Zoë Kravitz Criticizes Friends for 'Super Homophobic' Jokes in 1990s

Zoë Kravitz expressed nostalgia for many aspects of the 1990s, such as fashion and the cultural vibe, while promoting her new film "Caught Stealing," but strongly criticized the era's mainstream television for its homophobic jokes, specifically calling out the sitcom "Friends." She highlighted that many jokes in "Friends" that are presented as punchlines today are actually super homophobic and would be considered unacceptable in the current decade. Co-star Austin Butler agreed with her assessment, emphasizing that such content should remain in the '90s. Kravitz's critique reflects ongoing conversations about the show's handling of LGBTQ+ themes, including storylines involving Ross's ex-wife Carol and her partner Susan, as well as Chandler's transgender parent, which have been criticized for their regressive and insensitive portrayals. While "Friends" remains a beloved and groundbreaking show for its time, creators like Marta Kauffman have admitted regret about certain jokes and storylines, acknowledging they haven't aged well. David Schwimmer defended the series as reflective of its era but recognized it was forward-thinking in some respects.