Friends director Ben Winston has responded to the backlash received after the recent reunion show - with many viewers questioning the lack of diversity in the cast.
The 39-year-old was quizzed on why the show's black actors did not make an appearance on the HBO Max special - but he has finally addressed the criticism with fans.
"We have Malala, Mindy Kaling, BTS [the South Korean boy band]. There are three women from Ghana, one who talks about how Friends saved her life. Two boys from Kenya. Three kids in India," he told Sunday Times.
The director added: "What more diversity do they want in this reunion? The cast is the cast. It was made in 1994. I think it's remarkable how well it does stand the test of time."
Some demanded to know why Friends actress Aisha Tyler didn't make an appearance at the reunion, with Ben responding: "Not everyone could join us. But I'm really pleased with the show we were able to put together."
Aisha starred in the American sitcom as the girlfriend of Ross (David Schwimmer) in nine episodes back in 2003.
The beloved comedy series has previously came under fire for its lack of diversity within the cast - as the six main members - David, Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc and Matthew Perry - are all white.
But Friends creator Marta Kauffman and executive producer Kevin Bright revealed the six cast members were chosen because of their chemistry and that they "didn't intend to have an all-white cast."
"That was not the goal, either. Obviously, the chemistry between these six actors speaks for itself," Kevin added to The Hollywood Reporter.
Meanwhile, Marta added: "There are many things that I could say if I only knew then what I know now. Back then, there was no conscious decision. We saw people of every race, religion, color. These were the six people we cast."
Kevin concluded that he doesn't have any regrets about the way Friends - which ended in May 2004 - turned out.
Do you have a story to sell? Get in touch with us at webcelebs@trinitymirror.com or call us direct 0207 29 33033.
