Reply #8: For me, Soon Yi is enough and there is no doubt that happened.

[No Elephants]

The only question there is whether he waited until she was over statutory rape age before he started having intercourse with her. While that matters for legal purposes, IMO, it is almost irrelevant in the situation where you are the girl's father figure.

I was a huge fan, but, as I posted, will not even watch his movies on TV because I don't want to contribute to raising the ratings they may get. It's not as he needs my movie ticket or anything else, but I just can't.

Since Allen will not be prosecuted, the only thing involved is public opinion. Everyone can make up their own mind.

As far as Barbara Walters, it is not so much that she defended him, it's that she gave only one side. Given her long reputation as a newswoman, and the fact that her defense took place on national television, it may weigh more than a tweet from Diane Keaton or whatever. Sherri tried to raise facts on the other side, and Barbara talked over her. Had Barbara's defenses been good ones, I may not have minded them so much, but they were bs in my opinion and she should have known that. Still, because of her reputation, they will carry weight.
Moreover, while I can understand wanting to vouch for a friend if that friend is accused of say, embezzlement.

But, when your endorsement of your friend may do only heaven knows what to your friend's obviously emotionally and mentally vulnerable daughter, maybe you should tread more lightly. Woody Allen is incredibly honored and beloved by many, despite the rumors, rich as Croesus, living with the love of his life supposedly, needs nothing. His daugher, on the other hand, is obviously vulnerable. Any truly loving and senstive father would put her first, IMO.

If Barbara feels she needs to suck up to Allen, she can always contact privately and explain that she is keeping mum out of fear of what all these statements might do to his daughter.

However, IMO, this incredibly sensitive and loving father is speaking out himself and asking his friends to speak out, so maybe that wouldn't work. (I find it difficult to believe that someone like Keaton would not have called him before opening her mouth publicly and asking him his wishes in the matter.)