Friends star opens up about ‘intense’ scrutiny of female cast in writers’ room

EntertainmentLifestyle
27 Apr 2026 • 7:05 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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  • Lisa Kudrow, who played Phoebe Buffay in Friends, revealed the female cast experienced "intense" scrutiny and "mean stuff" from the show's predominantly male writers' room.
  • Kudrow stated that the 12 to 15 male writers would discuss their sexual fantasies about Jennifer Aniston and Courteney Cox.
  • She also mentioned writers would react harshly if actors messed up lines, questioning their ability to read.
  • Kudrow acknowledged the writers worked long hours, stating her attitude was to let them say what they liked behind her back.
  • An earlier lawsuit by writer's assistant Amaani Lyle, which was dismissed in 2006, also alleged racial discrimination and sexual harassment in the Friends writers' room, including similar comments about female cast members.

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