Anthony Anderson Apologizes for Controversial 2003 Lindsay Lohan Interview
Jordan Collins here. Okay, I’ll explain, but try to keep up.
Anthony Anderson has formally responded to criticism over a resurfaced interview with Lindsay Lohan that aired on “The Sharon Osbourne Show” in December 2003. The clip, which made the rounds online this week, shows Anderson, then 33, interviewing a 17-year-old Lohan. His comedic banter has sparked fresh debate about appropriateness and comedian responsibility.
The segment opens with Anderson gifting Lohan a novelty pillow emblazoned with his own smiling face. He immediately follows up by asking the teen star if she’s dating anyone. When Lohan politely declines and reminds him that it would be illegal for anyone over 18 to pursue her romantically, Anderson laughs and quips that some men do prefer younger women, himself included. You can hear the studio audience’s polite murmur – hardly roaring approval.
Through a representative, Anderson’s team told Entertainment Weekly, “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.” This statement aims to clarify that the remarks were not meant to offend and that Anderson holds Lohan in high regard.
Social media users quickly weighed in, calling the incident “cringeworthy” and noting the nearly 16-year age difference between the two at the time. Many pointed out that while retrospective apologies from comedians are common, the combination of a minor guest and flippant remarks elevates the awkwardness factor. One Twitter user commented, “Comedians say dumb stuff, but this is next-level uncomfortable.”
It’s worth noting that comedy standards have evolved significantly since 2003, and jokes once deemed harmless now face heavy scrutiny. Several high-profile performers have issued apologies for earlier material they no longer stand by, but the age gap here has intensified the conversation. Fans and critics alike have questioned whether a simple regretful statement is sufficient when a minor was involved.
For context, Lindsay Lohan soared to fame as a child actor in the late 1990s and early 2000s, starring in hits like “The Parent Trap” and “Freaky Friday.” At 17, she already commanded red carpet appearances and late-night talk show interviews. Anderson, in contrast, was a seasoned stand-up comedian and actor known for his role on “All About the Andersons.” Their paths crossed at a time when late-night shows often leaned on provocative humor to boost ratings.
Fans are now revisiting the clip, analyzing every laugh and pause for subtext. Despite the awkwardness, Anderson’s career has remained intact, thanks in part to his swift clarification and apology. He emphasizes that the segment was never intended to demean or exploit Lohan, but rather to entertain in the moment. Whether viewers accept that explanation remains up for debate.
Keep an eye on both Anderson’s and Lohan’s socials for any further commentary. In the meantime, consider this a case study in how a single clip can resurface decades later and prompt a fresh conversation about comedy, consent, and accountability. Well, now you finally understand!
Sources: Celebrity Storm and TMZ, Entertainment Weekly
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
