Scarlett Johansson Defends Woody Allen Support

Scarlett Johansson Addresses Her Continued Support for Woody Allen Amid Ongoing Controversy

In a recent interview with The Daily Telegraph, Hollywood icon Scarlett Johansson has once again defended her long-standing public support for filmmaker Woody Allen, despite the persistent sexual abuse allegations against him. The actress, who starred in three of Allen's films (Match Point, Scoop, and Vicky Cristina Barcelona), reaffirmed her stance on integrity and personal conviction while acknowledging her evolving perspective on public advocacy.

"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's comments come over six years after her 2019 declaration to The Hollywood Reporter where she stated, "I love Woody. I believe him, and I would work with him anytime." The allegations, first levied by Allen's stepdaughter Dylan Farrow in 1992 and revisited during the #MeToo movement, have led many in the industry to distance themselves from the director, though Allen has consistently denied the claims, which were investigated and dismissed by New York authorities.

Her Perspective on Backlash and Personal Growth

When pressed about potential professional or personal repercussions for her unwavering support, Johansson admitted it's "hard to know" the exact impact. However, she emphasized the importance of staying true to one's convictions, crediting her mother's advice about maintaining integrity as a guiding principle. She also touched upon her maturation in understanding the nuances of public discourse:

"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."

The Broader Context: Industry Divides and Allen's Defense

Johansson remains one of the few prominent figures in Hollywood to publicly support Allen. While stars like Anjelica Huston, Alan Alda, and Javier Bardem have also maintained their association with him, many others—including actors who worked directly with him—have vowed never to collaborate again following the resurfacing of Farrow's allegations. In 2021, Allen and his wife Soon-Yi Previn issued a statement condemning the HBO docuseries Allen v. Farrow, which featured detailed accounts from Mia and Dylan Farrow. As recently as September 2025, Allen expressed surprise at how readily people embraced the allegations without "more common sense."

Johansson's Broader Advocacy and Industry Reflection

During her Telegraph interview, Johansson also reflected on other instances where she felt compelled to speak out alone, such as her objection to ChatGPT using a voice she argued sounded "eerily similar" to hers and her 2021 lawsuit against Disney over the Black Widow streaming release. She expressed a desire for more vocal peer support on industry-wide issues:

"It would be great to have more support from the community and my peers — vocally, publicly — on certain issues that affect the entire industry. It's always helpful to have more voices."

Johansson's directorial debut, Eleanor the Great, adds another layer to her evolving career and public persona as she continues to navigate complex personal and professional stances in the ever-changing landscape of Hollywood.