Scarlett Johansson Reflects on Past Support for Woody Allen Amid Public Backlash

LONDON — Scarlett Johansson addressed the repercussions of her public support for filmmaker Woody Allen, who has faced longstanding allegations of sexual abuse, in a recent interview with the Telegraph. Johansson, who defended Allen in 2019, acknowledged the difficulty in assessing whether her stance has affected her personal or professional life.

In 2019, Johansson publicly expressed her belief in Allen’s innocence regarding accusations made by his daughter, Dylan Farrow. At the time, she said, “I love Woody. I believe him, and I would work with him anytime.” Her comments sparked significant backlash, as many other actors condemned Allen amid the allegations.

Reflecting on the controversy, Johansson said, “I guess it’s hard to know. You never know what the domino effect is, exactly.” She added that her mother encouraged her to maintain integrity and stand up for her beliefs. However, Johansson also noted the importance of timing, stating, “Sometimes it’s just not your time. And that’s something I’ve understood more as I’ve matured.”

Johansson’s remarks have drawn mixed reactions online, with some expressing disappointment and questioning why she revisited the topic. Others pointed out that her career appears unaffected, noting her recent role in a Jurassic Park sequel and her status as one of Hollywood’s highest-grossing lead actors.

Johansson previously described the backlash as an “embarrassing” career controversy and acknowledged the challenge of publicly admitting mistakes. She said in a 2021 interview, “I’m going to have opinions about things, because that’s just who I am,” and reflected on the difficulty of recognizing when one has been “off mark” or inconsiderate.

The allegations against Allen have been a subject of public debate for years, with Allen consistently denying the claims. Johansson’s continued support has remained a point of contention among fans and critics alike.

Resources for those affected by sexual assault or abuse were also highlighted alongside discussions of the topic, including national hotlines for support and assistance.