Kate Winslet Has Finally Spoken Out Against Woody Allen — Sort Of
It took her a few months, but actress Kate Winslet appears to have finally jumped on the Hollywood bandwagon in professing her regret at having worked with director Woody Allen, though she refrained from mentioning him by name.
In a speech at the London Critics’ Circle Film Awards, Winslet, who appeared close to tears, addressed the fact that she has worked with multiple Hollywood bigwigs who have been accused of sexual assault.
“There are directors, producers, and men of power who have for decades been awarded and applauded for their highly regarded work by both this industry and moviegoers alike,” said Winslet. “Indeed, many actors have had flourishing careers due in part to roles played in their films. The message we received for years was that it was the highest compliment to be offered roles by these men.”
She went on: “As women around the world and from all walks of life marched last weekend, once again joining together to speak out about harassment, exploitation, and abuse, I realized that I wouldn’t be able to stand here this evening and keep to myself some bitter regrets that I have at poor decisions to work with individuals with whom I wish I had not.”
Though she didn’t name names, it makes sense to assume she was talking about her former collaborators Woody Allen, Roman Polanski, and Harvey Weinstein.
Allen has been in the crosshairs more than most in recent weeks. His estranged adopted daughter Dylan Farrow appeared on television for the first time in mid-January to repeat the allegations she has been making for more than two decades — that Allen molested her when she was seven years old. She also called out the #MeToo movement for passing over Allen while dooming careers of other men in Hollywood.
Winslet’s mea culpa comes three months after she defended both Allen and Polanski in an interview with the New York Times to promote the Allen film Wonder Wheel. Did the allegations against Allen gave her pause in committing to the project?
“Of course one thinks about it,” responded Winslet. “Having thought it all through, you put it to one side and just work with the person. Woody Allen is an incredible director. So is Roman Polanski. I had an extraordinary working experience with both of those men, and that’s the truth.”
Then, in an interview in November, Winslet again ruffled feathers by complimenting Allen’s portrayal of women in his films.
“I think on some level Woody is a woman,” Winslet told the Sydney Morning Herald. “I just think he’s very in touch with that side of himself. He understands the female characters he creates exceptionally well.”
That was November. Since then, the Times has asked the question: “Can Woody Allen Work in Hollywood again?” It’s starting to look doubtful, with Winslet’s statement just the latest in a long list of celebrities who have publicly denounced Allen, promising never to work with him again or donating their salaries from his films to charity.
Allen has always denied the charges and continues to do so.
What do you think of Winslet’s response? Let us know @britandco.
(Photo by C Flanigan / Getty)
