Anthony Anderson Tells 17-Year-Old Lindsay Lohan That ‘Men Like Them Young’ in Resurfaced Interview; Actor Now Says It Was ‘Clearly Intended as Comedy’

Anthony Anderson has responded to social media backlash over a resurfaced interview he did with Lindsay Lohan in 2003 that many viewers have found deeply uncomfortable. The viral clip is from when Anderson guest hosted “The Sharon Osbourne Show” nearly 22 years ago. He was 33 years old at the time and Lohan was 17. Anderson was talking to Lohan about how she recently moved in with fellow Disney star and friend Raven-Symoné.

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

“No one. I don’t have a boyfriend,” Lohan replies, prompting Anderson to explain to the audience: “She’s single, but looking!”

Lohan clarifies, “I’m illegal for people that are old,” and Anderson says, “Some men like them young. We ain’t gonna mention no names, but I’m one of them.”

At a different point in the interview, Anderson throws to commercial break by touting Lohan’s movie “Freaky Friday” and says, “Right now, we’re about to get our freak on.” He moves closer towards Lohan and puts his arms around her while she covers her mouth with her hand.

“This interview was clearly intended as comedy,” a spokesperson told Entertainment Weekly on behalf of Anderson. “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 reached out to Anderson’s representatives for additional comment.

The interview is possibly resurfacing now that Lohan has embarked on her press tour for the long-awaited “Freaky Friday” sequel, “Freakier Friday,” which is opening in theaters Aug. 8 from Disney. Lohan is reprising her role in the film opposite original co-star Jamie Lee Curtis.