The release of Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee's private tape was one of the biggest stories of the 1990s, a subjective thoroughly explored in Hulu's Pam & Tommy, and it's not something that Anderson wants to relive. Featuring Lily James as Anderson alongside Stan Sebastian as Lee, the series focuses specifically on the theft and subsequent distribution of the video along with the effect it had on the couple's lives.
So what does Anderson think of the whole thing? According to Entertainment Weekly, a source close to the actress says she's been avoiding the series completely, not even curious enough to watch the trailer. As the source explains, "I do know she'll never, never watch this. Not even years from now. Not even the trailer."
This would be in line with comments James had made suggesting that Anderson wanted no involvement with Pam & Tommy or even its cast. James said she personally reached out multiple times hoping to hear back from Anderson during the show's production, but she never got a response. This would make sense if Anderson's goal is to simply avoid Pam & Tommy entirely, though James still felt disappointed that she couldn't get Anderson involved.
"I was really hopeful that she would be involved. I wish it had been different," James told Porter in January. "I was very hopeful that we would be in touch right up until we started filming ... My sole intention was to take care of the story and to play Pamela authentically. I just had no idea if I could do it. I've never worked so hard. I read the books [Anderson] has written, I read her poetry, I can parrot along to all her interviews. And then, of course, there was the physical transformation. Slowly, our incredible team found a balance where I resembled Pamela but also felt like I could act through it."
Of the negative attention the release of the tape brought to Anderson, James added, "The shaming was so extreme. Unfortunately, that's still the case, don't you think? Women are held to much higher standards and attacked in ways that feel so vicious. Pamela had such wit and grace in the way that she held herself. I admire that strength ... I want to be part of these attempts at change. I realize a lot of it's incredibly sensitive and difficult."
What Does Tommy Lee Think About Pam & Tommy?
It's apparently a different situation with Tommy Lee. EW reports that Lee is of the attitude that "any publicity is good publicity," and does not seem to mind the attention that Pam & Tommy has brought his way. While Anderson never met with Lily, it had also been reported that Lee met with Sebastian Stan at some point during production.
Pam & Tommy is now streaming on Hulu. Created by Robert Siegel, Pam & Tommy stars Pamela Anderson, Sebastian Stan, Nick Offerman, Seth Rogen, Taylor Schilling, Andrew Dice Clay, Pepi Sonuga, and Fred Hechinger. Jason Mantzoukas is also featured in a small role.