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Sir Richard Branson weighs in on criticism about 'Friends' being homophobic - Attitude Skip to main content
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Home Culture Culture Film & TV

22 July 2019

Sir Richard Branson weighs in on criticism about ‘Friends’ being homophobic

The media mogul made a guest appearance in the popular sitcom back in 1998

By Steve Brown

Words: Steve Brown

Sir Richard Branson weighs in on criticism about Friends being anti-LGBTQ saying ‘society can change’.

The businessman and media mogul made a guest appearance in the hit American sitcom as the gang headed to London for Ross and Emily’s wedding in 1998.

Although the show is still one of the most loved sitcoms of all time, the series has come under fire after people have labelled it as homophobic and transphobic.

However, Branson has now argued that the show won’t be the only one from history that would face criticism today and argued that ‘society can change’ for the positive.

While speaking to the MailOnline, he said: “I haven’t seen [Friends] since those days but if you go back in history, you’re going to find lots of examples like that, aren’t you?

“It’s something [candidate for the US presidential election in the 2020] Joe Biden is suffering from at the moment.

“Not to do with gay people, but [he’s suffering from] things he did years ago.

“But people can change. Society can change. And attitudes, generally, change for the positive.

“Obviously future sitcoms or films must portray things differently.”

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