Justin Timberlake accused of hypocrisy for wearing black and starring in new Woody Allen film

HE POSTED a cute selfie with wife Jessica Biel in their black #TimesUp outfits just before the Golden Globes yesterday, but some say the statement is pointless, because of JT’s new movie.

SINGER Justin Timberlake has been accused of hypocrisy by fans for proudly showing off his support for Hollywood’s #TimesUp movement, while at the same time starring in Woody Allen’s new film.

Timberlake wore an all-black tuxedo and a #TimesUp pin to the Golden Globes ceremony on Monday, as did his wife, actor Jessica Biel.

Stars wore black in support of victims of sexual assault, harassment and abuse in Hollywood and other industries around the world.

But some say Timberlake’s statement outfit was a token gesture just for the cameras, because the 36-year-old also stars in the new Woody Allen film Wonder Wheel.

you’re literally in the new woody allen movie https://t.co/5jAElrqeFz

— laura j. brown (@laurjbrown) January 7, 2018

umm what's the joke? "look honey, I just made millions from a woody allen movie & I'm wearing an anti sexual harassment pin" ? #timesup https://t.co/ecMgGbcrtM

— Binnaz Saktanber (@loonybinsblog) January 8, 2018

The fact that Justin Timberlake (who recently worked with Woody Allen) is talking about #TIMESUP and wearing a black tux annoys the hell out of me because I feel like some people (especially males) are doing this not to look sus. They don’t really care. #GoldenGlobes

— lacey (@elizaxminnik) January 7, 2018

For decades Allen has been accused of sexual assault by Dylan Farrow, the daughter of Allen’s former partner Mia Farrow. Dylan Farrow claims she was sexually abused by Allen at the age of seven, in 1992.

Allen has long denied the allegations, yet many in Hollywood have refused to work with him since the claims were made public.

In November, Timberlake praised Allen and said he loved working with the 82-year-old director.

“I will say this, working with Woody Allen was like a dream come true,” he said on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert.

There’s been a backlash against stars like Timberlake who have still chosen to work with Allen, despite the knowledge of Farrow’s allegations.

Woody Allen and Harvey Weinstein pictured in 2008. Picture: Kevin Winter/AFP

In a statement to Buzzfeed News US on Tuesday, Farrow specifically called out Timberlake’s hypocrisy, as well as other actors who have worked with Allen in the past decade, including Blake Lively and Emma Stone.

“I struggle to understand how a woman who believes Woody Allen is ‘empowering to women’ can claim the role as an advocate for women suffering from sexual harassment,” Farrow said.

“I struggle with how a powerful force like Justin Timberlake can claim to be in awe of the strength of women and stand with them at this #MeToo moment and then in the next breath say that working with Woody Allen is a ‘dream come true’.”

Farrow also criticised director Greta Gerwig, who worked with Allen on the 2012 film To Rome With Love.

Gerwig’s film Ladybird won Best Motion Picture — Musical or Comedy at this week’s Golden Globes and she was asked about working with Woody Allen by reporters after her win.

How Greta Gerwig feels about previously working with Woody Allen pic.twitter.com/4tmrNMdHiL

— Variety (@Variety) January 8, 2018

Gerwig dodged the question, but said: “It’s something that I have thought deeply about, and I care deeply about ... and I haven’t had an opportunity to have an in-depth discussion, where I come down on one side or the other, but it’s something I’ve definitely taken to heart.”

Farrow tweeted this in response:

"Wearing black means nothing if you’re not willing to denounce those in power—no matter how much they might mean to you." https://t.co/MLl4QZL6SJ

— Dylan Farrow (@realdylanfarrow) January 8, 2018

Actor Kate Winslet, who also stars in Wonder Wheel, has too been criticised for agreeing to work with Allen.

She was lavish with her praise of Allen’s writing for women and his construction of female characters.

“Woody Allen is an extraordinary writer,” Winslet said.

“He’s obviously known for having created extraordinary roles, very very powerful and complicated roles for women, for many, many years.”

Mickey (Justin Timberlake) and Ginny (Kate Winslet) in a scene from Wonder Wheel, directed by Woody Allen.

When asked about the allegations against Allen, Winslet told The New York Times that “of course one thinks about it. But at the same time, I didn’t know Woody and I don’t know anything about that family. As the actor in the film, you just have to step away and say, I don’t know anything, really, and whether any of it is true or false. Having thought it all through, you put it to one side and just work with the person. Woody Allen is an incredible director. So is Roman Polanski. I had an extraordinary working experience with both of those men, and that’s the truth.”

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Originally published as Justin Timberlake accused of hypocrisy for wearing black and starring in new Woody Allen film