Meaning: The quote in question is a joke made by David Letterman, a well-known American comedian and late-night television host, about the controversial personal life of filmmaker Woody Allen. The quote was made during one of Letterman's monologues, likely in reference to the news of Allen and his then-partner Soon-Yi Previn adopting a baby daughter. The humor in the quote stems from the public's awareness of Allen's tumultuous relationships and personal controversies, creating a satirical commentary on his unconventional family life.

To fully understand the context of this quote, it's important to delve into the background of the individuals mentioned. Woody Allen is a renowned filmmaker, known for his distinctive style and prolific body of work. However, his personal life has often been the subject of media scrutiny and public debate. In the early 1990s, Allen's highly publicized relationship with Soon-Yi Previn, the adopted daughter of his then-partner Mia Farrow, caused a significant scandal. The relationship led to a highly publicized and acrimonious split between Allen and Farrow, as well as a protracted custody battle over their children.

David Letterman, on the other hand, is a veteran television personality and comedian known for his acerbic wit and irreverent humor. As the host of "Late Night with David Letterman" and later "The Late Show with David Letterman," he became known for his sharp, often sardonic commentary on current events and popular culture.

In the quote, Letterman makes a jocular reference to Allen and Soon-Yi's adoption of a baby daughter, humorously suggesting that it is part of Allen's "plan to grow his own wives." The quip plays on the public perception of Allen's unorthodox romantic history, which includes multiple relationships with younger women, including his marriage to Soon-Yi, who is over 30 years his junior. The phrase "grow his own wives" is a play on the idea of adding new members to his family as if they were interchangeable, which adds a layer of absurdity to the comment.

Letterman's comedic style often involves making light of controversial or taboo subjects, and this quote is an example of his characteristic irreverence. By addressing a delicate and scandalous topic in a lighthearted and exaggerated manner, Letterman invites his audience to engage with the subject matter from a more detached and humorous perspective.

It's important to note that while the quote may elicit laughter from some, it also reflects the darker undercurrent of public perception surrounding Woody Allen's personal life. The controversy surrounding his relationship with Soon-Yi and the allegations of sexual abuse made by his adoptive daughter Dylan Farrow have continued to divide public opinion. As such, the quote exists within a larger socio-cultural context, where the boundaries of humor and propriety intersect with complex and sensitive real-world issues.

In conclusion, David Letterman's quote about Woody Allen and Soon-Yi Previn's adoption of a baby daughter is a satirical and provocative commentary on the filmmaker's unconventional personal life. It serves as a reminder of the power of humor to address and defuse contentious topics, while also highlighting the complexities and controversies that surround public figures. The quote encapsulates the intersection of comedy, controversy, and public perception, inviting reflection on the boundaries of humor and the nuanced nature of personal and public life.