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Honestly with Bari Weiss · September 17, 2025 · 1h 35m

Woody Allen on Life and Death

Woody Allen

Bari Weiss sits down with 89-year-old Woody Allen to discuss his life, career, and his first novel What's With Baum? — a comic tale about a writer undone by unproven accusations. Allen reflects on his childhood in Brooklyn, his 50 films, and his influence on American comedy. The conversation also covers the long shadow of his relationship with Soon-Yi Previn and the child molestation allegations that led to his cancellation in the MeToo era, despite the charges being twice dismissed.

This summary was generated from show notes and public descriptions, not from a full transcript review. Details may contain inaccuracies.

Highlights

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Accusation as Conviction in the Age of Public Opinion
Woody Allen's first novel What's With Baum? follows a writer whose life unravels when an accusation becomes as damaging as a conviction.
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50 Films and the Allen Persona
Over a 60-year career, Allen directed 50 films and created a neurotic, bespectacled persona that influenced American comedy and romantic comedies.
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Editorial

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The Soon-Yi Scandal and MeToo Cancellation
Allen's relationship with Mia Farrow's adopted daughter Soon-Yi Previn and subsequent molestation accusation led to his cancellation.
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28-Year Marriage to Soon-Yi
Despite the controversy that started their relationship, Allen and Previn have been married for 28 years.
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References

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What's With Baum? — Woody Allen (2025) — Allen's first novel

Misc

✧At 89, Allen has directed 50 films and just published his first novel.
✧Married to Soon-Yi Previn for 28 years, despite the firestorm that began their relationship.
✧Charges of child molestation were investigated and dismissed twice, but public condemnation never fully subsided.
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