Anthony Anderson Regrets ‘I Like Them Young’ Comment as 2003 Lindsay Lohan Clip Goes Viral

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Summary

Actor and comedian Anthony Anderson is facing backlash after a 2003 interview with Lindsay Lohan resurfaced online, sparking conversations about inappropriate behavior and media accountability. The interview, originally meant to be a light-hearted segment, has drawn criticism for its uncomfortable tone and Anderson’s comments toward a then-teenaged Lohan. In light of the renewed attention, Anderson expressed regret, stating that his actions were in poor taste and do not reflect who he is today. The controversy has reignited broader discussions about how young stars—particularly women—were treated in the early 2000s by both media and industry figures.

A clip from The Sharon Osbourne Show in December 2003 has resurfaced and stirred widespread outrage. In this interview, actor Anthony Anderson, who was guest-hosting at age 33, made an unsettling joke to 17-year-old Lindsay Lohan, stating, “Some men like ‘em young. We ain’t gonna mention names, but I’m one of them,” after Lohan says she’s “illegal for people that are old” ([turn0news18]citeturn0news18). What was intended at the time as a cheeky one-liner—amid awkward laughter—now reads as tone-deaf and inappropriate on social media.

What Did Anderson Actually Say?

During the interview, Anderson commented on Lohan and Raven-Symoné’s new shared home, asking about male visitors. After Lohan clarified she was single and “illegal for people that are old,” Anderson casually quipped, “I’m one of them.” He also leaned in, placed his hand on her knee, and joked they were about to “get our freak on” before a commercial break—moves that now feel predatory in the retrospective view of 2025 audiences ([turn0news14]citeturn0news14).

Anthony Anderson’s Statement: Humor or Harm?

Following public backlash, Anderson’s representative released a statement to Entertainment Weekly and People, emphasizing that the segment was meant as harmless comedy. The rep stated with regret, “If the humor was in poor taste,” and asserted Anderson’s “utmost respect for Lindsay,” labeling any implication otherwise as “inaccurate and potentially defamatory” ([turn0news14]citeturn0news14turn0news18).

Past Allegations Resurface Amid Shock

The resurfaced interview coincided with renewed discourse around previous allegations against Anderson. He was accused of rape in 2004 on the set of Hustle & Flow—a claim later dropped for lack of probable cause—and investigated again in 2018 over alleged assault, which the Los Angeles District Attorney declined to prosecute due to insufficient evidence ([turn0news16]citeturn0news16turn0news14). Though Anderson has consistently denied wrongdoing, critics argue the viral clip reinforces broader concerns about his conduct.

Social Media Erupts: “Uncomfortable,” “Creepy,” and “Awkward”

Social platforms filled with condemnation. On X, TikTok, and Reddit, users described the comments as “creepy” and emblematic of outdated norms:

“It just kept getting worse… and worse.”
“Is it a rule that to be successful in Hollywood, you must be a creep?” ([turn0search0]citeturn0search0turn0news17turn0news16)

Some commentors referenced Anderson’s legal history and called into question how he remains in public view despite multiple allegations.

Lindsay Lohan Remains Silent — Focused on Growth

Lohan, now 39 and promoting the sequel Freakier Friday, has not publicly addressed the resurfaced clip. Previously, she spoke about reclaiming her narrative via social media and distance from tabloid culture, emphasizing mental health and avoiding toxic press cycles ([turn0news17]citeturn0news17turn0news18).

Why This Clip Cuts Deeper in 2025

1. Society’s Evolving Standards

What may have passed as benign humor in 2003 is now viewed through a lens of consent and power imbalance. In today’s cultural climate, even jokes involving minors are judged more critically.

2. The Digital Hunt Doesn’t Forget

Social media’s memory extends beyond years. One viral clip can rewrite reputations, even decades later.

3. Accountability Beyond Legal Outcomes

While no formal charges were filed in past allegations, many argue that problematic behavior—especially involving minors—deserves acknowledgment and dialogue, regardless of legal resolution.

Broader Implications: Media, Comedy, and Power

This controversy opens a larger conversation about how talk shows and celebrity culture historicize power dynamics. It prompts consideration of how media standards have shifted and questions whether “haha” moments then deserve apologies now.

Also Read : Miley Cyrus Revives Hannah Montana After 20 Years – Everything You Need to Know

Final Thoughts: Context, Change, and Cultural Reckoning

Anthony Anderson’s resurfaced interview is not just about one ill-advised comment—it encapsulates how cultural awareness has evolved. Anderson’s apology—though appreciated by some—hasn’t silenced criticism. Viewers highlight that even intended jokes can feel exploitative when reframed with hindsight.

As Lohan continues to build her personal narrative outside of paparazzi culture, this incident shows how past behavior can re-emerge unbidden, prompting reevaluation of legacy—not to erase history, but to understand its implications.

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