“Friends” Controversy: Jennifer Aniston and Cast Members Reflect on Show’s Choices
Jennifer Aniston, adored for her role as Rachel Green in the iconic TV sitcom Friends, has responded to criticisms of the show’s portrayal of certain themes.
In an interview with AFP, Aniston acknowledged that some modern viewers may find Friends offensive but emphasized that there was not the same degree of sensitivity when the program was created.
“There were things that were never intentional and others… well, we should have thought it through but I don’t think there was a sensitivity like there is now,” Aniston said. She added that humor has changed in a way that might make it difficult for artists, since a lot of topics are now deemed off-limits.
Despite the criticism, Aniston stressed the importance of humor and the need for people to be able to laugh at themselves. “Everybody needs funny! The world needs humor! We can’t take ourselves too seriously. Especially in the United States. Everyone is far too divided,” she said.
Aniston’s comments echo those of other Friends cast members, including Kathleen Turner, who played Chandler Bing’s transgender parent Helena Handbasket on the show.
Turner recently stated that she would “probably not” reprise her role now, highlighting the need for greater sensitivity and inclusivity in the entertainment industry.
Aniston’s comments also come after Friends co-creator Marta Kauffman voiced concern over the show’s lack of diversity, pledging to be more conscious of hiring more people of color by actively recruiting young writers of color for future productions.
“I want to make sure from now on in every production I do that I am conscious in hiring people of color and actively pursue young writers of color,” Kauffman told the Los Angeles Times. “I want to know I will act differently from now on. And then I will feel unburdened.”
It is clear that the controversy surrounding Friends is not going away anytime soon. Some may argue that the show was a product of its time and should be judged accordingly.
Others believe that it is important to acknowledge the problematic aspects of the show and strive for greater representation and inclusivity in the entertainment industry. Regardless, it is evident that Friends has had a lasting influence on popular culture and will continue to be a matter of conversation for many years to come.
Meanwhile, Adam Sandler has nothing but love and respect for his long-time friend and co-star Jennifer Aniston. The actor, who has known Aniston for over 30 years, spoke exclusively to E! News and said that whoever she ends up with will be “a very lucky person.”
Sandler is confident that Aniston doesn’t dwell on her romantic life too much and that things will naturally fall into place for her. He stated that Aniston is a “solid,” and “great lady” who is strong, whether alone or with somebody.
While Aniston recently revealed on the Tonight Show that Sandler pokes fun at her dating choices, Sandler denies any matchmaking attempts. He noted that he loves Aniston and that he’s always “pulling” for her. He’s not in the business of playing matchmaker for his friends, but he’s psyched for whoever Aniston relates with because, in his opinion, she’s a “12 out of a person.”
Sandler and Aniston are co-stars in the upcoming Netflix movie, Murder Mystery 2, which is set to release on March 31.
