Defending a Controversial Filmmaker

In a candid appearance on "The Louis Theroux Podcast," Sean Penn passionately defended filmmaker Woody Allen, with whom he collaborated on the 1999 film "Sweet and Lowdown." This performance earned Penn an Oscar nomination for best actor, where he portrayed a jazz guitarist enamored with a mute woman, played by Samantha Morton.

A Loyal Partnership

Penn expressed unwavering support for Allen, saying, "I’d work with him in a heartbeat if it was the right thing." This statement comes amid ongoing allegations of sexual abuse against Allen from his adopted daughter, Dylan Farrow.

Skepticism Towards Allegations

When host Louis Theroux pointed out that the allegations originate from Allen's own adopted children, including journalist Ronan Farrow, Penn countered, expressing skepticism about the credibility of the accusations. He stated, "I haven’t read everything, but the stories are mostly told by people who I would not trust with a dime. It seems so heavily weighted in that way."

Questioning the Narrative

Delving deeper into the subject, Penn also questioned the idea that an individual could be a one-time perpetrator of such offenses. He emphasized, "I am not aware of any clinical psychologist... who has suggested that pedophilia is a one-time occurrence." He pointed out that discussions surrounding Allen's relationships with younger women diverged from the primary allegations.

A Call for Objectivity

Concluding his defense, Penn urged listeners to separate personal suspicions from established facts. He stated, "Let’s just take a second... I see he is not proven guilty, so I take him as innocent. I would work with him in a heartbeat." This declaration underscores the complexities surrounding Allen's legacy in the entertainment industry.