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A rediscovered video of Anthony Anderson interviewing a teenage Lindsay Lohan caused a surge in Google searches this month. Online controversy took place after 33-year-old Anderson joked to a then-17-year-old Lohan that he "likes them young." Questions that arose during the drama: What did Anderson say specifically? What's his reaction now? Will viewers' perceptions of his lengthy career change as a result of this controversy? Let's examine the specifics.
Anthony Anderson’s Joke to 17-Year-Old Lindsay Lohan in 2003 Goes Viral
What Happened in the Interview?
Anderson appeared as a guest host on The Sharon Osbourne Show during Lohan's Freaky Friday promo in December 2003. He gave her praise, pointed out that she had matured since The Parent Trap, and probed as to who might come to her new house with Raven-Symoné. Anderson interrupted when Lohan said, "No one," joking that she was "illegal for people that are old." "Some men like 'em young …" I am among them. The audience reacted tepidly as he kept on laughing.
Additional instances include Lohan looking visibly nervous as Anderson moves closer on the couch, puts a hand on her knee, and jokes about kissing while stating they were going to "get our freak on."
Source Comparisons
The official answer was first reported by Entertainment Weekly, which reported Anderson's representative as saying that he "maintains the utmost respect for Lindsay" and "regrets if the humor was in poor taste."
People replicate such coverage by highlighting related statements and pointing out further videos of Lohan's physical distress.
According to Anderson, the claims were looked into and determined to be baseless. The Daily Beast and Page Six point out that social media immediately linked the video to previous allegations of sexual assault (the 2004 Hustle & Flow case and the 2018 probe), none of which led to prosecution.
Official Responses
Anderson's spokesperson conveyed the same statement to the media:
“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 inaccurate and potentially defamatory.”
Regarding prior legal allegations, his representatives stress that the D.A. dismissed the 2018 case due to a lack of cooperation or evidence, and a judge rejected the 2004 rape charge for lack of reasonable cause. Anderson has denied any misconduct on several occasions.
Fan Reactions
Social media skyrocketed at this point:
“It just kept getting worse... and worse.”“My jaw is still on the floor.”
People asked about Hollywood culture:
“Is it a rule that to be successful in Hollywood you have to be a complete creep?”
Others drew on Anderson's earlier accusations:
“How does he still have a career????”
Broader Context & Impact
This dispute is part of a larger trend in entertainment when old video from decades ago reappears and draws fresh attention. Consider embarrassing award ceremony incidents, early Marvel set leaks, or unpleasant interviews. Netflix's previous Stranger Things spoilers and HBO's unexpected Game of Thrones leak have demonstrated how the internet can bring back old footage with new significance.
The danger is when archive comedy and cancel culture collide, turning once-lighthearted material into extremely disturbing material. Hollywood stars are becoming more closely watched; outdated jokes are outdated in today's culture. Simultaneously, the virality prompts viewers to reconsider whether this clip will harm Anderson's reputation or merely contribute to his increased popularity.
Not because of his recent actions, but rather because of his 2003 jokes and banter, Anthony Anderson has to face an unexpected reckoning. Two decades later, a comedy setup seems out of place as streaming audiences analyze every second. Will his standing be damaged by the controversy, or will it only lead to more people discussing—and looking for—the video? There is no doubt that the discourse surrounding comedy, consent, and entertainment has changed.
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