It's not all sunshine in Hollywood
Hollywood is famous for films and celebrities—but also for its major scandals. Some are still remembered, others forgotten. From hidden relationships to legal issues, these stories prove that not all aspects of fame are glamorous.
Alec Baldwin's scathing voicemail
In 2007 Alec Baldwin left a harsh voicemail for his 11-year-old daughter at 7:30 am one morning for not answering her phone. He told her she was a "rude, thoughtless little pig” who lacked "the brains or the decency as a human being.” In his eyes, her young age was not a valid reason for her missing their scheduled call.
Anna Nicole Smith marries an oil tycoon
Anna Nicole Smith met J. Howard Marshall, an 86-year-old oil tycoon while dancing at a club in Houston in October 1991. They got married on June 27, 1994—and during the wedding, Marshall was in a wheelchair. Many speculated that she married him just to get his money. Marshall died in Houston on August 4, 1995, at 90 years old.
Featureflash Photo Agency, Shutterstock
Arnold Schwarzenegger's scandalous affair
In 1996, Arnold Schwarzenegger had an affair with his house maid, Mildred Patricia Baena. This resulted in the birth of a son named Joseph. Maria Shriver, his wife at the time, was also pregnant, and both boys were born days apart.
Ashlee Simpson's lip-sync fiasco
Ashlee Simpson's music career went downhill after she was caught lip-syncing on Saturday Night Live in 2004. She sang her first song, "Pieces of Me," live—but during the second song, the incorrect vocals were played, causing her to nervously dance before leaving the stage.
Stephen Shugerman, Getty Images
Casey Affleck's allegations
In 2010, two women sued actor Casey Affleck for harassment during the filming of his documentary, I'm Still Here. The cases were settled privately but resurfaced in the media before Affleck won an Oscar in 2017. During the ceremony, Brie Larson quietly handed Casey Affleck his Oscar statuette, then stood motionless with arms at her sides as the audience applauded. The moment was widely noted on social media.
Walt Disney Television, Flickr
Charlie Sheen's health revelation
In November 2015, Sheen revealed he was HIV-positive after being diagnosed four years prior. He called HIV "three hard letters to absorb" and admitted that he manages the condition with medication. He also denied intentionally spreading it. Sheen admitted to paying $10 million to keep his status private and disclosing it to all his partners.
Colin Farrell's infamous tape
In 2002, Colin Farrell's relationship with Playboy model Nicole Narain made headlines due to a private tape they filmed together. Despite filing a lawsuit to prevent its release, the video eventually leaked online, leading Farrell to downplay its significance. He claimed that the video "wasn't a validation of my prowess."
Gage Skidmore, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Elvis Costello shows his true colors
During an interview in 1979, Elvis Costello made a statement that sparked controversy. While tipsy in a bar, he called James Brown a "jive-ass n-word" during a dispute with Stephen Stills and Bonnie Bramlett. Costello later apologized explaining that he was trying to offend the black music journalists who were praising white musicians.
Victor Diaz Lamich, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Hugh Grant is caught and arrested
During a promotional tour for his film Nine Months, Hugh Grant drove down Sunset Strip in Los Angeles and encountered a night worker named Divine Brown, whom he paid $60 for intimacy. They were both arrested, but released pending hearings. Grant, who was partnered with Liz Hurley at the time, quickly apologized for his actions.
Jon and Kate Gosselin's messy divorce
Jon & Kate Plus 8 was a popular TV show in the late 2000s, showcasing Jon and Kate Gosselin and their eight kids. Their divorce and custody battle were heavily publicized by the media, and their public drama became water cooler conversation for several weeks.
JussIe Smollett's hate crime hoax
In January 2019, actor Jussie Smollett claimed he was a victim of a hate crime, alleging two men attacked him with racist and homophobic slurs, a noose, and a chemical. However, investigations revealed Smollett orchestrated the attack for attention. He faced charges for false reports and disorderly conduct.
Dominick D, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Kristin Stewart cheats on Robert Pattinson
Kristen Stewart, known for her role in "Twilight," was embroiled in controversy in 2012 for being caught with director Rupert Sanders while dating Robert Pattinson. The scandal impacted their personal and professional lives, but they both continued on with their careers.
Summit Entertainment, Twilight (2008)
Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes' revenge rage
In 1994, Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes from TLC set her boyfriend's mansion on fire during an argument, causing extensive damage. Despite the scandal, she continued her music career—but she tragically died in a car crash in 2002.
Matthew Broderick's car crash nightmare
In 1987, just before Dirty Dancing's release, Matthew Broderick and his girlfriend Jennifer Grey were in a fatal car accident in Ireland. Broderick was driving, causing the deaths of a mother and daughter. He was found guilty of negligence, and the incident made international headlines.
David Shankbone, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Mariah Carey's public breakdown
In 2001, Mariah Carey faced a public emotional breakdown due to personal and professional pressures. Her erratic behavior included giving out ice cream and a saying strange speech on MTV, which then led to a hospitalization for "severe exhaustion."
Mel Gibson's antisemitic remarks
In 2006, Mel Gibson made offensive comments about Jews during a DUI arrest in Malibu. The remarks, which includedblaming Jews for global wars, led to public outrage and a damaged reputation.
Featureflash Photo Agency, Shutterstock
Rob Lowe's "misunderstanding"
In 1988, when he was 24 years old, Rob Lowe recorded himself with two women in Atlanta. One of the women was 16, and when news of it came out, it became a huge media frenzy. He avoided charges due to Georgia's age of consent being 16. Lowe claims he was unaware of the girl's age.
Featureflash Photo Agency, Shutterstock
Roman Polanski's disturbing court case
Roman Polanski's perversion was a well-known secret in Hollywood. The director faced a major scandal in 1977 when he was arrested for six crimes against a 13-year-old girl. The judge rejecting his plea deal and he ended up fleeing to France.
Russell Crowe's fit of anger
In 2005, Russell Crowe was arrested after throwing a telephone at a hotel worker in New York during an argument. Crowe later admitted guilt to third-degree assault, then apologized publicly.
One Direction tarnishes their "clean" reputation
In 2014, video of One Direction members Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik taking a prohibited substance in Peru tarnished the band's clean image. Given their young fan base, the incident caused a huge uproar.
Fiona McKinlay, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Paul McCartney's deportation
In 1980, Paul McCartney was caught with 0.5 pounds of a prohibited substance in Japan. He faced potential jail time but was eventually released and deported out of the country.
Paula Deen cooks up a controversy
In 2013, Paula Deen faced backlash for racial discrimination and use of slurs at her restaurant. The controversy resulting in Deen losing multiple sponsorships and her TV show getting cancelled.
Phil Spector's murder conviction
Phil Spector, the legendary music producer known for his revolutionary "Wall of Sound" technique, was found guilty of killing actress Lana Clarkson in 2003. Her body was found in Spector's residence with a gunshot wound.
Unknown Author, Wikimedia Commons
Sandra Bullock gets the shock of her life
In 2010, Sandra Bullock experienced a major shock when her husband, Jesse James, was exposed for cheating on her right after she won an Oscar. To make matters worse, they had just adopted a baby boy named Louis. She divorced him shortly after.
Shannon Doherty vs. Jennie Garth
Shannon Doherty and Jennie Garth had a reportedly hostile relationship during the production of "Beverly Hills, 90210" in the 1990s. Behind-the-scenes incidents led to rumors of tension and disputes. The two have since reconciled in the public eye.
Sinead O'Connor offends the Catholic Church
In 1992, Sinead O'Connor stirred controversy by performing Bob Marley's "War" on Saturday Night Live without instrumental accompaniment. During her performance, she tore up a picture of Pope John Paul II to raise awareness of child abuse in the Catholic Church. Despite facing backlash, O'Connor stood by her beliefs.
Vanessa Wililams' leaked photo scandal
Vanessa Williams faced a setback in 1984 when unauthorized leaked photos of herself were published by Penthouse, causing her to resign as Miss America. She had been assured that only silhouette photos would be taken, but the magazine went against their word.
Angela George, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Winona Ryder's shoplifting incident
In 2001, actress Winona Ryder was arrested for stealing merchandise from a Beverly Hills store. Security cameras caught her attempting to steal clothing and accessories, leading to legal consequences. Despite her previously spotless reputation, Ryder admitted personal problems and stress contributed to her actions.
Piccolo Missionario, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Woody Allen's twisted adoption
Woody Allen's controversial relationship with Soon-Yi Previn, his ex-partner Mia Farrow's adopted daughter, caused media backlash and public criticism. Farrow discovered their affair while still together, leading to questions about the appropriateness of their relationship.
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