Anthony Anderson'S Wildest La Scandals: From Assault Claims To Lohan Interview Drama

Hollywood’s Hot Mess: Anthony Anderson’s Scandal-Filled Past

Anthony Anderson, a familiar face on the LA scene, has racked up more than just credits on the big screen. This SoCal star, known for his comedic chops, has a rep that’s been dragged through some serious mud over the years with allegations that could rival any Hollywood blockbuster plot.

From accusations on movie sets to awkward interviews that scream ‘what were you thinking,’ Anderson’s controversies have kept Tinseltown buzzing. Let’s cruise down memory lane - think Sunset Boulevard on a scandalous night - and unpack the biggest dramas tied to this Black-ish alum.

Alleged Assault on the ‘Hustle & Flow’ Set

Back in July 2004, Anderson found himself in hot water while filming ‘Hustle & Flow’ down south. An extra on set accused him and assistant director Wayne Witherspoon of sexual assault, claiming they lured her into a trailer and forcibly removed her clothing in a horrifying ordeal.

According to legal docs dug up by The Smoking Gun, the woman alleged both men restrained her and took photos against her will while she screamed for help. A witness, James G. Williams, reportedly heard her cries, unlocked the trailer, and she fled - naked and traumatized - before being taken to a Sexual Assault Center.

Both Anderson and Witherspoon were taken into custody, per CNN, though they were released on bond. Anderson’s team fired back, insisting he’s a family man with no history of such behavior, and the charges were eventually dropped by October 2004, as reported by Entertainment Weekly. Still, the shadow of this accusation lingers over his Hollywood hustle.

Second Assault Lawsuit Hits Hard in LA

Before the dust could settle on the first case, Anderson got slapped with another bombshell in the form of a $900,000 civil lawsuit right here in Los Angeles Superior Court. An unnamed woman claimed the star assaulted her after filming an episode of ‘All About the Andersons,’ alleging he invited her to his dressing room and things took a dark turn.

Reports from Entertainment Tonight detailed her claims of suggestive comments and groping that escalated into assault. It’s the kind of story that makes even the glitziest Hollywood party go quiet - a stark contrast to the red carpet glam we’re used to seeing.

This second accusation added fuel to the fire, painting a troubling picture for Anderson as he navigated his rising career in the City of Angels. Though outcomes of this case remain murky in public records, the legal drama kept his name in headlines for all the wrong reasons.

Third Accusation and an LAPD Investigation

Fast forward to more recent years, and Anderson was back under the microscope with a third assault allegation. An unidentified woman reported to the Los Angeles Police Department that he assaulted her during a meeting tied to a business opportunity - talk about a plot twist worthy of a Netflix series.

“It’s disheartening that anyone can just file a report, true or not, and stir up this kind of chaos,” a spokesperson for Anderson told ABC News, pushing back hard against the claim.

The LAPD confirmed an open investigation with Anderson listed as a suspect, but by September 2018, the LA County DA’s Office declined to press charges after the accuser refused interviews. Anderson’s camp maintained he unequivocally disputed the story, but the whispers in SoCal social circles didn’t die down so easily.

Emmy Hosting Gig Sparks Major Backlash

In January 2024, Anderson stepped into the spotlight in a big way, hosting the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards at the Peacock Theater - a stone’s throw from DTLA’s hustle. While the Television Academy and Fox hyped him as a natural fit after his stint on ‘We Are Family,’ not everyone was clapping.

The decision drew heavy flak thanks to his past controversies. Social media lit up faster than a wildfire in the Hollywood Hills, with critics questioning why someone with such a loaded history was handed the mic for one of TV’s biggest nights.

Anderson, for his part, called it a dream gig he’d wanted for years, telling Entertainment Tonight it came at the right time. But for many watching from their LA lofts or beachside pads in Malibu, the choice felt like a major misstep in an industry already under scrutiny.

Resurfaced Lindsay Lohan Interview Turns Up the Heat

Just when you thought the drama couldn’t get any spicier, an old 2003 interview from ‘The Sharon Osbourne Show’ resurfaced, and it’s pure cringe. Anderson, filling in as host, sat down with a then-17-year-old Lindsay Lohan and veered into some seriously questionable territory.

Chatting about her life and new digs with Raven-Symoné, Anderson pressed Lohan on ‘gentlemen’ visiting her pad, then quipped to the audience that she’s ‘single, but looking.’ When Lohan awkwardly noted she was ‘illegal’ for older folks, Anderson’s response - ‘Some men like them young... I’m one of them’ - hit like a ton of bricks in today’s climate.

His team scrambled to do damage control, telling Entertainment Weekly and The Hollywood Reporter it was meant as comedy. They added he regrets any offense and respects Lohan deeply, but for LA gossip hounds, this clip was the kind of retro scandal that keeps the internet buzzing from Venice Beach to the Valley.