Woody Allen’s son defends against abuse allegations
Woody Allen’s adopted son has defended him against accusations he molested his then-7-year-old adopted daughter in 1992.
Moses Farrow told People magazine in an interview published Wednesday that Allen “of course” did not molest Moses’ younger sister, Dylan Farrow.
Moses Farrow and Dylan Farrow were adopted by Allen and actress Mia Farrow. Dylan Farrow recently wrote an open letter to the New York Times saying she was abused and detailing what she says happened.
New York Times public editor Margaret Sullivan, who had been critical of the Times’ handling of Dylan Farrow’s accusation, wrote in an online post Wednesday that Allen has requested the opportunity to submit a response to her letter. A spokeswoman for the Times confirmed that Allen’s request was granted.
A publicist for Allen earlier pledged that the filmmaker, who has long maintained his innocence, would respond to Dylan Farrow’s allegations. Allen did not comment Wednesday on Moses Farrow’s interview or his plans for a published response.
Moses Farrow says Dylan Farrow should not go through life with the “false impression” that Allen molested her. Dylan Farrow calls his comments “a betrayal.”
Clay Aiken to run for Congress
Former “American Idol” and “Celebrity Apprentice” runner-up Clay Aiken joined another high-profile contest Wednesday – this one to get elected to Congress in his native North Carolina.
Aiken announced he would seek the Democratic nomination for the 2nd Congressional District seat currently held by Republican Rep. Renee Ellmers. The entertainer is talking about his nonsinging career as a special education teacher, UNICEF representative and presidential commission member on education while explaining his reason for getting in the race.
In each situation, “I saw a group of people, a population that was not being served,” Aiken told the Associated Press in an interview.
In a video unveiling his bid, Aiken referred to his “golden ticket” – finishing as the runner-up to Ruben Studdard in TV’s 2003 “Idol” competition, which has led to several albums and a role in a Broadway musical. But he said he empathizes with those struggling in the 2nd District where he lives, referring to his upbringing by a mother who fled domestic violence. Aiken is 35.
“For most Americans, there are no golden tickets – at least not like the kind you see on TV,” he says to the camera. “More families are struggling today than at any time in our history, and here in North Carolina, we’ve suffered more than our share of pain.”
The birthday bunch
Actress Zsa Zsa Gabor is 97. Actor Rip Torn is 83. Actor Mike Farrell is 75. Singer Natalie Cole is 64. Actor Jon Walmsley (“The Waltons”) is 58. Actress Kathy Najimy is 57. Vocalist Axl Rose (Guns N’ Roses) is 52. Singer Rick Astley is 48.