Woody Allen shared insights into his relationship with Soon-Yi Previn, his significantly younger wife whom he married in 1997. The 89-year-old director first crossed paths with Soon-Yi while he was romantically involved with her mother, Mia Farrow.
During the promotion of his latest book, “What’s with Baum?”, Allen praised Soon-Yi, 54, calling her a fantastic mother, a vibrant personality, and the driving force behind their social and cultural life together. Reflecting on their unconventional match, Allen expressed surprise at the idea of being married to a much younger woman without a shared New York background or similar upbringing, especially given Soon-Yi’s Korean orphan background.
Allen tied the knot with Soon-Yi in December 1997 when he was 62 and she was 27, just one year older than their eldest daughter, Bechet, is now. Their relationship began while Allen was dating Mia Farrow, with whom he was in a relationship since 1980, when Soon-Yi, Mia’s adopted daughter with Andre Previn, was 10. Mia and Allen also shared two adopted children, Dylan and Moses, and had a biological son, Ronan. In 1991, Mia discovered the affair between Allen and Soon-Yi, leading to allegations of sexual abuse by Allen towards Dylan, an accusation he vehemently denies.
The controversial claims made by Mia and Dylan were explored in the HBO documentary “Allen v Farrow,” featuring a previously unreleased 1992 home video where a young Dylan described alleged inappropriate behavior by Allen. Both Allen and Soon-Yi criticized the documentary, dismissing it as a biased portrayal filled with falsehoods.
Despite the persistent allegations, no criminal charges have been filed against Allen. He has accused Mia of influencing Dylan’s perceptions and harboring resentment towards his relationship with Soon-Yi.
For support on related issues, individuals under 18 can seek help from Childline at 0800 1111. Victims of sexual assault can access resources through www.rapecrisis.org.uk or by calling the national helpline at 0808 802 9999.
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