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.
«What Happened to Her?» Paris Hilton’s Latest Appearance Causes a Stir
Paris Hilton is no stranger to taking risks when it comes to fashion, and this Tuesday night, all eyes were on her as she walked the red carpet at the Fashion Trust U.S. Awards. While many fans gushed over her fabulous cutout outfit, others were more skeptical about her overall look.
The 43-year-old socialite made waves at the second annual Fashion Trust U.S. Awards, sporting a striking black blazer dress with numerous intricate cutouts.
Hilton dazzled in her avant-garde Mugler ensemble, characterized by sharp shoulders, a cinched waist, and a structured skirt that elegantly draped over a black underlay, revealing glimpses of skin.
The star swept her blonde locks into a sleek bun with a side-swept bang framing her face, opting for understated jewelry—a pair of diamond studs and her eye-catching engagement ring from husband Carter Ruem.
Fans on social media showered Paris with compliments for her outfit selection and her chic all-black ensemble, affectionately referring to her as «Queen». One commenter wrote, ’’I like the edgy look on you,’’ while another exclaimed, ’’I have no words! Ok, I have three: hot, strong, and smart!’’
But as always, opinions varied, and not everyone was fully a fan of Hilton’s appearance. One person noted that her look is making her appear ’’so manly’’, and wondered ’’what happened to her??’’
While another online user speculated that the star appeared uncomfortable, remarking, ’’I don’t think Paris is feeling her outfit.’’
A third wrote, ’’You’d think with age and two children that she’d have outgrown dressing like this.’’
We’ll add our voice to those praising Paris Hilton’s stunning appearance, as she radiates on the red carpet.
Dakota Johnson is another celebrity who recently sparked debate online due to her bold outfit choice. Check out her dress here and share your thoughts with us.
Preview photo credit Collin Xavier/Image Press Agency ABACA/Abaca/East News, Image Press Agency / Alamy Stock Photo
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