Scarlett Johansson defends her continued support for controversial filmmaker Woody Allen, saying, "it's important to have integrity." Johansson starred in three films written and directed by Allen during the 2000s – Match Point (2005), Scoop (2006), and Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008).
Earlier, in 1992, Allen was accused by his former partner, actress Mia Farrow, of sexually abusing their adopted daughter, Dylan Farrow, and though the accusation drew widespread media attention, Allen was never criminally charged and has consistently denied the claim, which was investigated and dismissed by the New York Department of Social Services.
However, the allegation resurfaced following Harvey Weinstein's public downfall and the rise of the #MeToo movement, leading many of Allen's former collaborators to publicly denounce him over the long-standing and disputed claim of child abuse, with only a few, such as Johansson, showing support for Allen.
During a recent interview with The Telegraph, Scarlett Johansson defended her continued support for Woody Allen. Aside from the online backlash, the actress was asked if there have been any real repercussions due to her continued support for Allen, such as missing out on roles or losing friends. Read her full response below:
I guess it’s hard to know. You never know what the domino effect is, exactly. But my mom always encouraged me to be myself, [to see] that it’s important to have integrity, and stand up for what you believe in.
At the same time, I think it’s also important to know when it’s not your turn. I don’t mean that you should silence yourself. I mean sometimes it’s just not your time. And that’s something I’ve understood more as I’ve matured.
During the rise of the #MeToo movement, many of Allen's former collaborators rushed to publicly denounce him, and only a few, such as Scarlett Johansson and actress Diane Keaton, stuck by him. In 2019, Johansson defended Allen in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, saying:
I love Woody. I believe him, and I would work with him anytime. I see Woody whenever I can, and I have had a lot of conversations with him about it. I have been very direct with him, and he's very direct with me. He maintains his innocence, and I believe him.
Between 1980 and 1992, Allen shared both a personal and professional relationship with actress Mia Farrow, working together on 13 films. Their relationship ended after Allen began dating Soon-Yi Previn, Farrow and André Previn's 21-year-old adopted daughter, in 1991. Allen and Previn married in 1997 and have since adopted two children.
On the other hand, Scarlett Johansson recently made her own directorial debut with the drama Eleanor the Great, starring June Squibb in the titular role.
