James Franco Confirms End of Friendship with Seth Rogen Amid #MeToo Fallout

In a candid interview, Franco reflects on their 20-year bond, the impact of allegations on his career, and his ongoing journey towards redemption.

James Franco, once a celebrated actor and collaborator with Seth Rogen, has confirmed that their friendship is officially over, revealing the personal toll of the #MeToo movement on his life. In a recent interview with Variety, Franco opened up about the complications that arose following a series of sexual misconduct allegations that surfaced during the 2010s, which ultimately led to a rift with his longtime friend.

“I haven’t talked to Seth. I love Seth; we had 20 great years together, but I guess it’s over. And not for lack of trying. I’ve told him how much he’s meant to me,” Franco stated, expressing the sadness that accompanies the end of their bond. The pair first met as teenagers in Hollywood and went on to collaborate on notable projects such as Freaks and Geeks, The Disaster Artist, Pineapple Express, and This Is The End. However, their relationship has grown increasingly strained over the years.

In 2021, Franco candidly addressed his allegations and the impact they had on his relationship with Rogen, who had publicly stated that he would not work with Franco again. Rogen, in an interview with The Sunday Times, conveyed his decision, stating that he had no plans to collaborate with Franco moving forward.

During a December 2021 interview on SiriusXM’s The Jess Cagle Podcast, Franco acknowledged the hurtfulness of the situation but emphasized his understanding of Rogen’s stance. “Of course it was hurtful in context, but I get it. He had to answer for me, ’cause I was silent,” he reflected. “We didn’t have one fight for 20 years. Not one fight. He was my absolute closest work friend, collaborator.”

As Franco promotes his latest film, Hey Joe, at the Rome Film Festival, he continues to confront the repercussions of his past actions. “Being told you’re bad is painful, but ultimately, that’s kind of what I needed to just stop going the way I was going,” he admitted, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to work again after a lengthy hiatus due to the legal and public fallout.

The unraveling of their friendship can be traced back to a series of incidents, including a controversial 2014 Instagram message from Franco to a 17-year-old girl, which he later apologized for. Despite efforts to maintain their partnership, Rogen expressed regret over past comments that suggested he would continue to work with Franco, ultimately affirming that their professional paths had diverged.

In June 2021, shortly after Rogen’s remarks, Franco settled a sexual misconduct lawsuit for $2.2 million, brought against him by former acting students who alleged inappropriate conduct at his now-closed Studio 4 acting school. This legal battle further complicated his already strained relationship with Rogen, who has publicly distanced himself from Franco amid the ongoing controversy.

As both actors navigate their respective paths, the future of their friendship remains uncertain, underscoring the lasting impact of the #MeToo movement on Hollywood’s interpersonal relationships.