The controversy surrounding Woody Allen and Mia Farrow's bizarre family continues but Diane Keaton doesn't believe the rumours alleging Allen molested his adopted daughter.

Diane Keaton
Diane Keaton has defended Woody Allen in a recent interview with a British newspaper.

Allen's adopted daughter with Mia Farrow, Dylan Farrow, wrote an editorial in The New York Times in which she alleges Allen sexually assaulted her when she was seven years old. Allen responded in an open letter stating he had no history of sexual assault and the timing of the allegations, at the same time as his divorce to Farrow, appears suspicious.

More: Woody Allen's new muse Emma Stone dazzles in 'Magic in the Moonlight'

Keaton was in a relationship with Allen during the 1970s and they worked together on numerous occasions including Annie Hall in which she starred opposite and was directed by Allen. Their romantic relationship may be truly over but it is evident Keaton still considers Allen a close friend and she has defended him in a recent interview with The Guardian.

Read more: Dylan O'Sullivan Farrow, Woody Allen's Adoptive Daughter, Pens Open Letter Detailing Alleged Sexual Abuse.

Keaton spoke to the British paper in order to promote her second autobiography entitled Let's Just Say It Wasn't Pretty and was questioned about her attitude to Allen after the allegations of sexual abuse resurfaced. Whilst Keaton has frequently discussed her old friend and former lover, she has been silent for the last few months.

On Allen, Keaton said "I love him," continuing by describing his qualities. She said "He's the strongest person I've met in my life. He's made of steel. And talk about a work ethic - he's one of the people that really did teach me that you have to work hard. But he wanted to. He's the most disciplined person I've known, with the exception of my dad."

Woody Allen and Soon Yi Previn
Woody Allen with his wife and Mia Farrow's adopted daughter Soon Yi Previn.

Farrow referenced Keaton in her editorial and claimed she was turning a blind eye to the truth, along with a host of other celebrities. Farrow wrote "You knew me when I was a little girl, Diane Keaton. Have you forgotten me?" Keaton has seemingly not forgotten Farrow but only remembers meeting her on a few occasions and would not consider Farrow or her mother Mia friends. When asked if she was resentful of being referenced in the editorial, she replied "No. What are they going to do? Who else are they going to drag in? They have to drag someone in. I don't resent it, not for a second."

Read more: Woody Allen Responds to Dylan Farrow Allegations, Questions Mother's Influence.

Keaton continued by emphasising her distance from the Farrow family. She embellished on the question of resentment by stating, "[I'm not] not really [resentful]. That I didn't know her? I saw her maybe three times. I didn't know her. It's not a bad accusation. I was never friends with Mia - I was friendly. Sort of like I'm friendly with you. I like you, I like the way you are. I like the way she is, too. She's very charming. But I never knew her as a friend. A friend - that's a commitment. It's as close as you can get to family, and sometimes it's even closer. Friendship requires a lot of time. I don't have a lot of friends; I have acquaintances and people I think are charming, and I like to see them."

Keaton concluded her discussion of the allegations made against Allen by simply stating "I have nothing to say about that. Except: I believe my friend."

Keaton's second autobiography, Let's Just Say It Wasn't Pretty, is available from Tuesday 6th May.

Mia Farrow
Mia Farrow's adopted daughter has alleged Allen molested her.