Anthony Anderson Admits He “Regrets” Lindsay Lohan Joke About “Liking” Young Girls Amid Backlash Over Resurfaced Clip

Actor-comic Anthony Anderson hasn’t exactly been garnering laughs lately from critics who are slamming him for a resurfaced interview with an underaged Lindsay Lohan.

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In a clip from Anderson’s time as guest host of the defunct ‘Sharon Osbourne Show’ in 2003, the then-33-year-old made comments many are deeming inappropriate as Lohan was only 17 at the time.

“I’m illegal for people that are old,” Lindsay shared after his remarks about what “gentlemen” would visiting the apartment she was living in at the time with fellow actress Raven Symone. “Well, you know, some men like ’em young. We ain’t gonna mention no names, but, you know, I’m one of ’em,” he replied.

His joke came later in the interview after he told her she’d “grown up a lot” since starring in 1998’s ‘The Parent Trap’ and made a quip about kissing her with tongue.

As the 2003 clip made its way around Tik Tok over the last week, its viral status landed on the desk of the now 54-year-old – prompting him to issue an official statement.

“This interview was clearly intended as comedy. He regrets if the humor was in poor taste and maintains the utmost respect for Lindsay,” said Anderson via a spokesperson to PEOPLE about the 2003 interview with Lohan. “Any implication to the contrary is both inaccurate and potentially defamatory.”

For some critics, the actor’s comments to Lohan were particularly troubling as he’s previously been accused of sexual assault including claims of raping an extra on the set of 2004’s ‘Hustle & Flow.’ Charges were later dropped.

At writing, Lindsay has not spoken out about the backlash against Anderson.

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