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Entertainers changes in attitude is all about protecting themselves

Let us be crystal clear about the stampede of entertainers distancing themselves from stars who are accused of sexual misdeeds: For at least some of those expressing outrage, it’s all an act.

Many of them have known for years that the sexual harassment was rampant in their industry. Many knew long ago that those they were chumming around with — and on whom they have turned their backs now — were predators.

Consider the Woody Allen case. This week, Dylan Farrow, his adopted daughter, landed some television interviews on which she renewed allegations that Allen molested her in 1992, when she was seven. Her complaint was made public that year, not long after it was disclosed Allen was involved in a relationship with Soon-Yi Previn, the adopted daughter of Mia Farrow, with whom he also had a relationship.

New publicity over Dylan Farrow’s allegation comes as many in Hollywood are vowing to stamp out sexual harassment and abuse in the entertainment world. Many of them add that they were shocked to learn it existed.

But Dylan Farrow’s story is many years old. She went public with it in 2014, too.

Yet now, some stars are saying they will shun Allen. One, Timothee Chalamet, worked on Allen’s soon-to-be-released movie, “A Rainy Day in New York.” Chalamet says he will donate his salary for the film to charity.

Come on. A major part of the reason predation got so bad among entertainers is that those who knew about it years ago did nothing.

Now, suddenly, when it is the popular thing to do, they are outraged and determined to demand justice.

Are some of them being honest and serious? Of course. But are many others just feigning surprise and outrage? Absolutely.

And the thing is, it’s easy for them to get away with.

They’re actors and actresses, after all.

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