Seth Rogen has unequivocally stated that he has “no plans” to work with James Franco following a series of sexual misconduct allegations levelled against the latter in recent years. In a candid interview with The New York Times, published on 13 June 2026, Rogen expressed that he has not had any meaningful communication with Franco since their collaboration on the television show *Freaks and Geeks* many years ago.
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Speaking about their estranged relationship, Rogen, 44, acknowledged the difficulty of navigating the complexities of their past friendship, especially given the serious allegations against Franco. “I honestly think the nuance of it is too personal for me to get into right now,” he revealed. Rogen also emphasised his stance on the matter: “I think the proof is in the pudding — I have not worked with him in years.”
Rogen’s comments reinforce his previous statements regarding the deterioration of their professional relationship, which has been significantly affected since Franco was accused of various inappropriate behaviours by five women, as reported in a 2018 article by the Los Angeles Times. The *Pineapple Express* star seemed keen to avoid further discussion about their changed dynamic, suggesting it was a topic that involved others who should not be implicated in their personal history.
Acknowledging the ongoing ramifications of the allegations, Rogen remarked, “Nothing has changed since the last time I talked about all this. I haven’t worked with him in a really long time and I have no plans to.” This statement underlines a clear and consistent message that Rogen intends to keep his distance from Franco.
Franco, on the other hand, has reflected on their friendship and the impact of the allegations on their bond. In October 2024, he shared with *Variety* that he had not spoken to Rogen for an extended period. “I love Seth, we had 20 great years together, but I guess it’s over,” he stated, while adding, “And not for lack of trying. I’ve told him how much he’s meant to me.” This admission highlights the emotional toll that their separation has taken on Franco, who appeared understandably disappointed about the loss of their professional partnership.
Their previous collaborations spanned multiple successful projects, including *The Disaster Artist* and *Freaks and Geeks*, but Franco’s career took a significant hit after two former students filed a sexual misconduct lawsuit against him in 2019. The lawsuit was settled in 2021 for approximately $2.235 million, prompting Franco to reflect publicly on the painful consequences of being accused of such serious conduct. “Being told you’re bad is painful,” he remarked, noting the need for self-reflection regarding his behaviour.
Rogen’s remarks from 2021 highlighted a moral stance against abusive behaviours, stating, “It isn’t a coincidence that my professional relationship with James has deteriorated following the allegations.” He articulated his disdain for harassment and abuse, affirming, “I would never cover or conceal the actions of someone doing it, or knowingly put someone in a situation where they were around someone like that.” His comments illustrated a clear boundary he has set in light of the circumstances.
As conversations about accountability and the entertainment industry’s handling of misconduct allegations continue to unfold, both Rogen and Franco represent the complexities of friendships and professional ties that can become strained under the weight of serious accusations. Rogen’s commitment to distancing himself from Franco underscores a broader societal shift towards prioritising safety and integrity over loyalty.
In the wake of these developments, conversations around sexual misconduct are more prominent than ever, with increased awareness encouraging victims and advocates to speak out. As Rogen remains resolute in his decision to no longer work with Franco, this situation serves as a reflection of the larger changes within the industry, pushing for higher standards of conduct and accountability.
For individuals seeking help or those affected by similar experiences, resources like the Crisis Text Line are readily available. Those in distress can text “STRENGTH” to connect with certified crisis counsellors who offer support.