Latest news with #SweetandLowdown
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Sean Penn Says ‘I Would Work' With Woody Allen Again in a ‘Heartbeat': The Allegations Are ‘Told by People I Would Not Trust With a Dime'
Sean Penn came to Woody Allen's defense during a recent interview on 'The Louis Theroux Podcast.' Allen directed Penn in 1999's 'Sweet and Lowdown,' for which the latter earned an Oscar nomination for best actor. Penn starred as a jazz guitarist who falls in love with a mute woman, played by Samantha Morton. 'I love that movie. I'd work with him in a heartbeat if it was the right thing,' Penn said about Allen, who has been accused of sexual abuse by his adopted daughter, Dylan Farrow. More from Variety Sean Penn Says Donald Trump 'Might Try to Destroy the World' Maxine Peake on Playing Murdered Russian Reporter Anna Politkovskaya in 'Words of War' and the Film's 'Horrific' Relevance: '2024 Was the Most Dangerous Year to Be a Journalist' Sean Penn-Produced Political Thriller 'Words of War' Sells Globally, Including to Signature for U.K. (EXCLUSIVE) 'Do I think he has a bad rep?' Penn then asked, referring to the allegations against Allen. 'Look, with these things… I don't know anyone well enough to say 100% this didn't happen or that didn't happen or something. God forbid you're wrong and there is a victim involved, right? I haven't read everything, but the stories are mostly told by people who I would not trust with a dime. It seems so heavily weighted in that way.' When podcast host Louis Theroux noted the allegations against Allen come from his adopted children, including 'journalist' Ronan Farrow, Penn defended Allen by saying: 'I am not aware of any clinical psychologist or psychiatrist or anyone I ever heard talk about the subject of pedophilia that in 80 years of life it only happens once. I am not aware of that.' 'When people try to associate his much younger girlfriends, right or wrong is not the conversation here,' Penn continued. 'Post-puberty consensual stuff is a different conversation.' 'I just think that whatever is the worst of people's suspicions about him, just check them with the facts separate from the [#MeToo] movement and all those who benefited from that,' the Oscar winner concluded. 'Let's just take a second is all I'm saying. I see he is not proven guilty, so I take him as innocent. I would work with him in a heartbeat.' Allen has not worked in Hollywood since Dylan Farrow's abuse allegations against him resurfaced in 2018. Listen to Penn's full interview on 'The Louis Theroux Podcast' here. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Emmy Predictions: Talk/Scripted Variety Series - The Variety Categories Are Still a Mess; Netflix, Dropout, and 'Hot Ones' Stir Up Buzz Oscars Predictions 2026: 'Sinners' Becomes Early Contender Ahead of Cannes Film Festival
Time of India
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Matinee idol Sean Penn shocks fans with disheveled appearance and explosive comments about Woody Allen that are lighting up Hollywood
Sean Penn has Hollywood and social media talking. The Oscar-winning actor recently appeared on The Louis Theroux Podcast , looking visibly older and bruised, which stunned fans. But it wasn't just his appearance that caused a stir; his explosive remarks defending Woody Allen drew even more attention and made headlines. The 64-year-old Mystic River star made a number of shocking statements during the interview, most notably that he had doubts about director Woody Allen's alleged 1992 molestation of his daughter Dylan Farrow . ALSO READ: Sean 'Diddy' Combs' trial to soon expose 'freak-off party' guest list; here are the celebrities who should be very worried Why are fans so shocked by Sean Penn's appearance? He appalled fans with a dishevelled appearance and a red nose bruise during a podcast interview. Penn had a beard and unkempt grey hair, and he looked tired, with bags under his eyes, as per a report by the Daily Mail. Live Events Under a video of the interview that was posted on X, someone commented, "He looks rough," while another shocked commenter questioned, "He's only 64?!?" "I am his age." Another person said, "My 95-year-old father looks younger than him." "Looks ten years older and is two years younger than me," someone else said. Another person commented, "Dang he aged like a worn leather handbag." "He appears to be in his 80s." "Is he 90?" asked another. "That's a tough 64." "Jeez, he looks rough!" said someone else. One of Penn's many controversial remarks during the interview was his endorsement of Allen. What did Sean Penn say about Woody Allen? The actor denied long-standing allegations against Allen, saying he would work with the director again "in a heartbeat,' despite the disgraced director's 2019 #MeToo reckoning. Jowver, he warned on the podcast, "If it was the right project." It has been 26 years since he collaborated with Allen on his film Sweet and Lowdown. In the 89-year-old director's 1930s-set comedy, Penn played guitarist Emmet Ray opposite Samantha Morton's silent Hattie, earning them both Academy Award nominations. Penn does not accept Mia Farrow's 1992 claim that her adopted daughter, Dylan, then seven years old, was molested by her ex-partner Woody (born Allan Konigsberg). He said that he is not aware of any clinical psychologist or psychiatrist, or anyone he has ever heard talk or spoken to about the subject of paedophilia, that, in 80 years of life, there are accusations of it happening only once. "And when people try to associate what were his, say, much younger girlfriends, right or wrong is not the conversation here, but post-puberty, consensual stuff is to me a different conversation," he continued. Therefore, he simply believes that, regardless of the most serious suspicions that people may have about him, you should verify him using facts that are independent of time and movement. ALSO READ: In a bizarre speech attended by some of the world's business elites, Donald Trump asks Saudi Crown Prince MBS, 'How do you sleep at night?' He considers him innocent because he hasn't been proven guilty, and he would absolutely collaborate with him, as per a report by the Daily Mail. The 80-year-old Rosemary's Baby star accused Allen of the crime in public seven months after learning of his covert relationship with her adopted daughter Soon-Yi Previn, age 21. The four-time Oscar winner vigorously refuted the accusation and filed a lawsuit against Mia to gain complete custody of their adopted children Dylan and Moses as well as their son Satchel (now Ronan). Woody's request for full custody of all three of their children was denied by Justice Elliott Wilk, who also referred to Woody's actions towards Dylan as "grossly inappropriate.' Allen married Soon-Yi in 1997, and the two of them adopted two daughters, Manzie Tio Allen, 25, and Bechet Allen, 26, who are now 26 years old. Sean Penn, thus, claimed that because most stories are told by people he wouldn't trust, making them highly weighted, he is not familiar enough to say with confidence that certain events did not occur. FAQs Why is everyone reacting to Sean Penn's latest podcast appearance ? Fans were taken aback by his tired, weathered appearance and bruised nose; many said he looked much older than 64. What has Sean Penn said about Woody Allen? He defended Allen against previous abuse allegations, saying he does not believe them and would gladly work with him again. Economic Times WhatsApp channel )
Metro
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Sean Penn's support of Woody Allen proves he continues to be #MeToo's blind spot
Sean Penn has defended Woody Allen, saying he would 'work with him in a heartbeat,' despite past allegations against the director. In an interview on The Louis Theroux Podcast, the Milk actor, 64, explained his doubts about claims Allen sexually abused his adopted daughter, Dylan Farrow. 'The stories are mostly told by people I wouldn't trust with a dime. It just seems so heavily weighted in that way,' Penn said. He stipulated that he can't say '100% this didn't happen,' but that 'I see he's not proven guilty, so I take him as innocent, and I would work with him in a heartbeat.' Penn said: 'I am not aware of any clinical psychologist or psychiatrist or anyone I've ever heard talk or spoken to around the subject of paedophilia that, in 80 years of life, there's accusations of it happening only once. I'm not aware of that. 'And when people try to associate what were his, let's say, much younger girlfriends, right or wrong … is to me a different conversation.' Penn worked with Allen on the film Sweet and Lowdown in 1999, for which he was nominated for an Oscar for best actor at the 2000 ceremony. Allen has always denied the allegations, and investigations by social services departments in Connecticut and New York state found no evidence of abuse. However, Allen's ex Mia Farrow and their son, investigative journalist Ronan Farrow, have always backed Dylan and her claims. In contrast, Allen and Farrow's adopted son, Moses Farrow, has been outspoken in defence of Allen. The allegations were made after Farrow and Allen split in 1992 after Farrow discovered that Allen was having an affair with her adopted daughter, Soon-Yi Previn. Soon-Yi was 21 and Allen was 56 when they started seeing each other romantically, according to Soon-Yi. Mia Farrow, however, has alleged the affair began much earlier. Allen and Previn married in 1997 and are still together. Regardless of the validity of the allegations made by Dylan, many people find Soon-Yi and Allen's relationship disturbing enough to avoid working with Allen or supporting his projects. But, like Penn, there are also plenty of powerful people in Hollywood who have defended Allen. Scarlett Johansson, for example, addressed the situation in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. 'How do I feel about Woody Allen?' she said, 'I love Woody. I believe him, and I would work with him anytime.' More Trending Kristen Stewart also told Variety that she and Jesse Eisenberg decided to work on Café Society with Allen because: 'If we were persecuted for the amount of shit that's been said about us that's not true, our lives would be over. 'The experience of making the movie was so outside of that, it was fruitful for the two of us to go on with it.' As the years pass, Woody Allen continues to be one of the most polarising figures in Hollywood. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: How the Menendez brothers murder case unfolded after huge new release twist MORE: Sean 'Diddy' Combs' horrifying assault on ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura seen in new footage MORE: Halle Bailey granted restraining order after showing bruises from ex's 'ongoing abuse'
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Sean Penn defends Woody Allen against Dylan Farrow molestation allegations
NEW YORK — Sean Penn is skeptical of Dylan Farrow's molestation allegations against 'Midnight In Paris' filmmaker, Woody Allen. When asked on "The Louis Theroux Podcast" if he'd ever consider working with the controversial director again he swiftly replied, 'I'd work with him in a heartbeat. If it was the right project.' Penn continued, 'Do I think he has a bad rap? With these things, I don't know anyone well enough to say 100% this didn't happen, that didn't happen. The stories are mostly told by people that I wouldn't trust with a dime. It just seems so heavily weighted in that way.' Theroux pushed back on Penn's response, asking for clarification about where he stands, explaining the famed director was accused by 'mainly his estranged daughter but also his son, Ronan Farrow, the journalist.' Doubling down on his support for Allen, Penn explained why he has doubts about the allegations against the 89-year-old. 'Put it this way: I am not aware and maybe I'm just an ignoramus, that's a possibility. I am not aware of any clinical psychologist or psychiatrist or anyone I've ever heard talk or spoken to around the subject of pedophilia that in 80 years of life, there's accusations of it happening only once. I'm not aware of that.' He added, 'And when people try to associate what were his, let's say, much younger girlfriends, right or wrong is not the conversation here. Post-puberty, consensual stuff is to me a different conversation.' 'Let's just take a second. That's all I'm saying. I see he's not proven guilty, so I take him as innocent, and I would work with him in a heartbeat,' Penn told Theroux. Penn, a five-time Oscar nominee and two-time winner, received his second nod for his work on Allen's film 'Sweet and Lowdown' in 1999. Although Dylan has consistently maintained she was sexually abused by her famous father, he has never been charged for a crime. In 2021, HBO released a four-part docuseries, 'Allen v. Farrow,' investigating the sex abuse allegations brought against him. Allen, has repeatedly denied all accusations.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Sean Penn expresses doubt about Woody Allen sex abuse allegations: ‘WHO BENEFITTED FROM THAT?'
Sean Penn weighed in on Woody Allen's alleged sexual abuse of adopted daughter Dylan Farrow, and said he would happily collaborate with the director again. 'I'd work with him in a heartbeat — if it was the right thing,' Penn said on Tuesday's episode of the Louis Theroux Podcast. Penn starred alongside Samantha Morton, Uma Thurman and Anthony LaPaglia in the 1999 musical comedy Sweet and Lowdown, which Allen wrote and directed. Theroux asked the two-time Oscar winner whether he thought the 89-year-old filmmaker had 'a bad rap.' Penn replied: 'With these things, I don't know anyone well enough to say, '100%, this didn't happen, that didn't happen.'' He added: 'The stories are mostly told by people that I wouldn't trust with a dime. It just seems so heavily weighted in that way.' Penn scoffed when Theroux pointed out that it was both Dylan, 39, and her journalist brother, Ronan Farrow, who made the allegations, which were initiated by their mother, Mia Farrow.. 'Well, you gave him that title, not me. But yes, Ronan Farrow,' Penn snapped, prompting Theroux to point out that Ronan 'writes for the New Yorker' and is 'quite respected.' Penn admitted that he is 'an ignoramus,' but noted, 'I am not aware of any clinical psychologist or psychiatrist or anyone I've ever heard talk or spoken to around the subject of pedophilia that in 80 years of life, there's accusations of it happening only once.' In 1992, Dylan alleged that her adoptive father had molested her when she was seven, though he has long denied any accusations of sexual abuse and was never charged. Allen responded that Mia concocted the allegation after they broke up and he started dating her other adopted daughter, Soon-Yi Previn — whom he married in 1997. Dylan has maintained her story for decades. She first went public in 2014 with an open letter in the New York Times. Four years later, following sex abuse allegations involving the now-convicted Harvey Weinstein, Dylan penned an op-ed in the Los Angeles Times asking, 'Why has the #MeToo revolution spared Woody Allen?' The Dead Man Walking star suggested the general public 'check him with the facts separate from the moment and the (#MeToo) movement and all.' Penn asked: 'Who benefitted from that? Let's just take a second. That's all I'm saying.' The 64-year-old added that he presumes Allen is 'innocent' because he has never been proven guilty of a crime. Sean Penn 'frustrated' with the world and is 'glad' he's old Sean Penn says he felt 'misery' making movies for years. Then Dakota Johnson knocked on his door Sean Penn slams Oscars for its 'cowardice' in fiery rant
