Woody Allen's former chef sues over military service firing
There isn't a year without some scandal surrounding Woody Allen. However, such a story has never been heard before. The director's former chef accuses him of being fired because of... military service and wage issues.
Woody Allen's former personal chef, Hermie Fajardo, has filed a lawsuit against the director and his wife, Soon-Yi Previn. He claims he was dismissed due to his service in the U.S. Army Reserves and questions regarding his salary. Fajardo alleges that Allen and Previn "rubbed salt on the wounds" by saying they didn't like his cooking.
Dispute over pay and military service
Fajardo was hired as a full-time chef in June 2024 with an annual salary of $85,000. The couple was reportedly aware that he would not entirely give up his military service and would need time for military exercises. However, he was fired a month later after returning from training that lasted a day longer than planned. Upon his return, he reportedly faced hostility and reluctance from his famous employers.
Fajardo raised issues concerning his salary, alleging that taxes were not properly withheld, and pay stubs were missing. Allen, Previn, and manager Pamela Steigmeyer are accused of violating federal employment laws and workers' rights in New York.
Fajardo claims he was hired after his meal of roasted chicken, pasta, chocolate cake, and apple pie was praised by Allen and Previn. Only after he was fired and hired a lawyer did he hear that his cooking did not meet expectations, which he considers untrue.
Controversial relationship
Woody Allen had been involved with Mia Farrow since 1980. The actress already had seven children: three biological sons, three adopted daughters, and one adopted son. One of the adopted daughters is Soon-Yi Previn. The family later grew with Dylan Farrow, and Satchel Ronan was born. In the 1990s, it was revealed that Allen and Previn were having an affair.
Mia Farrow discovered photos taken of her adopted daughter at her partner's apartment. The director admitted to having sex with the girl. Shortly after, the matter went to the lawyers. Allen commented in an interview with "Time Magazine": "I am not Soon-Yi's father or stepfather. I've never even lived with Mia. I've never in my entire life slept at Mia's apartment, and I never even used to go over there until my children came along seven years ago. I never had any family dinners over there. I was not a father to her adopted kids in any sense of the word."
Allen and Previn got married in December 1997. They have two adopted daughters.
