Pamela Anderson has described her recent success as “the best payback” following the release of Pam & Tommy, Hulu’s controversial 2022 miniseries that revisited the fallout surrounding her infamous stolen sex tape with then-husband Tommy Lee of Mötley Crüe.
The series, which garnered critical acclaim and multiple Emmy nominations for stars Sebastian Stan and Lily James, was produced without Anderson’s involvement or consent. Though its reception was warm in some circles, Anderson remained steadfastly critical. Speaking on Andy Cohen Live, she referred to the show as “hurtful” and said it was “so bizarre” to see others profit from such a deeply personal and traumatic chapter of her life.
“I think ethically it’s illegal,” Anderson said, voicing her dismay. “But I mean, it’s kind of fair game. I remember people telling me a long time ago that you are basically public property, and you have no right to privacy.”
While she refrains from dwelling on the matter, Anderson couldn’t help but note the strangeness of revisiting such a painful period as entertainment. Still, she holds no grudges against Lily James, who portrayed her in the series. “It’s not the actor’s fault,” she remarked. “I mean, I’m sure she’s a great actress and stuff. I don’t care—it’s just one of those things.”
Anderson’s critique of Pam & Tommy comes as she basks in the glow of her career resurgence. Her starring role in The Last Showgirl has drawn widespread acclaim, with Anderson’s portrayal of Shelly Gardner—a Las Vegas performer grappling with the end of her long-running show—earning her the first Golden Globe nomination of her career.
“This is the best payback,” Anderson told Cohen. “I’m being seen and recognized for my work and not these tawdry moments.”
Anderson also touched on her relationship with Tommy Lee, lamenting how their once frequent conversations have dwindled. “We used to talk a lot more—not recently, unfortunately,” she said. “I wish we did have a better rapport.”
Despite the distance, Anderson remains optimistic about their future relationship, particularly as they prepare for a new chapter as grandparents. “My youngest son is engaged, and we’re gonna have grandkids together,” she noted. “It’ll be OK, eventually. It’s just kind of a moment right now.”
For Anderson, the success of The Last Showgirl feels like vindication—a chance to step out from under the shadow of past scandals and reclaim her narrative. It’s a moment, she says, of being recognized for her talent rather than a source of tabloid fodder. And in that, perhaps, she’s found a resolution to a saga that never should have been retold without her voice.
