Woody Allen Scandal Update: Barbara Walters’ Controversial Statement on The View Shocks Many [Watch Video Here]
For the past weeks, Woody Allen has been under fire caused by the revelation made by Dylan Farrow, his adoptive daughter with former girlfriend Mia Farrow about allegations of sexual abuse when she was still a child.
In her letter, Dylan detailed how the actor molested her when she was still seven years old. Although she received a lot of support from various people, Barbara Walters is not one of them, according to a report by Perez Hilton.
During the recent episode of "The View," Walters showed her support for Woody on the sexual abuse issue that he is currently facing. She started her controversial statements by citing Woody's current marriage with step-daughter Soon Yin Previn.
Walters said, "I've been with Woody many times with his two daughters, he's got almost a 20-year marriage with Soon Yi which started as just a sensation, it's a solid marriage," She then adds, "I have rarely seen a father as sensitive and as loving and as caring as Woody is and Soon Yi is to these two girls."
Almost immediately, Walter's testimony of Woody being a "loving and caring" father sparked a debate among the other girls of The View with Jenny McCarthy responding that Dylan "has nothing to gain" by revealing her painful experience.
Walters quickly answered that Dylan probably came out only recently because the actor is "up for an award," hinting at the possible benefits that Dylan would reap from her revelation.
Co-host Sheri Shepard fired back at Walters citing Woody's "track record" for being attracted to young girls by dating a 17-year old and marrying his step-daughter.
After the episode was aired, viewers shared their opinions on the issue via their Twitter accounts. In an article on Time, one user said, "Very irresponsible of #BarbaraWalters to stick up for #WoodyAllen today re #DylanFarrow's allegations. Good on #SherriShepard 4 speaking up." Another tweeted, "People like #BarbaraJWalters who always (blame victims) are part of the reason that victims of abuse are hesitant to report to the authorities."