Los Angeles, California – Two decades after a controversial interview with Lindsay Lohan, actor Anthony Anderson is facing renewed scrutiny over his past remarks. A clip from a 2003 episode of The Sharon Osbourne Show featuring the then-17-year-old Lohan has resurfaced online, prompting discussions about the appropriateness of the exchange.

In the viral footage, Anderson, who was guest hosting, complimented Lohan, saying he and his children enjoyed her performance in The Parent Trap. However, the conversation quickly took a questionable turn when Anderson remarked on her maturity, placing his hand on her knee as he stated, “You’ve grown up a whole lot since then.”

The interview included a moment where Lohan responded to Anderson’s lighthearted mention of her being “single but looking” by awkwardly noting, “But I’m illegal for people that are old.” To this, Anderson replied, “Well, you know, some men like ’em young.” This exchange has drawn backlash on social media, with many viewing it as inappropriate given her age at the time.

In response to the backlash, Anderson’s representative issued a statement emphasizing that the interview was intended as comedy. “He regrets if the humor was in poor taste and maintains the utmost respect for Lindsay,” the representative said, insisting that any interpretations otherwise are misleading.

Anderson’s history has also come under review amid this controversy. He has faced accusations of sexual assault on multiple occasions but has not been charged and has consistently denied any wrongdoing. The recent resurfacing of the interview coincides with a resurgence of interest in Lohan’s career, particularly as she prepares for the release of Freaky Friday, a sequel to their original film, which premieres on August 8.

As discussions surrounding consent and appropriate humor in media evolve, the renewed focus on Anderson’s past highlights the changing perceptions of celebrity interactions. As audiences reflect on past interviews in the context of today’s standards, the implications of his comments continue to provoke debate about accountability in entertainment.