Key Takeaways
- Diane Keaton has consistently and publicly defended her long-time friend and collaborator, Woody Allen, for decades.
- Her loyalty remained firm even after sexual assault allegations were made against Allen by his adopted daughter, Dylan Farrow, in the 1990s.
- Keaton famously stepped in to replace Mia Farrow in Allen’s 1993 film Manhattan Murder Mystery amid the director’s controversial split and custody battle.
- During the height of the #MeToo movement, Keaton publicly reiterated her support, stating on Twitter that she chose to believe Allen.
For decades, Oscar-winning actress Diane Keaton has remained one of Woody Allen’s most vocal and loyal supporters, standing by her former partner and frequent collaborator despite the serious allegations that have shadowed his career. Her unwavering defense highlights a friendship that has endured public scrutiny and Hollywood’s shifting tides.
A Legendary Partnership
Keaton and Allen’s bond was forged in the 1970s, both on and off screen. While their romantic relationship ended in 1972, their creative partnership flourished. Keaton starred in eight of Allen’s films, including her iconic, Academy Award-winning role in the 1977 classic Annie Hall. The film not only cemented her status as a leading lady but also defined a unique style that made her a fashion icon.
Their close friendship continued long after their romance, positioning Keaton as a key figure in Allen’s life, especially when scandal erupted.
Standing Firm Amid Controversy
In 1993, Allen was embroiled in a bitter custody battle with his then-partner, Mia Farrow. During the proceedings, Farrow accused Allen of molesting their adopted daughter, Dylan. The controversy intensified due to Allen’s relationship with Farrow’s adopted daughter, Soon-Yi Previn, who is now his wife.
Amid the firestorm, Mia Farrow dropped out of Allen’s film Manhattan Murder Mystery. Without hesitation, Diane Keaton stepped in to take over the role. According to friends cited by RadarOnline.com, Keaton faced pressure to distance herself from the director. “A lot of people around Diane told her Woody was toxic and she shouldn’t bail him out, but Diane was loyal to Woody,” a friend noted. “She didn’t billboard it, but she always had his back.”
Vocal Support in the #MeToo Era
As the #MeToo movement gained momentum in the late 2010s, the allegations against Allen resurfaced, with an adult Dylan Farrow reasserting her claims. Many actors who had previously worked with Allen publicly expressed regret and vowed not to work with him again.
Keaton, however, doubled down on her support. In 2018, she took to Twitter to defend her friend, writing, “Woody Allen is my friend and I choose to believe him.”
Sources close to the situation revealed that Keaton’s steadfast support was a lifeline for the embattled director. “Woody found his friends and allies dropping like flies, especially when the MeToo movement took wings,” a source explained. “He told Diane many times she felt like his only true friend in the world.” Her public and private defense has remained a constant, defining their decades-long, complicated, and enduring friendship.
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