Protesters chanting “no to rape culture” clashed with security at the Venice Film Festival before the premiere of Woody Allen’s 50th film. The 87-year-old director appeared on the red carpet with his wife, Soon-Yi Previn, and their adopted children.
The renowned director faced public scrutiny in the wake of the #MeToo movement. Mia Farrow accused her former husband of sexually abusing their adopted daughters, Soon-Yi and Dylan, in the 1990s.
The premiere of Woody Allen’s 50th film, “The Great Irony,” took place as part of the out-of-competition program at the 80th Venice Film Festival. The audience booed the director, and protesters attempted to breach the red carpet.
Despite the events that unfolded, journalists at the press conference applauded Allen.
The festival received criticism for including Allen and Roman Polanski in its program, as both directors have faced allegations of sexual misconduct involving minors.
In an interview, Woody Allen stated, “I have lived a very happy life. All these years, luck has been on my side. I had loving parents, good friends, a wonderful wife, and two children. In a few months, I will turn 88, and I have never been to the hospital. Nothing terrible has ever happened to me.”
Despite their 35-year age difference, Soon-Yi and Woody married in 1997. They adopted two daughters, named Bechet and Manzie.
A four-time Oscar winner and director of films like “Annie Hall” and other comedies, Woody Allen led a tumultuous personal life.
Allen met Mia Farrow in 1979, and their relationship began in 1980. From 1982 to 1992, Farrow appeared in 13 of his films. They always lived in separate apartments on opposite sides of New York’s Central Park. They have a son together, Ronan, as well as two adopted children, Dylan and Moses Farrow.
At the time of their relationship, the actress had seven children: three biological sons from a previous marriage and four adopted children, including Soon-Yi Previn.
In the 1990s, a scandal erupted when Farrow learned of Allen’s relationship with her 22-year-old stepdaughter. In 2014, their adopted daughter, Dylan, also alleged childhood sexual abuse by Allen. The director has consistently denied all accusations.
