Anthony Anderson has addressed growing backlash after a 2003 interview with then-17-year-old Lindsay Lohan resurfaced online, showing the actor making suggestive comments during a segment on The Sharon Osbourne Show.
At the time of the interview, Anderson was 33 years old and filling in as guest host for Sharon Osbourne on the December 16, 2003 episode.
Lohan, who was just 17 at the time, appeared as a guest to promote the DVD release of her film Freaky Friday.
Resurfaced Video Sparks Online Outrage
In the nearly six-and-a-half-minute segment, Anderson and Lohan exchange standard talk-show pleasantries before the conversation veers into uncomfortable territory.
Anderson jokes that Lohan kissed him on the lips with tongue — an assertion the actress quickly denies. He also tells her, “You’ve grown up a whole lot since then,” while placing his hand on her knee. Later, he compliments her and her housemate Raven-Symoné, saying: “Both of you are beautiful women. Both of you are young and have your individual styles.”
The interview escalates when Anderson asks, “What gentlemen will be at the new pad with you and Raven-Symoné?” After Lohan replies that she doesn't have a boyfriend, Anderson exclaims, “She’s single, but looking!” prompting Lohan to clarify, “I’m illegal, for people that are old.”
Anderson then responds: “Some men like them young. We ain't gonna mention no names, but I’m one of them,” eliciting laughter from the audience.
As the interview wraps, Anderson promotes Lohan’s role in Freaky Friday before telling viewers: “Right now, we’re about to get our freak on,” as he leans closer and puts his arm around her. Lohan responds by covering her mouth with her hands.
Social Media Reacts: “It Just Kept Getting Worse...”
After a clip of the interview resurfaced on social media, many users expressed disbelief and anger. “It just kept getting worse... and worse,” one user wrote on X (formerly Twitter). Another added: "My jaw is still on the floor.”
Some users referenced Anderson’s past, including accusations of sexual misconduct, with one comment asking: “Is it a rule that to be successful in Hollywood you have to be a complete creep?”
"I can’t imagine what was said off screen if this was said on screen," another X user added.
Anderson’s Response: “Intended as Comedy”
Following the viral backlash, a spokesperson for Anderson issued a statement to Entertainment Weekly, which first reported the actor’s response.
“This interview was clearly intended as comedy. He regrets if the humor was in poor taste and maintains the utmost respect for Lindsay,” the spokesperson said. “Any implication to the contrary is both inaccurate and potentially defamatory.”
The statement was provided to PEOPLE, emphasizing that the segment was meant to be humorous and not taken literally.
History of Allegations Reignites Criticism
Commenters also resurfaced past allegations against Anderson, including a 2004 accusation of rape during the filming of Hustle & Flow in Tennessee. At the time, Anderson’s representative told CNN that the actor “absolutely denies the heinous charges that have been made against him,” describing him as “a happily married family man” and asserting confidence in his exoneration. The charges were later dropped, Variety reported.
In 2018, PEOPLE reported that the Los Angeles Police Department was investigating Anderson for an alleged sexual assault. Later that year, the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office declined to file charges.
At the time, Anderson’s representative said, “It’s unfortunate that anyone can file a police report whether it is true or false,” and added, “Anthony unequivocally disputes the claim.”
Responding to renewed scrutiny over these past incidents, Anderson’s spokesperson told Entertainment Weekly: “In regard to your request for comment regarding previous decades-old allegations, they have been thoroughly investigated and determined to be entirely meritless. Any attempt to conflate unsubstantiated allegations with this interview is slanderous.”