Emmy Awards exclude 'Friends' cast due to sensitivity over Matthew Perry's recent passing, Internet says 'it was too soon'

The 2024 Emmy Awards honored Matthew Perry on Monday night, but noticeably absent were his 'Friends' co-stars—Jennifer Aniston, Lisa Kudrow, David Schwimmer, Matt LeBlanc, and Courteney Cox, as per OK Magazine.

Executive producers Jeannae Rouzan-Clay and Jesse Collins shed light on the decision, citing the freshness of Perry's passing and the sensitivity of the situation.

'Friends' cast absent from 2024 Emmys as Matthew Perry's passing is 'still fresh'

Rouzan-Clay acknowledged, "It's still very fresh for them," referring to Perry's death in October 2023. Perry was found drowned in his backyard jacuzzi by his assistant, and the cause of death was later determined as acute effects of ketamine.

Collins explained the decision, stating, "We had talked about it early on — but I can imagine, from their side, they’re mourning someone who was still very close to them. I can’t speak for them, but we all have to respect that they were their own family. It was probably just a little too soon."

The 2024 Emmy Awards featured a heartfelt In Memoriam segment paying tribute to several fallen stars, including 'Friends' actor Matthew Perry. 

The tribute recognized Stephen 'tWitch' Boss, Barbara Walters, Angus Cloud, and others. The War and Treaty and Charlie Puth performed a touching rendition of 'See You Again,' created in memory of Paul Walker, who passed away in a car accident in November 2013.

The emotional segment concluded by seamlessly transitioning into the 'Friends' theme song, 'I'll Be There For You.'

Internet reacts on excluding 'Friends' cast amid Matthew Perry's recent passing

The 2024 Emmy Awards decided against not extending an invitation to the 'Friends' cast, particularly in light of Matthew Perry's recent passing. Fans took to the internet to express their opinions, highlighting the sensitivity of the situation.

The online response was a mix of emotions, with one user expressing, "It was too soon!"

Another user took a protective stance, stating, "They shouldn’t have even asked them at all, leave them alone."

A user emphasized the importance of allowing the cast to grieve in their way, stating, "Let them grieve however the hell they want to. They were the ones who knew him personally, not us lol."

Another user wrote, "They didn’t do well at all."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.