‘Friends’ co-creator ‘embarrassed’ over show’s lack of diversity, pledges RM17.6mil for African American studies

'Friends' ran for 10 seasons from 1994 to 2004. Photo: Handout

Friends co-creator Marta Kauffman admitted she is “embarrassed” over the lack of diversity in the hit 1990s sitcom, as she hoped to “make some difference” by pledging US$4mil (RM17.6mil) for African American studies.

The American TV writer-producer recalled that she was once bothered by the criticisms on the show, as per her interview with Los Angeles Times on June 29. At the time, she thought Friends was being “unfairly singled out” for the near-absence of Black characters and other people of colour.