Joel Schumacher Discusses Woody Allen Allegations in Wide-Ranging Interview: “They Believe It Happened”

Legendary filmmaker Joel Schumacher isn’t holding anything back. In a new interview with Vulture, the director discussed everything from his “double-digit thousands” sex number to his Batman films to his relationship with Woody Allen, who gave Schumacher one of his first big breaks in 1973. When asked about the sexual assault allegation levied against Allen by his adopted daughter Dylan Farrow, Schumacher was careful to tread lightly, although he did say that he is still in touch with Allen. “[Dylan] believes it happened,” Schumacher told Vulture’s Andrew Goldman. “I’m not saying it happened. I’m just saying they believe it happened.”

During the wide-ranging interview, Schumacher spoke highly of Allen, his director on the 1973 film Sleeper (he served as the film’s costume designer). “Woody taught me, at a very early stage in my career, things that have carried me,” he said, adding that they often went out together in New York. “All I know about Woody is he couldn’t have been a more generous friend. And Mia was fantastic to me.” Goldman then asked explicitly about Dylan Farrow’s assault claim (Allen has denied any wrongdoing for decades). “I saw the interview with Dylan. She believes it happened. Her brother certainly believes it. Mia absolutely believes it,” said the 79-year-old Lost Boys director. “And I’m not saying it happened. I’m just saying they believe it happened. But she was so young at the time that I don’t know.”

Schumacher reacted similarly to questions about director Bryan Singer and Michael Jackson, both of whom have been accused of assaulting young boys. “I don’t know what happened,” he said of Singer’s parties. “He had young boyfriends, but I don’t know what age they were. And I don’t know if they were taken advantage of or if they were thrilled. I wasn’t there.”

The director went on to reflect on his own sexual experiences, explaining that he often had “consensual” sex with older men. When Goldman brought up the HBO’s Leaving Neverland, which details James Safechuck and Wade Robson’s allegations of sexual assault against Michael Jackson, Schumacher said he hasn’t seen the documentary, and he’s “not planning to.” Said Schumacher, “I worked with Michael when he was very young on The Wiz. He was shy, beautiful, and a genius, and we stayed in touch over the years … I don’t know anything about what happened. I don’t know enough about what you’re asking me to give you an educated statement.”

“If the boys are right, they’re right,” continued Schumacher. “And if they’re not, I feel sorry for the Jackson family. But I don’t know.”

Read Joel Schumacher’s entire interview with Vulture here.

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