Scarlett Johansson is always been unapologetically herself. From Indie movies to blockbuster hits, the icon has time and again proven that she is a force to reckon with. However, Johansson’s this very ability has also often been the root cause for many of the controversies she has been a part of through the years. Thus, when the quintessential ‘cool girl’ of Hollywood publically slammed her colleague James Franco for allegedly harassing her sexually people praised her. But the praises quickly turned into boos after she came forward to support a very controversial figure, Woody Allen.
Her coming in support of Allen when many were cutting ties with him and her differing stance from the rest not only baffled people but also led them to deem her the title of a ‘hypocrite’.
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Scarlett Johansson supports Woody Allen
One of the beloved figures of Hollywood that turned controversial very quickly after the #Metoo movement was Woody Allen. The award-winning director had a long list of disturbing allegations against him in the wake of the moment, and thus Scarlett Johansson supporting Allen led to her facing a lot of backlash. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, the star revealed how she feels about the director. She said,
“I love Woody. I believe him, and I would work with him anytime,”
Johansson maintains that she believes Allen to be innocent and stands by her choice to collaborate with him, highlighting the positive experiences she had while working on his films. Besides, Allen and Johansson go back a long way, and thus, her personal opinion regarding the matter also was solely based on them.
Critics thus, argue that her defense was seen as inconsistent with her public statements about the importance of supporting and believing survivors of sexual misconduct. Since he was never charged with a crime, the actress also continued to support the director. Her action furthermore baffled the people on the internet as the actress back in the day she very recently also slammed and brutally criticized her fellow actor for “praying on people” with no power.
Scarlett Johansson slammed James Franco before showing support for Woody Allen
During the actress’ speech at the 2018 Women’s March in Los Angeles, Scarlett Johansson brutally criticized James Franco for the same alleged allegations that people had against Allen. In her speech she said,
“How could a person publicly stand by an organization that helps to provide support for victims of sexual assault, while privately preying on people who have no power?—I want my pin back, by the way.”
Although she did not specify anyone in particular her reps later confirmed it was indeed Franco she was referring to. Her supporting Allen just after slamming Franco did not sit right with many, and thus people started voicing their opinion on Twitter.
One wrote,
“I have zero respect for her, and I don’t know why Hollywood continues to reward her problematic behavior.”
While another wrote,
“She’s the worst in every way. Her privilege know no bounds.”
Another shared a similar sentiment regarding the topic,
“Didn’t she publicly bash her ex friend James Franco AT A WOMANS MARCH after hearing from a 3rd party that he was sexually harassing another woman? But she’s defending Woody fucking Allen? this is so terrible it’s funny”
While Allen’s case revolves around a highly publicized family dispute, Franco’s allegations stem from multiple women coming forward with claims of misconduct. Thus, the apparent disparity in her responses may raise valid concerns, it is essential to consider the intricate circumstances surrounding these controversies. Therefore, Scarlett Johansson’s contrasting positions regarding Woody Allen and James Franco have sparked intense scrutiny and accusations of hypocrisy.
Source: People and The Hollywood Reporter
