Spike Lee apologized and retracted his words after his Saturday interview on Woody Allen stirred controversy.
While talking with the New York City radio station, Lee said that he considered Allen a close friend, and spoke against the ‘cancel culture’ against Allen’s works.
The director said that he disagreed with the atmosphere of trying to erase someone from history for their misconduct. He added that Allen is both a talented filmmaker and his fellow New York Knicks fan who he considers to be a friend.
Many fans were surprised that Lee would speak favorably about Allen. Because of allegations that he molested his adopted daughter while he was married with Mia Farrow, Allen has essentially been ousted and disgraced in Hollywood. Allen has denied all these allegations.
Despite the lack of any concrete evidence over this decades spanning rumors, fans were quick to criticize and attack Lee for his defense of Allen. Many argued that Lee was sending the wrong message that the powerful, connected individuals can make it through despite being sexual offenders.
As the criticism kept coming, Lee took to Twitter to apologize for his words. Saying that his words were wrong, he said that he has not and will not tolerate sexual abuses of any sort. Although he did not mention the interview or Allen specifically, the message was heard loud and clear.
Hollywood and fans almost allergic reaction to everything related to Allen is no new phenomenon, although it has definitely intensified in the era of the MeToo movement.
For instance, there was much controversy when the Hachette Book Group announced they will publish Allen’s memoir titled “Apropos of Nothing”. The plan was retracted following fierce protests from employees and Ronan Farrow – Allen’s son – warning he will not work with the publisher if the memoir gets published.
In the book, Allen refuted the allegations like he has continued to do so since it first came up. Allen maintains that the incident never took place, and that the young children have been tricked and manipulated by their mother to accuse him.
Whether Lee’s call to take back his words after receiving criticism was justified or not will depend on one’s thoughts. Share with us what you think about this story, and be sure to follow us on Facebook for more news like this one.
Replaced!