Mia Farrow weighed in on the debate of actors working with her controversial ex Woody Allen.
The “Alice” star, 79, appeared on “CBS Sunday Morning” this weekend and spoke about Allen, 88, whom she dated from 1980 to 1992, before he began a relationship with Mia’s adopted daughter, Soon-Yi Previn, 53.
Allen has also been accused of molesting another one of Mia’s adopted daughters, Dylan Farrow, 39, when she was younger.
Mia Farrow in New York City on Sept. 1. MediaPunch/Shutterstock
Farrow and Woody Allen in 1989. Gamma-Rapho via Getty ImagesDuring the interview, journalist Seth Doane asked Farrow: “Are you able to separate the experience as an actor in those films from the personal trials and tribulations that would follow?”
“Oh yeah, yeah,” Farrow responded.
Farrow at the Time 100 Gala in 2019. Kristina Bumphrey/Starpix“And I completely understand if an actor decides to work with him,” she said. “I’m not one who’d say, ‘Oh, they shouldn’t.’ “
Allen’s career in Hollywood has taken a hit due to the decades-old sex abuse allegations from Dylan. He’s denied the allegations and hasn’t been charged.
Allen at Madison Square Garden. Splash NewsThere have been various actors who have publicly denounced Allen after working with him, including Kate Winslet, Colin Firth, Greta Gerwig, Timothee Chalamet, Rachel Brosnahan, Natalie Portman and Rebecca Hall.
However, other stars, such as Gina Gershon, Diane Keaton, Scarlett Johansson and Javier Bardem have defended collaborating with the “Annie Hall” director. Blake Lively said he was “empowering” while avoiding talking about the allegations in 2016.
Greta Gerwig, Allen and Penelope Cruz at the “To Rome With Love” press conference in 2012. WireImage
Alec Baldwin and Allen on the set of “Bop Decameron” in 2011. AFP via Getty ImagesGershon, who starred in Allen’s 2020 comedy film “Rifkin’s Festival,” previously said in an interview that she signed onto the project because Allen is “a genius.”
The actress was also asked about other actors distancing themselves from Allen. “If they’re against it, they just shouldn’t,” she said.
Allen and Blake Lively at the “Cafe Society” premiere in 2016. AFP via Getty Images
Allen with Kristen Stewart, who also starred in his film Cafe Society.” WireImageAllen addressed losing support in Hollywood on “CBS Sunday Morning” in 2021, which was originally recorded in July 2020, but aired timed to the release of the HBO docuseries “Allen v. Farrow.”
“I think they’re well-meaning but they’re foolish,” said Allen. “All they’re doing is they’re persecuting a perfectly innocent person and they’re enabling this lie.”
Farrow, Allen and their children in 1989. Ron Galella Collection via Getty ImagesThe sexual abuse allegations were first reported during Allen and Farrow’s 1992 custody battle. They were parents to several adopted children and one biological child, son Ronan Farrow, who is a journalist.
Allen and Farrow in June 1989. Ron Galella Collection via Getty ImagesThe exes split amid revelations that Allen had an affair with Mia’s then 22-year-old adopted daughter, Soon-Yi. The couple later married and adopted two children.
Allen and his wife Soon-Yi Previn at the Cannes Film Festival in 2016. AFP via Getty ImagesIn “Allen v Farrow,” Farrow said the “great regret of my life” is bringing Allen around her family.
“I get why people can’t believe it because who on Earth could believe that of Woody Allen?” she added. “I couldn’t believe it. I couldn’t believe it. Everybody admired Woody so much, loved him, and I did too.”
