In a surprising turn of events, famed director Woody Allen made an appearance at a recent gathering that celebrated the launch of a new literary magazine by the dating app Feeld. Known for its bold and inclusive approach to dating, Feeld is targeted at those who defy conventional norms, making the environment one of contrasting vibes — the old guard meets modern sexual liberation. Allen, once a regular fixture in the nightlife scene of New York City, has largely retreated from public view following the resurgence of unproven allegations during the #MeToo movement. His presence, alongside his wife Soon Yi Previn, at this Upper East Side soirée left many attendees and observers taken aback.
The gathering took place at the home of literary icon Daphne Merkin, who has played a significant role in the New York literary scene. Merkin’s history with Allen and her contentious profile of Previn for New York Magazine in 2018 set the stage for an evening filled with intrigue. As the night unfolded, Allen engaged jovially with guests, dissolving the typically icy distance that surrounds his public appearance. Literary figures such as Candace Bushnell and Susanna Moore were also present, suggesting a blend of intellectualism and cultural critique, creating a fascinating juxtaposition with the contemporary themes explored by Feeld’s magazine.
Feeld’s magazine, intriguingly titled ‘AFM’ which stands for both “A F**king Magazine” and “A Feeld Magazine,” focuses on themes surrounding sexual exploration and the pursuit of happiness, a theme intriguingly woven into the literary fabric of the night. Its first issue boasts contributions from literary luminaries such as Jazmine Hughes and Allison P. Davis, marking it as a collision of highbrow literary content and candid discussions about sexuality. As guests mingled over “pigs in blankets,” the exploration of sexual identities that range from the conventional (“MF”) to the more avant-garde categories (like “MFMF” and “FFFF”) echoed discussions spanning beyond the mundane into a realm of personal expression and liberation.
While Allen’s stay was brief—limited by both age and perhaps an awareness of his controversial standing—his attendance cannot be ignored as symbolic. It emphasizes the complex intersection of cultural icons and the evolving conversations around sex, power, and artistic merit. The event was marked not only by the mingling of various artistic voices but also by readings that ignited discussions on themes of happiness and desire. The readings by noted figures like James Ivory and Tony Tulathimutte proved to be a cocktail of humor and profound reflection—elements that hung in the air long after Allen had left.
The biannual AFM is hitting newsstands at a retail price of $24, inviting an audience that seeks not only entertainment but an essential dialogue surrounding sexuality and personal identity. As the cultural landscape continues to shift and evolve, the magazine offers a platform that, like its launch event, mirrors the complexity and richness of human experience, allowing space for both celebrated and controversial figures.