Scarlett Johansson has defended her ongoing support for Woody Allen, who has been disavowed by much of the film industry over sexual abuse allegations made by his stepdaughter, Dylan Farrow.
The actress — who has starred in three movies directed by Allen in “Match Point,” “Scoop” and “Vicky Christina Barcelona” — is one of few names to have publicly stood by the filmmaker over the claims, first made in 1992 and brought up again in the wake of the #MeToo movement, claims that Allen has consistently denied and have been investigated and dismissed by New York authorities.
Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter in 2019, Johansson said: “I love Woody. I believe him, and I would work him anytime.”
In a new interview in The Daily Telegraph, the Marvel star addressed any potential backlash to her support, saying it was “hard to know” whether she had experienced any fallout in both her professional or personal life. “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.”
Johansson added: “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.”
Johansson also discussed the objection she raised over ChatGPT launching a voice that she argued sounded “eerily similar” to hers, and suing Disney in 2021 over its decision to give “Black Widow” a streaming-only release, and the fact that no other actor spoke out on these issues.
“I mean, it would be great to have more support from the community and my peers — vocally, publicly — on certain issues that affect the entire industry,” she said. “It’s always helpful to have more voices, you guys!”
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From Variety US