Zoe Kravitz stings "blatantly homosexual slurs" on the sitcom 'Friends' for criticism
In a recent interview promoting her new film, Caught Steeling, Zoe Kravitz has joined the chorus of voices criticizing the popular 90s sitcom Friends for its treatment of LGBTQ+ themes and lack of diversity.
Kravitz, the daughter of musician Lenny Kravitz and actress Lisa Bonet, pointed out several instances of "super homophobic" jokes in the show. One such example is Chandler's worry about being perceived as gay, a storyline that has been a subject of criticism.
This is not the first time Friends has been criticized for its portrayal of the LGBTQ+ community. Another controversial storyline involves Chandler's transgender parent, played by Kathleen Turner.
David Schwimmer, who played Ross in Friends, has refuted the criticism, claiming that the show was "groundbreaking" for its time. However, Kravitz's comments have sparked a renewed conversation about the sitcom's outdated jokes and lack of diversity.
Austin Butler, a co-star in the interview, expressed surprise at the homophobic jokes in Friends, adding to the discussion.
Meanwhile, off-screen events have also cast a shadow over the show. Stephen Park, a former actor on Friends, recalled a racist remark made by a crew member on the set of the show, further highlighting the need for more inclusive production practices.
In a separate but related development, Jasveen Sangha, who was charged with supplying the drug that killed Friends star Matthew Perry, agreed to plead guilty in court last month. The incident occurred in October 2023.
Kravitz's interview, published by People, is not the first time she has spoken out about societal issues. Caught Steeling, set in 1998, is a period drama that explores themes of identity, belonging, and the struggle for acceptance.
Ross Geller, the character played by Schwimmer, has not given any real-life statement regarding the criticism of the show. Aisha Tyler, another cast member of Friends, stated that the demographic of the cast reflected the attitude at the time that "only white stories sold".
As the conversation around Friends' representation continues, it serves as a reminder of the importance of diverse storytelling and the need for progress in media representation.
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