Woody Allen says he's 'sad' for Harvey Weinstein

— -- Oscar-winning writer and director Woody Allen says he's "sad" for Harvey Weinstein and the women who have made harassment and assault allegations against the fallen movie mogul, according to a report by the BBC.

"The whole Harvey Weinstein thing is very sad for everybody involved," Allen told the BBC. "Tragic for the poor women that were involved, sad for Harvey that [his] life is so messed up."

As to the allegations of misconduct against Weinstein, Allen said, "No one ever came to me or told me horror stories with any real seriousness ... And they wouldn't, because you are not interested in it. You are interested in making your movie."

The BBC reported that Allen said he hoped the allegations would lead to changes in Hollywood, but he also expressed concern about a "witch hunt atmosphere."

"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. That's not right either," Allen said. "But sure, you hope that something like this could be transformed into a benefit for people rather than just a sad or tragic situation."

Allen's own son, Ronan Farrow, reported on the allegations against Weinstein in an article published by The New Yorker.

Weinstein and Allen have worked together throughout their careers.

Allen was publicly accused in 2014 of having molested his and Mia Farrow's adopted daughter, Dylan Farrow, more than 20 years before. The writer and director has consistently denied the allegation.

Farrow split from Allen in 1992 after discovering he was involved in a relationship with her oldest adopted daughter, Soon-Yi Previn. Allen and Previn later married and have two adopted daughters.

Weinstein has been accused of sexual misconduct by numerous women, including actresses Ashley Judd, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Angelina Jolie. He was fired Sunday night from The Weinstein Co. he helped to found.

A spokesperson for Weinstein told The New Yorker: "Any allegations of nonconsensual sex are unequivocally denied by Mr. Weinstein."

"Mr. Weinstein has further confirmed that there were never any acts of retaliation against any women for refusing his advances. Mr. Weinstein obviously can’t speak to anonymous allegations, but with respect to any women who have made allegations on the record, Mr. Weinstein believes that all of these relationships were consensual," according to the full statement from Weinstein's spokesperson. "Mr. Weinstein has begun counseling, has listened to the community and is pursuing a better path. Mr. Weinstein is hoping that, if he makes enough progress, he will be given a second chance."