Twenty or so years ago, Dylan Farrow accused her adoptive father, Woody Allen, of repeated sexual abuse. She recently wrote this open letter, describing the alleged abuse, her parents' divorce, the treatment she received after she came forward, and urging Hollywood and the public to consider her and the abuse when they think of her father (who recently was nominated for another Academy Award).
Woody Allen has never been tried for sexual molestation and, as many will point out, deserves the presumption of innocence. True. But, as tends to happen on the internet, campaigns have been launched attacking Dylan. Why have people let the desire to presume Woody Allen innocent so cloud their minds that they ignore the presumptions Dylan deserves in this situation?
I have no answers for this one. I have not yet reconciled how I can appreciate Woody Allen's artistic contributions without supporting a man who has been accused of molesting his daughter. I have not yet decided whether I should appreciate Woody Allen's artistic contributions or if I should boycott his films. I have not yet decided whether these thoughts are premature and unnecessary. HOWEVER, I do have answers regarding how to treat a victim of alleged sexual assault: I will not ignore, attack, vilify, villainize, or blame Dylan or any other victim or alleged victim of sexual assault. I hope you'll join me and maybe we'll be one step closer towards ending rape culture.
Follow-up: Thank you, Lena Dunham for this gem.
Follow-up: Thank you, Lena Dunham for this gem.
