James Franco is apparently slowly making his way back into the spotlight. But his friendship with Seth Rogen is over.
James Franco (46) is apparently daring to return to the spotlight several years after allegations of inappropriate behavior. In May, the US actor celebrated his comeback on the red carpet in Cannes after around five years. Just a few days ago he went on the red carpet in Lyon – both times accompanied by his partner Izabel Pakzad. After a long break, Franco can be seen in “Hey Joe”, the new film by Claudio Giovannesi (46), among others. He shows himself again. However, he will probably no longer be seen alongside his long-time friend Seth Rogen (42).
James Franco: “I told him how much he meant to me”
Franco and Rogen were once considered good friends and were seen together in front of the camera in films such as “The Interview” and “Ananas Express”. However, these days are apparently over once and for all. In a question about whether he is still in contact with Rogen, Franco answers with a clear “no”.
“I didn’t talk to Seth anymore,” says Franco. “I love Seth, we had 20 great years together but I think it’s over.” Franco apparently sees the blame for the fact that the two are no longer in contact solely on Rogen’s side. The situation wasn’t like that “because I didn’t try. I told him how much he meant to me.”
“A climate of harassment and sexual exploitation”
The actor has only made a few appearances in recent years. He withdrew after being accused of sexual harassment. In October 2019, two of Franco’s former acting students filed a lawsuit. He is said to have abused his power to harass women at a drama school that was later closed. According to US reports, the original complaint stated that “a climate of harassment and sexual exploitation existed both inside and outside of the classroom.”
One of the plaintiffs and four other women had already stated at the beginning of 2018 that Franco had behaved inappropriately towards them. In 2021, the actor agreed to pay around $2.2 million to settle the lawsuit.
Source: Stern
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