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.
Why Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds Weren’t at 2024 Met Gala
The 2024 Met Gala is a wrap, but let’s be real, it was missing some major players this time around. Like, where was Blake Lively, the ultimate Met Gala royalty? She and Ryan Reynolds ghosted the event for the second year straight, and fans are totally bummed about it.
Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds ended up skipping their second Met Gala in a row. Instead of hitting the town for the “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion” themed bash, Blake and Ryan opted for a cozy night in with their four kiddos. Family time over fancy parties—it’s hard to argue with that!
Lively sparked hope she could attend the Met Gala when she went to a Tiffany & Co. event in New York last week. Ultimately, she let that be her big fashion moment for early May.
Blake Lively has quite the Met Gala history, even poking fun at herself for perfectly coordinating with the carpet in previous years. Her last Met Gala appearance was in 2022, where she not only attended, but also co-chaired the event. Embracing the “Gilded Glamour” theme, she stunned in an Atelier Versace gown paired with her signature Lorraine Schwartz jewelry and a tiara.
What sets Lively apart is that she styles herself, even for major events like the Met Gala. She explained that she enjoys the creativity and control it offers.
Fans were eagerly anticipating Blake Lively’s return to the 2024 Met Gala, hoping for her signature style and charisma to grace the event once again. However, when she didn’t make an appearance, disappointment swept through social media. “Blake Lively, where are you?” one fan questioned, echoing the sentiments of many who were eagerly awaiting her presence.
Another fan expressed their disappointment, saying, “pretending to not care Blake Lively isn’t there to save the night #MetGala.” It’s clear that Lively’s absence left a noticeable void for many attendees and followers of the event, underscoring her significant impact and presence at the Met Gala over the years.
Check out Blake’s top Met Gala looks of all time!
Preview photo credit Invision/Invision/East News, Invision/Invision/East News, vancityreynolds / Instagram
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