The conversation around diversity has been intensifying lately, making everyone think about its importance in all areas of life. One recent topic of discussion? The iconic 90s sitcom Friends.
Quinta Brunson, known for her role in Abbott Elementary, recently pointed out Friends for its lack of diversity. While hosting Saturday Night Live, Brunson used her monologue to highlight the absence of Black characters in the beloved show.
Brunson contrasted the diversity on Abbott Elementary, which features the lives of teachers in a predominantly Black, state-funded elementary school in Philadelphia, with the noticeable lack of diversity on Friends. The difference was strikingly evident.
With her well-known wit, she joked: “I wanted to be on SNL back in the day, but the audition process seemed long – so instead, I just created my own TV show, made sure it became really popular, won a bunch of Emmys, and then got asked to host. So much easier, so much easier.”
While the audience chuckled, the underlying point was clear. Brunson continued, “It’s a network sitcom like, say, Friends. Except, instead of being about a group of friends, it’s about a group of teachers. Instead of New York, it’s in Philadelphia, and instead of not having Black people, it does.”
Her playful commentary sparked serious reflection, even from Friends co-creator Marta Kauffman. Kauffman has publicly expressed embarrassment over the show’s lack of diversity and pledged $4 million to support African and African-American studies at a university.
“I’ve learned a lot in the last 20 years,” Kauffman admitted. “Admitting and accepting guilt is not easy. It’s painful looking at yourself in the mirror. I’m embarrassed that I didn’t know better 25 years ago.”
She added, “It took me a long time to begin to understand how I internalized systemic racism. I’ve been working really hard to become an ally, an anti-racist. And this seemed to me to be a way that I could participate in the conversation from a white woman’s perspective.”
The discussion around diversity is far from over, but it’s clear that the conversation has advanced—even for a cherished sitcom like Friends.
10 Celebrity Friendships That Ended for Curious Reasons
Although numerous renowned friendships appear enduring, the truth remains that even the strongest connections can deteriorate amidst the strains of fame, rivalry, or divergent personal paths. Below are 10 celebrity duos who were formerly inseparable but have since ceased communication.
Lindsay Lohan and Paris Hilton
Lindsay Lohan and Paris Hilton were once party pals, frequently spotted together at Hollywood hotspots. However, their friendship soured with rumors of betrayal and rivalry, with Lindsay reportedly dating Paris’s ex-boyfriend. Their feud escalated with public insults, leading to a complete breakdown of their relationship. Recently, Paris Hilton shared that she congratulated Lohan on her wedding, but their friendship might not ever be the same again.
Taylor Swift and Katy Perry
The well-known feud between Taylor and Katy has been widely publicized. Formerly on good terms, their relationship turned sour, with both airing grievances through hit songs. Katy allegedly poached Taylor’s backup dancers, leading to Taylor’s «Bad Blood» track. Katy addressed the conflict on The Late Show With James Corden, expressing her attempts to resolve it but receiving no response from Taylor. She emphasized the concept of karma and cause and effect in their feud.
Selena Gomez and Demi Lovato
Selena Gomez and Demi Lovato were once Disney darlings and best friends, supporting each other through thick and thin. However, their friendship ended due to personal problems, made worse by Demi’s struggles with mental health. Despite attempts at reconciliation, their relationship remains strained.
Mariah Carey and Jennifer Lopez
Jennifer Lopez and Mariah Carey were once friendly acquaintances in the music industry. However, their feud played out publicly, with both artists making subtle digs at each other in interviews and through their music. Despite occasional attempts to downplay their feud, their strained relationship remains apparent.
Beyoncé and Kim Kardashian
Beyoncé and Kim Kardashian’s relationship was initially friendly. However, their friendship reportedly cooled when Beyoncé and Jay-Z didn’t attend Kim and Kanye West’s wedding. Different lifestyles might be the reason why they fell out.
Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie
Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie rose to fame together as the stars of The Simple Life. However, their friendship fizzled out between rumors of betrayal and personal differences. Their rift played out publicly, with both parties mocking each other in the media. Recently, Nicole stated that she still thinks Paris is her friend.
Drake Bell and Josh Peck
Nearly everyone who’s sported Mickey Mouse ears was devastated upon learning about the rift between Drake Bell and Josh Peck. While Peck exchanged vows with his fiancé, Bell found himself absent from the guest list, prompting him to take to Twitter to express his feelings about his perceived snub.
«When you’re not invited to the wedding, the message is clear,» Bell lamented in a series of now-deleted tweets. «True colors have come out today. Message is loud and clear. Ties are officially cut. I’ll miss you brotha,» he continued. «Loyalty is key.» «ALWAYS remember where you came from.» Later, Bell admitted to Entertainment Tonight that he regretted his Twitter outburst and acknowledged that he should have directly addressed the issue with Josh.
Within the realm of celebrities, friendships often prove as fragile as they are fleeting. Though these stars may have once reveled in laughter and shared good times, their bonds eventually faltered. Despite the public scrutiny surrounding their rifts, some cling to hope for reconciliation, while others have come to terms with the fact that their friendships belong solely to the annals of the past.
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