Actor Stephen Park Reflects on Racism and 'Toxic Environment' on 'Friends' Set
Park recalls a 1997 incident involving racial slurs against co-star James Hong and discusses its impact on his career and Hollywood's treatment of Asian American actors.
- Stephen Park described the 'Friends' set in the 1990s as a 'toxic environment,' citing a racist incident involving co-star James Hong during filming of Season 3.
- An assistant director reportedly referred to Hong using a racial slur, an act Park says went unchallenged by others on set, reflecting broader issues in Hollywood at the time.
- Park wrote a 'mission statement' in 1997 addressing racism in Hollywood, which he distributed via email after the Los Angeles Times declined to publish it.
- The incident and its aftermath led Park to temporarily quit acting, feeling disillusioned and overwhelmed by racial consciousness in the industry.
- Park eventually returned to acting, later appearing in notable films like 'Snowpiercer' and 'Asteroid City,' and will feature in Bong Joon-ho's upcoming movie 'Mickey 17.'
Deadline 
People 
Business Insider 
Page Six 
Us Weekly 
Breitbart 
Variety 
The Hollywood Reporter 
NME 
