Scarlett Johansson doubles down on defending Woody Allen despite scrutiny over sex abuse allegations

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Scarlett Johansson is doubling down on her long-standing support for Woody Allen.

In a recent interview with The Daily Telegraph, the actress – a rare prominent Hollywood figure to publicly support Allen – discussed the backlash she’s faced and whether standing by the director has impacted her work or personal life.

You know, it’s funny how life unfolds – you really can’t predict the consequences of your actions. But growing up, my mom instilled in me the importance of staying true to yourself. She always said it’s vital to live with integrity and have the courage to stand up for what you genuinely believe in. It’s advice I’ve carried with me, and it’s something I encourage everyone to embrace – being authentic is key to a fulfilling life.

Johansson previously collaborated with Allen on films like Match Point (2005), Scoop (2006), and Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008). Following the resurfacing of allegations against him during the #MeToo movement, she has spoken out publicly to support him.

In a 2019 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, she expressed her strong support for Woody Allen, stating she believes him and would gladly collaborate with him again. She shared that she regularly sees him and has spoken with him extensively about the issues surrounding him.

She explained that they’ve both been very honest with each other. He insists he didn’t do it, and she believes him.

Johansson recently explained that she continues to support Allen, but also recognizes there are times when it’s better to stay quiet.

She explained that knowing when to step back is just as important as speaking up. It’s not about staying quiet, but recognizing when it’s simply not the right moment to contribute – something she’s learned with experience and maturity.

Woody Allen has consistently refuted allegations of sexually abusing his adopted daughter, Dylan Farrow. These accusations initially surfaced in 1992 and recently gained renewed attention during the widespread discussions about sexual misconduct in the entertainment industry.

Investigators in New York looked into the claims back then, and a 1993 court decision found no evidence to support them.

Dylan, however, continues to stand by her account. 

In 2014, she wrote a powerful open letter published in The New York Times, repeating her accusations and condemning Hollywood for still supporting the director.

The situation became even more scandalous in the 1990s when it was revealed that Woody Allen was involved with Soon-Yi Previn, who was one of Mia Farrow’s adopted daughters. The relationship began when Soon-Yi was 21 and Allen was 56.

Even with all the public drama, Allen kept achieving both critical acclaim and commercial success for many years.

But in the post-MeToo era, his reputation has become increasingly polarizing. 

Several actors, such as Elliot Page, Greta Gerwig, and Natalie Portman, have publicly stated they regret having worked with him.

Honestly, I just don’t get the backlash against Scarlett. She’s explained it a million times, and it makes perfect sense to me. She supports Woody, and that doesn’t mean she suddenly doesn’t care about women’s rights! It’s like people think you can’t have nuanced opinions, and it drives me crazy. She can believe in both things, and I totally get why she feels that way.

She has been an outspoken supporter of Time’s Up, the anti-harassment initiative launched in 2018.

Looking back on the initial discussions within the movement, she explained it felt like discovering a previously unknown need. She realized, for the first time, the true meaning of the word ‘triggering’.

It feels common now, but at first, realizing something was ‘triggering’ my feelings was a new concept. Before that, I just accepted things as they were, but suddenly I understood I didn’t have to.

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2025-12-02 00:20