ensuring a safe and respectful environment on set. Because our inquiry is ongoing, we cannot respond to specifics of the complaint.”
Directed by Jordan Gertner, The Policeman has Gallo playing Golden State killer Joseph James DeAngelo, a serial murderer and rapist who began terrorizing California residents all the way back in the 1970s, only being brought to justice in 2018. The complaints spotlight sexual comments allegedly made by Gallo, the controversial actor known for projects like The Brown Bunny, in the audition process, which took place in November 2023.
One actress, who read opposite Gallo for scenes as one of DeAngelo’s victims, alleged that he told her: “If I say to suck my dick or I will kill you, I want you, you the person, not you the character, not you the actor, but you, to truly believe you will die if you don’t do as I say. And just like you would in real life, if this were happening to you, I want you to do all of the actions necessary to do that. You won’t actually suck my dick, but you do not have the power, I have all the power. You have no control, I am in complete control.”
Another claims they were told: “I may ask you to suck my cock onscreen, and I want an actress who is not going to put up a fight about that. You’re going to be offended by what I ask you, but I don’t want any of your personal feminist values. You don’t want to do this, you don’t think it’s fair, but you know what? The victim didn’t have a choice, and neither will you as the actress…Of course we can’t actually have you give me head onscreen, but the point is that I want someone who will not stop production to call their agent, or complain, etc. because they are offended.”
Rolling Stone was first to report on the complaints against Gallo. While James Franco was on the set of The Policeman for just a handful of days, he is not under investigation by the Guild or anyone else in relation to the film, sources tell us.
Dominic Patten contributed to this report
