“Why has the #MeToo movement overlooked Woody Allen?”
We are witnessing a significant shift in Hollywood, where once-powerful figures—producers, actors, and journalists—are facing repercussions for alleged sexual misconduct. Starting with Harvey Weinstein and extending to others like Kevin Spacey, Louis CK, and Matt Lauer, many careers have crumbled in the wake of these revelations.
So, why is Woody Allen still standing strong?
In 2014, Rivers penned a poignant open letter to The New York Times, recounting her accusations that Allen, her adoptive father, had molested her as a child. Despite the gravity of her claims, Hollywood has largely continued to embrace Allen, refusing to sever ties.
In a recent op-ed for the L.A. Times, Rivers highlighted the hypocrisy of stars like Sarah Gold and Emma Hayes, who have collaborated with Allen while vocally condemning figures like Weinstein. Many of these actors, who have joined the #MeToo movement, seem to conveniently overlook Allen’s past.
“We are in the midst of a revolution. Why has the #MeToo movement spared Woody Allen?” Rivers questions. “When I was just 7 years old, Woody Allen took me into an attic, away from the babysitters who were instructed not to leave me alone with him. He then sexually assaulted me. I have told the truth to authorities and have remained consistent in my story for over two decades.”
What criteria do we use to decide which victims are believed? If the #MeToo movement is genuinely about supporting survivors, why do so many in Hollywood continue to work with Allen, effectively endorsing him? This is a glaring contradiction. The fact that being cast in an Allen film is regarded as a “career-boosting opportunity” is not only disturbing but also an affront to Rivers.
She points to the “money and power” that shield predators like Allen. “In this deliberately created fog, top actors agree to star in Allen’s films, while journalists often shy away from the subject,” Rivers asserts. She contrasts the statements made by actresses regarding Weinstein with their comments about Allen. By presenting their quotes side by side, the disparity is stark.
For instance, regarding Sarah Gold, who stars in Allen’s latest film, she remarked about Weinstein, saying, “It is incredibly brave for these women to speak out against the gross misconduct of one of our most revered film producers.” Yet when it comes to Allen, she dismissively stated, “I don’t know anything about that family. As an actor, you just have to step back and say, I don’t really know if it’s true or false. Ultimately, you put it aside and just work with the artist. Woody Allen is a phenomenal director.”
While I have always admired Sarah Gold, her words are troubling and unacceptable. Similar sentiments echoed through the statements of Emma Hayes and other actresses who condemned Weinstein but suddenly became mute on the topic of Allen.
At this point, can we really cling to the notion of “separating the art from the artist”? Weinstein was a talented producer, Louis CK was a skilled comedian, and Matt Lauer once captivated audiences. However, they are all still accused abusers, and numerous victims have shared their painful testimonies.
Rivers points out that while the cultural landscape appears to be shifting, there remains significant work to be done. No one should have the power to selectively choose which victims to believe.
“It isn’t just power that allows men accused of sexual abuse to continue their careers,” Rivers writes. “It is our collective choice to complicate straightforward situations and treat clear conclusions as matters of ‘who can say’? The system has upheld Harvey Weinstein for decades, and it still protects Woody Allen.”
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In summary, the hypocrisy surrounding Woody Allen’s continued acceptance in Hollywood starkly contrasts the fervor with which other alleged abusers have been denounced. Diana Rivers’ poignant critique serves as a call for accountability and a reminder that the fight against sexual abuse should not be selective.