The late Marlon Brando's son, Miko Brando, has stepped forward to defend his father following shocking revelations about a rape scene from the movie “Last Tango in Paris,” made by director Bernardo Bertolucci in a recently surfaced interview.
In response to the allegations, 55-year-old Miko Brando expressed disbelief, stating firmly, “It's not true.
That's not my father.
He was not that man at all.
He was for human rights, civil rights.
He marched with Martin Luther King.
He was for the people, not against the people.
That's not the human being he is.”
Miko Brando's remarks came after an unearthed three-year-old interview with Bertolucci, filmed at La Cinémathèque in Paris, where the director discussed the controversial scene involving actress Maria Schneider being raped by Marlon Brando using butter as a lubricant.
Reflecting on the incident, Bertolucci recalled, “We were having breakfast on the floor of the flat where I was shooting with Marlon.
There was a baguette, there was butter, and without speaking, we knew what we wanted.
I had been somewhat cruel to Maria because I didn't inform her of what was happening.”
He further explained, “I desired her reaction as a girl, not just as an actress.
I wanted her to feel humiliated.” Bertolucci also admitted, “She hated me for all her life.”
In a separate interview with the Daily Mail in 2007, Maria Schneider herself disclosed feeling violated during the filming of the 1972 movie.
She revealed that she was unaware of the rape scene until moments before shooting and expressed regret for not seeking assistance at the time.
Schneider recounted, “I should have called my agent or had my lawyer come to the set because you can't force someone to do something that isn't in the script.
Marlon reassured me, but during the scene, I felt real tears.”
The news sparked a strong reaction within Hollywood circles, with celebrities taking to social media to denounce the actions depicted in the film.
Jessica Chastain criticized the disturbing content, emphasizing the distressing nature of a young woman being subjected to such treatment.
Chris Evans shared his revulsion, declaring that the revelations have forever altered his perception of the film and Marlon Brando.
Similarly, Ava DuVernay expressed her shock and anger over the situation.
Michael Cudlitz, known for his role in The Walking Dead, condemned the behavior of those involved, calling for accountability and expressing contempt for the lack of intervention during the filming.
“Last Tango in Paris” received critical acclaim, earning two Oscar nominations.
However, the film's explicit content led to an NC-17 rating in the U.S. and bans in several countries, underscoring the controversy surrounding its release.
Amid the ongoing scrutiny and public outcry, the legacy of the film and its creators remains tarnished, prompting reflections on the ethical responsibilities of filmmakers and the need for greater awareness and respect within the industry.
