Resurfaced Interview Shows Anthony Anderson Telling 17-Year-Old Lindsay Lohan “Men Like Them Young” — Actor Now Claims It Was Meant as a Joke

Anthony Anderson has responded to renewed criticism after a 2003 interview with then-17-year-old Lindsay Lohan resurfaced online, drawing backlash for comments many now find uncomfortable and inappropriate.

The Interview in Question

The clip, which has gone viral on social media, is from Anderson’s guest-hosting appearance on “The Sharon Osbourne Show” nearly 22 years ago. At the time, Anderson was 33 years old and Lohan was a teenage star promoting her breakout film “Freaky Friday.” During the segment, Anderson asked Lohan about her recent move in with fellow Disney star Raven-Symoné:

“Both of you are beautiful women. Both of you are young and have your individual styles,” Anderson said, before inquiring, “What gentlemen will be at the new pad with you and Raven-Symoné?”

Lohan replied, “No one. I don’t have a boyfriend,” prompting Anderson to turn to the audience and say, “She’s single, but looking!” Lohan then clarified, “I’m illegal for people that are old,” to which Anderson responded, “Some men like them young. We ain’t gonna mention no names, but I’m one of them.”

Later in the interview, Anderson introduced a commercial break by referencing Lohan’s film: “Right now, we’re about to get our freak on.” He then moved closer to Lohan, put his arm around her, and Lohan covered her mouth with her hand.

Anderson’s Response

As the clip gained traction online, many viewers expressed discomfort at Anderson’s remarks, noting the significant age difference and the context of Lohan being underage. In response, a spokesperson for Anderson addressed the controversy in a statement to 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.”

Variety has also reached out to Anderson’s representatives for further comment.

Context and Current Relevance

The resurfacing of the interview comes as Lindsay Lohan is in the midst of a press tour for “Freakier Friday,” the highly anticipated sequel to 2003’s “Freaky Friday.” The new film, which reunites Lohan with original co-star Jamie Lee Curtis, is set to open in theaters on August 8 via Disney.

The incident highlights how past interviews and comedic styles are being re-examined through a contemporary lens, especially as celebrities revisit earlier chapters of their careers. While Anderson’s comments may have been intended as lighthearted at the time, they have sparked renewed debate about boundaries, humor, and the treatment of young women in the entertainment industry.

A 2003 interview between Anthony Anderson and a then-underage Lindsay Lohan has resurfaced, drawing criticism for Anderson’s comments about Lohan’s age. Anderson, through a spokesperson, has stated the remarks were meant as comedy and expressed regret if they were in poor taste. The incident comes as Lohan promotes the sequel to “Freaky Friday,” reigniting discussion about past media practices and changing standards in celebrity interviews.