Anthony Anderson Clarifies 2003 Lindsay Lohan Remark
Hi, I am Jaden Patel, and let us all take a moment to pretend we are shocked.
The Black-ish star Anthony Anderson has broken his silence on a resurfaced clip from a 2003 appearance on The Sharon Osbourne Show where he made a comment about then-17-year-old Lindsay Lohan. In the exchange, Anderson asked Lohan, who was discussing her new home purchase with Raven-Symoné, what gentlemen might be visiting. After she replied that no one special was invited, Anderson quipped, “She’s single but looking,” then added, “Well, you know, some men like ’em young. We ain’t gonna mention no names, but, you know, I’m one of ’em.” He followed up with laughter before shifting to career questions.
The segment resurfaced online in late July, drawing swift backlash from social media users who felt the remarks had not aged well. A TikTok clip posted on July 25 prompted calls for an apology and reignited scrutiny of how teen stars were treated on talk shows two decades ago. One user wrote that the humor “didn’t land,” while others criticized the industry’s casual approach to underage guests.
In response, Anderson’s representative issued a statement to People Magazine clarifying that the interview “was clearly intended as comedy.” The spokesperson expressed regret if the joke was in poor taste and insisted that Anderson “maintains the utmost respect for Lindsay.” The rep added that any suggestion of predatory behavior was “inaccurate and potentially defamatory.”
Lindsay Lohan herself has been vocal about the downsides of early fame. In a 2024 interview with Bustle, she explained that paparazzi attention and rumor mills often overshadowed her work. She confessed that constant scrutiny was “annoying” and led her to step away from Hollywood for a period. Lohan, now 39, said she wished the invasive coverage “didn’t happen,” adding that social media today lets young women “control their own story” without relying solely on tabloid narratives.
Since relocating to Dubai, Lohan has built a quieter life with her husband, Bader Shammas, and their two-year-old son, Luai. After three years of dating, the couple confirmed their engagement via Instagram, sparking interest in a romance that began far from the Hollywood limelight. Shammas, an assistant vice president at Credit Suisse according to his LinkedIn, has been described by Lohan as a calming presence who supports her career revival.
The actress marked her return to acting with a festive Christmas film, thanks in part to the stability provided by her family. She recently shared snapshots of her London honeymoon, calling her spouse her “crown” in a playful caption. Lohan’s Instagram has become a controlled space for personal updates, a stark contrast to the paparazzi culture she endured as a teenager.
As for Anderson, the controversy highlights how comedy routines from past decades are being reevaluated under modern standards. His public clarification and respect for Lohan underscore the delicate balance between humor and sensitivity in celebrity interviews. Fans and commentators will be watching closely to see if Anderson’s career weathers this latest storm.
Tune in next time for more awkward flashbacks and questionable jokes.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and People Magazine, Bustle, E! News
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
