Woody Allen on Weinstein scandal: 'You don't want it to lead to a witch hunt atmosphere'

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Harvey Weinstein faces new assault allegations in the UK

Bryan Llenas reports as British police say they are investigating the new allegations against the Hollywood producer.

Hollywood director Woody Allen spoke to the BBC about producer Harvey Weinstein, who has been recently accused of sexual harassment and rape.

“The whole Harvey Weinstein thing is very sad for everybody involved," the filmmaker said. “Tragic for the poor women that were involved, sad for Harvey that [his] life is so messed up.”

According to the BBC, Allen said he hoped the disclosures would result in "some amelioration."

Woody Allen and Harvey Weinstein in 2008. (REUTERS/Fred Prouser)

“You also don't want it to lead to a witch hunt atmosphere, a Salem atmosphere, where every guy in an office who winks at a woman is suddenly having to call a lawyer to defend himself,” the filmmaker said. “That's not right either.”

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“But sure, you hope that something like this could be transformed into a benefit for people rather than just a sad or tragic situation,” he continued.

“No one ever came to me or told me horror stories with any real seriousness,” Allen, who has long denied molesting his daughter Dylan Farrow, told the BBC. “And they wouldn't, because you are not interested in it. You are interested in making your movie.”

Weinstein's alleged sexual misconduct toward women has been detailed in several New York Times reports, along with Ronan Farrow's Oct. 10 New Yorker expose. Farrow is Allen's son.

Weinstein has denied claims of non-consensual sex.