A nearly two-decade-old video featuring “Black-ish” star Anthony Anderson conducting an interview with a then-17-year-old Lindsay Lohan has recently gone viral, drawing widespread attention and criticism for its inappropriate nature. The unearthed footage captures Anderson, who was 33 at the time, filling in as a guest host for Sharon Osbourne on The Sharon Osbourne Show on December 17, 2003.
The interview’s problematic moments quickly became the focal point of online discussions. After Lohan told Anderson it was “illegal” for older men to date minors, Anderson responded by stating that some men “like them young.” While the studio audience reportedly laughed, Lohan’s body language visibly conveyed her discomfort.
As the conversation continued, Anderson questioned Lohan about her home life, learning she had purchased a house with fellow actress Raven-Symoné. Anderson commented on both women being “beautiful” and “young” with “individual styles.” However, he pressed further, asking, “What gentlemen will be at the new pad with you and Raven-Symoné?” When Lohan replied, “No one. I don’t have a boyfriend,” Anderson declared, “She’s single, but looking!” He then reiterated his earlier controversial remark, saying, “Some men like them young. We ain’t gonna mention no names, but I’m one of them.” Lohan again insisted, “I’m illegal, for people that are old.”
The segment concluded with Anderson telling the audience, “right now, we’re about to get our freak on,” as the show went to commercial break. He then inched closer to Lohan on the couch, placing his arms around her while she covered her mouth with her hands, appearing visibly uneasy.
In response to the resurfaced video and the ensuing backlash, Anthony Anderson’s representative issued a statement to Entertainment Weekly. “This interview was clearly intended as comedy,” the representative wrote. “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.”
Watch the video below. Thoughts?