A life-size statue of Woody Allen has been standing in the streets of Oviedo, Spain since Allen visited the city while collecting the Prince of Asturias award in 2003. Designed by Spanish sculptor and painter Vicente Menéndez Santarúa, the statue is currently located in Calle Milicias Nacionales, a busy shopping street in the northern Spanish city.

Allen loves the city and once described Oviedo as delicious and exotic, beautiful and tranquil. The statue has attracted tourists since Allen set the popular film, “Vicky Cristina Barcelona’ in Oviedo back in 2008 and it has been a popular spot for taking selfies and portraits with the director.

However, the statue’s popularity has recently waned.

Interview with Dylan Farrow ignites feminist group

Following a television interview with Allen’s adopted daughter Dylan Farrow – from his partnership with Mia Farrow – a week ago, where she claims Allen sexually abused her at the age of seven, the Asturias Feminist Organization is up in arms. After they petitioned the mayor’s office for the removal of the statue, which they say honors an “abuser and pervert,” the City Hall in Oviedo has confirmed that the proposal will be discussed in an upcoming council meeting.

Allegations against Allen date back to 1992

Farrow first claimed in 1992 that Allen had abused her and also sent an open letter in 2014 about the issue.

The letter was published in the New York Times and called on actors to stop working with Allen. Meanwhile, the film director denies all allegations.

Farrow is now 32 years of age, and in light of the recent #MeToo movement as well as the #TimesUp campaign, she has again brought the allegations to light, including offering details of an alleged assault back in 1992.

However, before Farrow was interviewed on the subject, a number of actors, including Rebecca Hall, Colin Firth, Timothée Chalamet and Greta Gerwig, spoke up to express their regrets over working with Allen, saying they would never work with the director again.

As reported by Elle, Hall – who starred in “Vicky Cristina Barcelona” – addressed the issue on Instagram, saying after she had read and re-read Dylan’s statements, both recent and in the past, she can now see how complicated the matter is.

She added that her actions had made another woman feel dismissed and silenced. Hall added that this is something that doesn’t sit comfortably with her and she was profoundly sorry. Meanwhile, Chalamet said he had now learned that a good role is not the only criteria for accepting a job.
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