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Diane Francis

Diane Francis

Posted: May 5, 2009 01:28 PM

Woody Allen and Berlusconi: Stupid, Dirty Old Men Brigade

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One of my favorite quotes, from a forgotten source, says that when a man leaves his wife for a mistress, he leaves a job opening. In other words, a philanderer and cheat never changes and will cheat with his adulteress, or temptress, even once she becomes his wife.

The current Mrs. Berlusconi is the second wife and was at least 25 years younger when he spotted her "talents" in a theater where some reports are that she was partially dis-robed.
These days the septuagenarian, Viagra-popping Prime Minister of Italy has been seen spotting "talent" at teen birthday parties where he gave a diamond necklace to an 18-year-old for her big day. He said she was a friend's daughter and he just wanted to "raise a glass." (Let's leave that one alone, shall we?)

The loopy PM, who once announced a sex strike in order to win votes in an election, was not classy after newspapers quoted his current wife as saying she wanted a divorce because of his under-age frolicking. The two had lived separate lives for years (duh?) but his public flirtations with women younger than his children became socially embarrassing.

"I was forced to take this step," La Stampa newspaper quoted Mrs. Berlusconi as saying. She said she was outraged that her husband was lining up showgirls and starlets as parliamentary candidates. Berlusconi shot back saying that she should apologize and was the patsy of left-wing opponents.

Woody by Nature

Then there's the Woody Allen nonsense and threats by a defense lawyer (I love it) to put both his ex-wife and current wife on the stand to destroy his case that he has any reputation worth $10 million that was violated through copyright infringement. A clothing maker used Woody's photo on billboards without his permission and without payment and Allen has claimed $10 million in damages.

The testimony is being fought as irrelevant by Allen but actually isn't. The importance to the defense of the joint testimony is to make sure the jury knows that Mr. Allen had an affair with his current wife when she was a teenager and when she was also his step-daughter and adopted by his ex-wife.

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07:10 AM on 05/08/2009
here the teen's interview that sparkled the scandal
http://www.indymedia.ie/article/92246
12:47 AM on 05/07/2009
"The testimony is being fought as irrelevant by Allen but actually isn't."

True, in the sense that Allen's notoriety is part of his fame, and that notoriety should be part of the reason why he is worth 10 million. The scandal that AA reminds the judge of is just another reason, above and beyond his films, why they owe him money -- big time -- for the unauthorized use of his image.

Put another way, is Paris Hilton famous for her alleged acting career, or for being a [redacted]? It's for the latter. That is why she gets big money for her endorsements.

Scandal equals headlines equals fame. AA used Allen's image because he is famous. End of story, end of case.

And, despite all the naysayers, look at how Woody's marriage to his non-adopted non-daughter turned out! They're still together, years and years later!
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jackbutler5555
05:27 PM on 05/05/2009
Mia made stuff up about him that she couldn't prove. So, when the Apparel Company stole his image for promotion of their products, did they feel that image wasn't really worth stealing -- given the false allegations of the spurned wife? I'm looking for logic here and not finding it. So, Diane doesn't like Woody either. And of course that gives her license to toady up to the company that stole his image.
05:15 PM on 05/05/2009
threats by a defense lawyer (I love it) to put both his ex-wife and current wife on the stand to destroy his case that he has any reputation worth $10 million that was violated through copyright infringemeni.

So, if his reputation wasn't worth $10 million, why did the company use his image, Diane? Are your posts ghost-written? Really?!!!
03:17 PM on 05/05/2009
This is so not factual. An obvious smear against Woody Allen. Farrow was never his wife. They never lived together. Previn was not his stepdaughter.
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NABNYC
01:57 PM on 05/05/2009
I don't understand attacking Woody Allen. His image was stolen by a business and used by them to sell their products. He neither consented to that, nor received any compensation. If he was an unknown model, the business would have been required to get his consent to the use of his image, and pay him compensation for it. The business knew it, they acted in direct violation of the law, and they know they are liable. This isn't a close question -- they were wrong.

But because their attorneys are jerks (I know -- redundancy) they will try to drag Woody Allen through the mud. This lets the attorneys run up an enormous bill, get lots of publicity, and probably will prevent the case from settling. I don't understand anyone joining in this pile-on. Woody Allen was ripped off here. He is the victim and deserves to be compensated.

As far as him allegedly having an affair with a teenager, that story was a long time ago, and they are now married with children. Isn't it time to let it go? Not to mention that he is one of our greatest film makers, and a personal transgression should not be used to scar him forever.

For Mrs. B, google this: Lorena Bobbitt. Then tell your husband to cut the crap and sign a stipulated divorce with a very generous spousal support provision.