Woody Allen sues Amazon

Was the studio justified in distancing itself?

by Jennie Kermode

Woody Allen
Woody Allen Photo: Richard Mowe

Woody Allen has revealed that he is suing Amazon Studios for $68m over delays to the release of his film A Rainy Day In New York, which still has no fixed release date, and the alleged breach of an agreement to produce three further films.

Amazon had defended its delay in releasing A Rainy Day In New York on the basis of public concern about the allegation the Woody Allen sexually assaulted his daughter, Dylan Farrow - a claim that the acclaimed director has denied. Although first made 27 years ago, this claim recently came back into the spotlight as a result of the #MeToo movement.

Filed in the Southern District of New York, the suit argues that the allegation does no constitute legitimate grounds for termination of contract, and that Amazon already knew about it before the agreement was made.

Wonder Wheel and Café Society were previously released under the agreement.

The news comes on the same day that BAFTA has announced it will be suspending Bryan Singer's nomination for Best Director based on recent allegations of behaviour. It said it "considers the alleged behaviour completely unacceptable and incompatible with its values."

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