Overview

• 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.'