British actress Rebecca Hall has revealed that she ‘regrets’ working with director Woody Allen on his latest film, and said that she will donate her wages from the project to the Time’s Up initiative, which aims to support the victims of harassment and sexual misconduct in all industries.
The star, who appeared in Allen’s 2008 film Vicky Christina Barcelona and also has an role in the director’s upcoming film A Rainy Day In New York, posted a statement on Instagram in which she said she ‘regrets’ working with the director, and would not do so in the future.
Her comments come in the wake of statements from Allen’s daughter, Dylan Farrow, who has criticised prominent figures in the film industry for continuing to work with the director despite her allegations that he sexually abused her as a young girl. Actresses such as Kate Winslet have come under fire for appearing to defend their decisions to join Allen projects, while other stars such as Greta Gerwig and Mira Sorvino, have issued extensive apologies and vowed not to work with the director going forward.
In a lengthy post, the 35-year-old actress acknowledged that, while Allen had given her one of her ‘first significant roles in film for which [she has] always been grateful, referring to her part in Vicky Christina Barcelona, she now feels ‘conflicted and saddened’ by her decision to work with him again on A Rainy Day In New York.
‘After reading and re-reading Dylan Farrow’s statements of a few days ago and going back and reading the older ones – I see, not only how complicated this matter is, but that my actions have made another woman feel silenced and dismissed,’ she said. ‘That is not something that sits easily with me in the current or indeed any moment, and I am profoundly sorry. I regret this decision and wouldn’t make the same one today.’
Rebecca went on to add that she would be donating her wages to the Times Up fund, which will help pay for legal support for women fighting harassment or assault cases, in what she describes as ‘a small gesture and not one intended as close to compensation.’
‘I’ve also signed up, will continue to donate, and look forward to working with and being part of this positive movement towards change not just in Hollywood but hopefully everywhere,’ she concluded.