Anthony Anderson is speaking out after facing backlash over a resurfaced clip where he told a teenage Lindsay Lohan that he “likes them young.”
In a statement shared with Entertainment Weekly, a spokesperson for Anderson clarified the actor’s stance: “The interview was clearly intended as a comedy,” the spokesperson said. “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.”
The clip, taken from a 2003 appearance on The Sharon Osbourne Show, shows a conversation with Lohan about being roommates with Raven-Symoné unexpectedly shifting into a discussion about dating.
During the 2003 interview, Anderson complimented Lohan and her then-roommate Raven-Symoné, calling them “both beautiful women” and asking how they decided on decorating their home.
When Lohan shared that she loved the color pink, Anderson followed up with, “What gentleman will be at the new pad?”
Lohan quickly replied, “No one. No, I don’t have a boyfriend.” Anderson then leaned into the audience and announced, “Hmmm. She’s single! But looking.”
Lohan, who was just 16 at the time, reminded him of her age by saying, “I’m illegal for people that are old.”
Anderson, who was 33 then, seemingly turned her comment into a joke, responding, “Well, you know some men like them young. We ain’t going to mention no names but, you know, I’m one of them,” before laughing.
The backlash from the resurfaced interview adds to previous controversies Anderson has faced. In 2018, he and an assistant director were accused of raping an extra on the set of Hustle & Flow. Those charges were later dropped.
That same year, Anderson was investigated for an alleged sexual assault involving a woman he met for a business opportunity. He “unequivocally” denied the allegations, and the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office ultimately chose not to file charges.
“It’s unfortunate that anyone can file a police report whether it is true or false,” his spokesperson said in a statement at the time. “The authorities have not contacted Anthony or any of his representatives about this matter. Anthony unequivocally disputes the claim.”
