‘Friends’ Lawsuit Is No Joke

Re “ ‘Friends’ Makes an Enemy,” Column One, Nov. 13: If Amaani Lyle, the former writers’ assistant, wins her sexual harassment lawsuit against the producers of “Friends” for discussing sexual matters during the course of writing sexually themed episodes, by extension, the court reporter and bailiff would have legal precedent to sue the judge and prosecutor for their use of ribald language during the course of that very trial. By legal definition, the courtroom would be a “hostile workplace.”

I have worked as a head writer/executive producer in sitcoms for 10 years. One of the best qualities of the writers’ room is its democratic spirit: Everyone and everything is observed with an equal irreverence. It is assumed the room’s inhabitants will have a sense of humor about the world and themselves.

Lyle’s desire for discriminatory treatment in the “Friends” room goes against that democratic spirit. A victory for the plaintiff in this case would be unfortunate. If you think sitcoms are unfunny now, wait until you see what comes out of government-enforced, G-rated writers’ rooms.

Clay Graham

Pacific Palisades