Woody Allen has spoken out about his support of the #MeToo movement, congratulating himself for a “wonderful record” with women in the film industry.
In an interview with Argentinian news outlet Periodismo Para Todos, the director was asked about the accusation against him from his adoptive daughter Dylan Farrow of sexual assault.
Allen was investigated in 1992 when he was first accused by Dylan and her mother and his ex-partner, Mia Farrow, but no charges were brought against the filmmaker, who has always denied the claims. In this interview he makes a point to note that he has “only been accused by one woman in a child custody case”.
Speaking about the state of the Hollywood following the outing and indiction of Harvey Weinstein, Allen spoke on #MeToo and his relationship with women throughout his 50 year long career.
“Everyone wants justice to be done,” he said. “If there is something like the #MeToo movement now, you root for them, you want them to bring to justice these terrible harassers, these people who do all these terrible things. And I think that’s a good thing.”
Allen continued: “I’m a big advocate of the #MeToo movement. I feel when they find people who harass innocent women and men, it’s a good thing that they’re exposing them. But you know I, I should be the poster boy for the #MeToo movement.”
Explaining this, Allen said: “Because I have worked in movies for 50 years. I’ve worked with hundreds of actresses and not a single one – big ones, famous ones, ones starting out – have ever, ever suggested any kind of impropriety at all. I’ve always had a wonderful record with them.”
Meanwhile, multiple women in the film industry – including Greta Gerwig, Rebecca Hall and Hayley Atwell – have expressed their regret about working with Allen.
- For help, advice or more information regarding sexual harassment, assault and rape in the UK, visit the Rape Crisis charity website. In the US, visit RAINN.