James Franco has declared his friendship with Seth Rogen to be “over,” following allegations of sexual misconduct that surfaced in 2018. In a recent interview with Variety while promoting his new film “Hey Joe,” Franco reflected on their lengthy and fruitful relationship, stating, “I love Seth. We had 20 great years together, but I guess it’s over.” He expressed his disappointment, emphasizing that the estrangement wasn’t due to a lack of effort on his part. “I’ve told him how much he’s meant to me,” Franco noted.
Seth Rogen, who has collaborated with Franco on numerous projects including “Freaks and Geeks,” “The Interview,” and “Pineapple Express,” has taken a step back from their professional relationship since the allegations emerged. In a 2021 interview with the Sunday Times, Rogen made it clear that he had no intention of continuing to work with Franco, stating, “What I can say is that I despise abuse and harassment and I would never cover or conceal the actions of someone doing it.”
Franco’s troubles escalated in 2018 when multiple women accused him of sexual misconduct, which ultimately led to a lawsuit filed by two former acting students at his now-closed film school. They alleged that he “sexually exploited” them, using his position to engage in inappropriate behavior. The lawsuit was settled in 2021, with Franco paying $2.2 million to the women involved.
After stepping away from the spotlight for about four years to address his personal issues, Franco returned to acting in Bille August’s 2022 drama “Me, You.” He expressed gratitude for the time away from Hollywood, which he described as a chance to work on himself and effect meaningful changes in his life. Despite the challenges he faced, Franco revealed, “I’m proud of the kind of work I did during that time.”
As Franco continues to navigate his career in the aftermath of serious allegations, the split from Rogen marks a significant shift in both their professional trajectories. Rogen’s public distancing reinforces the weight of the accusations against Franco and highlights the impact these events have had on their longstanding friendship.
