Publisher cancels Woody Allen’s memoir after walkout by staff
WOODY ALLEN’S memoir could be pulped as publishers cancelled its release amid a backlash from the MeToo movement and his family.
The announcement by Hachette Book Group followed criticism over allegations by Dylan Farrow, the film director’s adopted daughter, that he abused her. Allen has denied the claims.
Hachette’s decision was hailed as another victory for campaigners after last month’s conviction of Harvey Weinstein, the Hollywood movie mogul, for third-degree rape.
Dozens of Hachette employees staged a walkout in protest at Allen’s book. A publisher’s spokesman said:
“The decision to cancel Mr Allen’s book was a difficult one. We take our relationships with authors very seriously, and do not cancel books lightly. We have published and will continue to publish many challenging books. ”
Allen’s book Apropos of Nothing was due to be published next month. He has denied wrongdoing and was never charged after two investigations in the
Nineties. But the allegations by his daughter received new attention in the MeToo era.
Hachette also released Catch and Kill by Allen’s son Ronan Farrow, the journalist who was instrumental in bringing Weinstein to justice. Ronan Farrow said Hachette’s decision to publish was “wildly unprofessional”, while Dylan Farrow said it was “deeply upsetting”. Both complained that the publisher had not fact-checked the book with them.
But Stephen King, the author, said on Twitter he was “very uneasy” after the cancellation. “I don’t give a damn about Mr Allen. It’s who gets muzzled next that worries me. Once you start, the next one is always easier.”