Featured Image Credit: Paras Griffin/WireImage via Getty Images
Topics: Celebrity, News, US News, Social Media, Viral
Gerrard Kaonga
Topics: Celebrity, News, US News, Social Media, Viral
A video featuring an interview between Anthony Anderson and Lindsay Lohan has resurfaced online and people are disturbed over his comments, forcing Anderson to respond.
Anthony Anderson has faced a backlash online after an interview he conducted in 2003 with a 17-year-old Lindsay Lohan began to circulate.
At the time, Anderson was filling in for Sharon Osbourne on the Sharon Osbourne Show on December 16, 2003.
While the pair discussed parts of her career, many have deemed some of Anderson’s comments directed at the young Lohan as inappropriate.
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Lohan explained that she had moved in with her friend Raven-Symoné, and Anderson appeared to make suggestive comments about Lohan and any potential relationships with men.
Anderson, who was 33 at the time, asked ‘what gentlemen will be at the new pad with you and Raven Symoné?"
Lohan replied, "No one. I don't have a boyfriend." Anderson then looked toward the audience and exclaimed, "She's single, but looking!"
Lohan quickly explained: "I'm illegal, for people that are old."
While taking a sip from his tea, Anderson then said: "Some men like them young. We ain't gonna mention no names, but I'm one of them.”
He then proceeded to laugh, as did the audience. Before taking the show to a commercial break, Anderson also made a joke in reference to Lohan starring in the film Freaky Friday.
He told viewers ‘right now, we're about to get our freak on’, as he moves closer toward Lohan on the couch they're sitting on and Lohan covering her hands with her mouth.
A spokesperson for Anderson has addressed the backlash and in a statement to Entertainment Weekly via email wrote: “This interview was clearly intended as comedy. He regrets if the humor was in poor taste and maintains the utmost respect for Lindsay.
“Any implication to the contrary is both inaccurate and potentially defamatory.”
Many people have taken to social media to reveal their surprise at Anderson’s comments.
One user wrote: “This is shocking. Has anyone ever seen footage of him actually being funny btw?”
Another said: “’I’m illegal’ (Lindsay 17 years old).
“‘Some men like em young. I’m one of them’ - Anthony a grown a** nasty old man.”
With another user commenting: “She was so uncomfortable. So unfair to her.
“So gross of him idc if you’re a comedian you don’t joke about being attracted to younger ppl that’s weird.”