Javier Bardem is still defending director Woody Allen over the accusations of child sexual abuse he still faces. Despite the backlash, Bardem doesn’t believe any allegations made against the 86-year-old.
The Annie Hall director’s adopted daughter, Dylan Farrow, has accused Allen of molesting her when she was a child. Allen has categorically denied the allegations, which Farrow first made in 1992. In light of the #MeToo movement, Allen – who was cleared by two investigations back in the Nineties – has faced renewed criticism over the allegations.
In 1992, the Oscar-winner's relationship with Rosemary’s Baby actress, Mia Farrow, abruptly ended when she allegedly found explicit photos of her adopted daughter Soon-Yi Previn, taken by Allen. When the photos were discovered, Previn was just 21, whilst Woody Allen was in his 50s. It was after this shocking discovering, adopted daughter Dylan made the allegation claims against the filmmaker.
Shortly after these images went public, Previn and Allen went public with their relationship. The once-celebrated filmmaker has since been met with criticism and distrust. He has always denied any allegations. Previn and Allen married in 1997, and are still married with two adopted children.
Javier Bardem Worked With Woody Allen Back In 2008
In 2018, Bardem, who starred in Allen’s 2008 film Vicky Cristina Barcelona, said he was “absolutely not” ashamed to have worked with the director, adding that he was “shocked” by how Allen had been treated in the media.
“If there was evidence that Woody Allen was guilty, then yes, I would have stopped working with him, but I have doubts,” he said, over a decade ago when they worked together. In a new interview with The Guardian, Bardem said: “Pointing fingers at someone is very dangerous if it hasn’t been legally proven. Beyond that, it’s just gossip.”
Bardem may have a soft spot for the director as he met his wife, Penélope Cruz on the set of Vicky Cristina Barcelona and credits Allen for bringing the pair together. Many other actors who have worked with the once lauded filmmaker, including Drew Barrymore, have expressed regret.
Javier Bardem’s Controversial New Role
The Spanish actor is raising eyebrows with his new role as Desi Arnaz in Being the Ricardos. Bardem’s controversial casting is just another misstep in Hollywood casting Spanish actors to play Latin characters. His bad Cuban accent and lack of resemblance to the iconic actor has left a sour taste for critics and fans alike.
Being the Ricardos explores the behind-the-scenes reality of I Love Lucy during a turbulent period where Lucille Ball found herself under investigation as a communist. It also depicts tensions between Ball and Arnaz, as she suspects her husband is being unfaithful to her.