Seth Rogen Dismisses James Franco’s Comments On Ended Friendship, Citing Low Media Absorption

July 22, 2025: Seth Rogen has responded to his former friend and frequent collaborator James Franco‘s public declaration that their friendship is “over,” stating that he was largely unaware of the online buzz. In a new cover story for Esquire magazine, Rogen addressed the topic that ignited last fall after Franco’s comments to Variety.

When asked by Esquire how it felt “to have something so personal become so public,” Rogen simply replied, “Honestly, I absorb so little media that it really wasn’t on my radar.” Esquire noted that this was all Rogen wished to say on the matter.

Franco had told Variety in October 2024, “No. 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.”

The long-standing collaboration between Rogen and Franco began on the cult classic NBC series “Freaks and Geeks.” They went on to star in and often produce successful comedies such as “Pineapple Express” and “This Is the End.” Their last joint project was Franco’s 2017 directorial effort, “The Disaster Artist,” in which Rogen also produced and starred.

The rift in their relationship emerged after multiple women accused Franco of sexual misconduct in 2018, alleging that he intimidated them into sexual situations at his former acting school. Franco denied these allegations, but a subsequent lawsuit was settled in February 2021.

While Rogen initially indicated he would continue working with Franco, he publicly changed his stance in a 2021 interview with The Sunday Times. At the time, Rogen stated, “I also look back to that interview in 2018 where I comment that I would keep working with James, and the truth is that I have not and I do not plan to right now.” He added that the allegations “changed many things in our relationship and our dynamic.”

When the Times suggested the situation “must have been painful,” Rogen responded, “Yeah. But not as painful and difficult as it is for a lot of other people involved. I have no pity for myself in this situation.”

Franco later acknowledged the impact of Rogen’s comments, stating in a December 2021 podcast interview that he understood why Rogen had to distance himself publicly.

Rogen’s full cover story is available on Esquire’s website.