Javier Bardem Denounces ‘Public Lynching’ Of Disgraced Director Woody Allen: ‘He’s A Genius’

Don’t expect Javier Bardem to speak out against Woody Allen anytime soon. The Oscar winning actor worked with the director on his 2008 film Vicky Christina Barcelona, and despite not being close at the time, Javier still feels that any allegations against him are unfair.

While giving a master class at Thierry Fremaux’s Lumiere Festival in Lyon this week, Javier was incredibly open about his feelings toward the notorious director, who was accused of sexually abusing his adopted daughter Dylan Farrow when she was seven years old. “At the time I did Vicky Cristina Barcelona, the allegations were already well known for more than 10 years, and two states in the U.S. deemed he was not guilty,” said Javier, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Javier admits that he barely had any contact with Woody while working on the film, and doubted that the director even really knew who he was. Still, he won’t believe Dylan’s allegations unless the courts eventually charge Woody.

“If the legal situation ever changes, then I’d change my mind,” said Javier. “But for now I don’t agree with the public lynching that he’s been receiving.” On top of his support, Javier says he very much respects Woody as an artist. “If Woody Allen called me to work with him again, I’d be there tomorrow morning,” he insisted. “He’s a genius.”

Fans didn’t react well to the statement, especially after many of Hollywood’s elite who have worked with Woody have since expressed regret, including Greta Gerwig and Colin Firth. “Javier Bardem is disgusting. I’ll NEVER watch any movie with him again,” said one fuming Twitter user.” “It definitely seems like we are in the midst of a moral panic,” agreed another. Still, some showed support. “Woody has been totally cleared by few commissions of LEGAL EXPERTS, hence no trial nor conviction,” said a commented. “Adoptions agencies investigated him too for adoption and gave him two daughters, now adults, defending him like his son @MosesFarrow. We Love Javier & Woody!”