25 Biggest Celebrity Scandals of Each Year (2000 - 2024)
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VOICE OVER: Phoebe de Jeu
WRITTEN BY: Jordy McKen
These celebrity scandals were frontpage news once upon a time. Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we're examining the biggest, most shocking, and most viral controversies involving famous faces from each year of the 21st century so far. Our countdown of 25 celebrity scandals for each year (2000-2024) includes Winona Ryder Is Caught Shoplifting, Jesse James Cheating Scandal, Miley Cyrus's Image Change, Donald Trump's “Access Hollywood” Tape, R. Kelly Abuse Allegations, and more!
Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re examining the biggest, most shocking, and most viral controversies involving famous faces from each year of the 21st century so far.
2000: Gloria Trevi’s Abuse Arrest
After going solo in 1989, Trevi became one of Mexico’s biggest pop stars with a string of number one’s and roles in films, earning her the nickname of Mexico’s Madonna. But in 2000, her image took a massive hit when she was arrested in Brazil alongside her then-manager, Sergio Andrade. The police had been looking for them for months after allegations they had kidnapped and abused girls after several backing singers and musicians came forward. In 2004, after 4 years and 8 months in jail in Brazil and Mexico, Trevi was released due to a lack of evidence. In 2023, after the singer was included in a lawsuit from alleged victims, Trevi issued a countersuit against them and another suit against Andrade.
2001: Winona Ryder Is Caught Shoplifting
In between her Oscar nominations and her starring role in the Netflix juggernaut “Stranger Things,” Winona Ryder made headlines for all the wrong reasons. The actress was caught trying to shoplift items worth over $5,000 in 2001, and spent the next several years in a high profile court case. The charges ran the gamut, from burglary to grand theft to drug possession, although the latter was eventually dropped. This incident completely shattered Ryder’s image as Hollywood’s squeaky clean it-girl, and even forced her into a four-year hiatus from acting. Ryder herself admits it was a dark time in her life, but thankfully, she’s managed to bounce back both personally and professionally.
2002: Martha Stewart's Insider Trading
Given Martha Stewart’s reputation for giving Americans happy homemaker tips, she was probably the last person anyone would suspect of being a white collar criminal. However, that changed in 2002 when it was alleged that Stewart had sold off more than 3900 shares of Imclone Systems before its stock dropped 16 percent in value the next day. In 2003, Stewart was indicted on nine felony counts related to insider trading, and in 2004, she was convicted on all counts and served five months in a federal prison. Because of the scandal, Stewart had to step down from the board of directors of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc., and she couldn’t join again until 2011.
2003: Kobe Bryant's Assault Case
In 2003, the Los Angeles Lakers star was in the midst of his legendary career with a massive trophy haul and records set to be broken. However, that year would also leave the biggest smudge on his legacy. The NBA star was accused of assault against a teenage hotel employee, resulting in sponsors cutting ties. After he was charged, Bryant claimed it was consensual. During the court case, the defense team deployed dubious methods by attacking the woman’s character. The case was then dismissed after she refused to testify. In 2005, after the woman issued a civil suit against Bryant, the case was settled out of court.
2004: Janet Jackson’s Wardrobe Malfunction
Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake’s halftime performance at Super Bowl XXXVIII in 2004 is undoubtedly one of the most infamous television events of all time. At the end of “Rock Your Body,” Justin removed part of Janet’s costume, exposing her breast for about half a second. The backlash was massive - with shocked and outraged commentators lamenting the country’s moral collapse. Over half a million letters poured into the FCC, who fined CBS $550,000, although it was later voided. The controversy is now remembered for having unfairly tarnished Jackson’s career while not affecting Timberlake’s at all.
2005: Trial of Michael Jackson
Since 1993, allegations about the King of Pop and inappropriate conduct with children have haunted his career. In 2003, the documentary “Living with Michael Jackson” shone a light back on it, showcasing a lot of questionable behavior from Jackson toward child Gavin Arvizo at his Neverland Ranch. This led to the police gathering evidence to arrest and charge Jackson on several counts. In February 2005, one of the biggest celebrity trials got underway, garnering a media circus of attention as several celebrities testified for the pop star’s defense. In June 2005, after a week of deliberation, the jury found Jackson not guilty of all charges.
2006: Mel Gibson's Antisemitic Rant
No one comes out of a DUI arrest looking good. But, this drunken road trip ended up being the least of Mel Gibson’s problems. When the arresting officer refused to let him drive home, Gibson unleashed a hate-filled tirade full of jaw-dropping antisemitic remarks. After TMZ leaked the arrest report, it hit mainstream news outlets, and that was that for Gibson’s image. The ensuing backlash threatened to capsize his entire career. Actually, it did for a while. In the years following this 2006 scandal, Gibson struggled to make new friends in Hollywood. He’s since apologized and regained his footing in the industry, but there’s no way Gibson will ever fully leave his words behind him.
2007: Phil Spector's Murder Trial
As the creator of the “Wall of Sound” music production style, Spector was one of the biggest producers in the industry. However, his life was turned upside down when actor Lana Clarkson was found fatally shot at his residence in Alhambra, California. Spector claimed it was self-inflicted, but the police didn’t agree after gathering evidence and testimonies from staff of his involvement. So, they arrested the producer for murder. In 2007, it was announced Spector’s trial would be televised, drawing the world’s media towards the event. However, a mistrial was declared after a hung jury. In 2009, after the retrial, Spector was found guilty and sentenced to 19 years to life. In 2021, he passed away in prison.
2008: O.J. Simpson's Robbery
In 1994, the former NFL star was thrust into the spotlight as he was arrested for the murders of Nicole Brown and Ron Goldman, of which he was acquitted at the trial. By 2007, Simpson was living a very different life. He was arrested for taking part in the armed robbery of the Palace Station Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada, for stealing sports memorabilia, which he claimed was stolen from him. With his conspirators making deals to testify against Simpson, his case went to trial in 2008. He was found guilty of all charges and was sentenced to 33 years. In 2017, Simpson was released on parole. In 2021, he was granted early discharge for good behavior. However, 3 years later, Simpson passed away.
2009: Kanye Interrupts Taylor Swift's Award Speech
When Taylor Swift won Best Female Video at the 2009 VMAs, Kanye was so outraged that he crashed Swift’s acceptance speech and let everybody know what he thought. The moment was embarrassing for everyone, even Beyoncé, for whom West was advocating. Beyoncé graciously invited Swift back to the stage to finish her speech when she won for Video of the Year. West faced enormous public backlash for ruining Swift’s big moment and apologized. But in 2016, he also later took credit in an improbable lyric for making Taylor Swift famous … setting off a new round of controversy.
2010: Jesse James Cheating Scandal
In March 2010, Sandra Bullock suddenly cut short her European promotional tour for “The Blind Side” to deal with personal issues. As it turned out, several days before, a number of women came forward claiming to have had affairs with Bullock’s husband, James. Best known for creating West Coast Choppers and hosting “Monster Garage,” the two married in 2005. James soon made a public apology to Bullock and his family before checking into a treatment facility to try to save his nuptials. Unfortunately for him, it didn’t work, as the Oscar winner filed for divorce a month later, which was finalized by June 2010.
2011: Charlie Sheen's Fall from Grace
Starring in “Two and a Half Men,” he was the reigning champion of TV acting, becoming its highest-paid performer. Yet, in 2011, Sheen had one of the most public downfalls in the industry’s history. After entering a treatment facility for substance issues, the actor then criticized show creator Chuck Lorre multiple times in interviews as he demanded a pay raise. So Sheen was fired. But he wasn’t done. Sheen then did more interviews where his mental health was questioned after discussing “tiger blood” and declaring himself a “warlock” as he ranted. After Sheen spoke publicly about returning to “Two and a Half Men,” it was announced Ashton Kutcher was cast to replace his character.
2012: Jimmy Savile’s Tarnished Legacy
From charitable to con-man, there may never be anyone who faced as steep a fall from grace as Jimmy Savile. The English celebrity made a name for himself through radio shows, eclectic interviews, and mountains of benevolent fundraisers. He was a good, honest man. Or at least that’s how it seemed until his death in 2011. While there’d been allegations before then, Savile’s passing opened the floodgates to hundreds of sexual misconduct claims. You heard that right, there were hundreds, many of whom were underage at the time. The overwhelming evidence shook the industry to its core, with many still wondering how such a rampant predator never faced justice in his lifetime.
2013: Miley Cyrus’s Image Change
At the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards, the internet was awash with shock. During Robin Thicke’s performance of “Blurred Lines,” Cyrus used a foam finger suggestively and twerked against the performer. It was a far cry from the wholesome image she’d developed during her “Hannah Montana” days. However, the seeds of the more risqué change had been planted years before. On the same day as the VMA performance, Cyrus released the music video for “Wrecking Ball,” which drew further pearl-clutching as she swung around in the buff and got intimate with a sledgehammer. When she was asked about the transformation on the “Fashion Police” show, Cyrus stated, “It's called puberty.”
2014: Bill Cosby Assault Accusations
Before Hannibal Buress’ rant at a standup show went viral in 2014, Bill Cosby was so loved and respected as a comedian that he was known as “America’s Dad.” However, after the Buress video gained attention, several women felt encouraged to come forward and accuse Cosby of misconduct. In 2018, Cosby was indicted and convicted of aggravated indecent assault against Andrea Constand, and received a prison sentence of three to ten years. However, in 2021, he was released early after the Pennsylvania Supreme Court overturned his conviction, citing a violation of due process. Other cases are still pending however, and the scandal has forever tarnished his legacy.
2015: Jared Fogle's Crimes
After getting national attention for losing a load of weight by exercising and consuming a Subway diet, Fogle joined the sandwich company in 2000 as a spokesperson, regularly popping up in their commercials. Subway even claimed he played a major role in vastly increasing their revenue. However, after first coming to the police’s attention in 2007, in 2015, Fogle’s house was raided. After they found indecent media featuring children in his possession, the spokesperson was arrested. Not long after, Fogle pleaded guilty to his crimes as part of a deal and was sentenced to 15 years and 8 months in jail, plus fines totaling $225,000 and a combined restitution to the victims of $1.4 million.
2016: Donald Trump's “Access Hollywood” Tape
In any other election, this scandal would have ended the candidate’s career. Somehow, it didn’t, as Trump went on to win the US Presidency. Amid his campaign, in 2016, footage of him talking in 2005 to Billy Bush for Access Hollywood came to light. Unknowingly being recorded on a microphone as they were on a bus, Trump was heard speaking grossly about "Days of Our Lives" actor Arianne Zucker and Bush’s co-host Nancy O'Dell before talking about assaulting women. It was horrendous. Trump, who called it “locker room talk,” didn’t get any serious repercussions. However, Bush, who weirdly laughed at the businessman's comments, was fired from “Today.”
2017: Harvey Weinstein & #MeToo
An influential producer once considered a titan in Hollywood, Weinstein was accused of assault and harassment by numerous women, as detailed by the New York Times and The New Yorker. After these stories came out, actress Alyssa Milano encouraged women around the world to share their stories on social media with the hashtag #MeToo. This would spark a movement that changed the way many industries viewed misconduct in the workplace. In February 2020, Weinstein was found guilty of multiple counts of misconduct and was later sentenced to 23 years in prison. Although that conviction has been overturned and he will be retried, he is still serving 16 years for a separate conviction as of 2024.
2018: Allison Mack & NXIVM
Best known for her role as Chloe Sullivan on “Smallville,” this actress was involved in NXIVM, a cult dressed up as a multi-level marketing organization. As part of NXIVM, which she joined in 2006, Mack recruited girls to become “slaves” for cult leader Keith Raniere. In 2018, Mack was indicted on charges including sex trafficking and forced labor that potentially could have landed her between 14 and 17 years in prison. However, because of her cooperation with investigators in bringing down Raniere, Mack was only sentenced to three years in prison, 1,000 hours of community service, and was fined 20,000 dollars. She was released in 2023, after serving just 21 months of her term.
2019: Felicity Huffman & Lori Loughlin’s College Admissions Scandal
In 2019, an FBI investigation named Operation Varsity Blues uncovered a criminal scheme in which parents were bribing their children’s ways into top universities. Among those involved were actresses Felicity Huffman, best known for her role in “Desperate Housewives,” and Lori Loughlin of “Full House” fame. Huffman paid $15,000 to have someone take her daughter’s SAT test for her, and Loughlin paid $500,000 to have her daughter enrolled in the University of Southern California. Both actresses were arrested and did short stints in prison. The scandal shone a spotlight on how the rich are able to use money and influence to give their children an unfair advantage.
2020: Ellen DeGeneres’s Treatment of Employees
The comedian presented herself on her talk show as a friendly, down-to-earth personality. However, rumors of mean remarks and actions had circulated for a while, and in 2020, employees began to speak out. In a report from Buzzfeed in July, employees alleged that Ellen presided over a toxic work environment where they were exposed to sexual harassment, racist comments, and other issues from the show’s producers. Following these revelations, ratings dropped by more than a million viewers. In 2022, DeGeneres ended her show after 19 years on the air.
2021: R. Kelly Abuse Allegations
The R&B artist has long been suspected of having inappropriate relationships with underage girls. In 2002, R. Kelly was indicted on multiple counts of possessing obscene material involving children, though he was acquitted, and a year later, he was able to beat the rap again. However, in the late 2010s, more allegations of misconduct and abuse emerged, along with a series of high-profile documentaries, including Lifetime’s “Surviving R. Kelly.” In July 2019, federal prosecutors charged Kelly with multiple felony counts, including racketeering, exploitation, kidnapping, and sex trafficking. All together, it added up to a 2022 sentence of 31 years behind bars.
2022: The Slap Heard Around the World
The morning after the 94th Academy Awards, everyone was talking about Will Smith - and not just because of his Oscar win. During the show, presenter Chris Rock made a tasteless joke about Jada Pinkett Smith’s bald-headed appearance. In response, Will Smith climbed onstage and slapped the comedian. All on live TV. The burst of violence had more drama than all the Best Picture nominees combined, especially when Smith later won Best Actor for his work in “King Richard.” Now regarded as “the slap heard around the world,” Smith’s actions resulted in intense media controversy, and a 10-year ban from future Oscar ceremonies.
2023: The Crimes of Danny Masterson
In 2017, the former “That '70s Show” performer was enjoying life acting on “The Ranch.” Unfortunately for the Scientologist, allegations of his abuse and assaults against women began to come out. Masterson was soon fired from the show and his management team dropped him as a client. Shortly after, more accusations came out, many of which were against other Scientologists at the time of the attacks. This led to Masterson being arrested and going to court. After the first case ended in a mistrial, the actor was re-tried in 2023. Masterson was found guilty of 2 of the 3 charges, the last resulting in a hung jury. He was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison.
2024: The Sean “Diddy” Combs Investigation
In September 2024, rapper and producer Sean “Diddy” Combs was indicted on charges of trafficking and racketeering after a slew of lawsuits and allegations were brought to federal court. The indictment includes multiple accounts of abuse against women, illegal drug transportation, and larger schemes allegedly orchestrated by Combs, who is accused of coercing victims into sex acts that lasted for multiple days. Combs pleaded not guilty to the charges, and if convicted, he faces 15 years to life in prison. Given his high profile in the music industry, the investigation and subsequent trial generated significant media attention, breaking the silence on Combs’ long history of alleged misconduct.
What was the biggest celebrity scandal the year you were born? The 1991 arrest of Paul Rubens, AKA Pee-Wee Herman, for indecent exposure? Charles Manson’s 1971 conviction? Jennifer Grey and Matthew Broderick’s fatal car crash in 1987? Or something else? Let us know below!
2000: Gloria Trevi’s Abuse Arrest
After going solo in 1989, Trevi became one of Mexico’s biggest pop stars with a string of number one’s and roles in films, earning her the nickname of Mexico’s Madonna. But in 2000, her image took a massive hit when she was arrested in Brazil alongside her then-manager, Sergio Andrade. The police had been looking for them for months after allegations they had kidnapped and abused girls after several backing singers and musicians came forward. In 2004, after 4 years and 8 months in jail in Brazil and Mexico, Trevi was released due to a lack of evidence. In 2023, after the singer was included in a lawsuit from alleged victims, Trevi issued a countersuit against them and another suit against Andrade.
2001: Winona Ryder Is Caught Shoplifting
In between her Oscar nominations and her starring role in the Netflix juggernaut “Stranger Things,” Winona Ryder made headlines for all the wrong reasons. The actress was caught trying to shoplift items worth over $5,000 in 2001, and spent the next several years in a high profile court case. The charges ran the gamut, from burglary to grand theft to drug possession, although the latter was eventually dropped. This incident completely shattered Ryder’s image as Hollywood’s squeaky clean it-girl, and even forced her into a four-year hiatus from acting. Ryder herself admits it was a dark time in her life, but thankfully, she’s managed to bounce back both personally and professionally.
2002: Martha Stewart's Insider Trading
Given Martha Stewart’s reputation for giving Americans happy homemaker tips, she was probably the last person anyone would suspect of being a white collar criminal. However, that changed in 2002 when it was alleged that Stewart had sold off more than 3900 shares of Imclone Systems before its stock dropped 16 percent in value the next day. In 2003, Stewart was indicted on nine felony counts related to insider trading, and in 2004, she was convicted on all counts and served five months in a federal prison. Because of the scandal, Stewart had to step down from the board of directors of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc., and she couldn’t join again until 2011.
2003: Kobe Bryant's Assault Case
In 2003, the Los Angeles Lakers star was in the midst of his legendary career with a massive trophy haul and records set to be broken. However, that year would also leave the biggest smudge on his legacy. The NBA star was accused of assault against a teenage hotel employee, resulting in sponsors cutting ties. After he was charged, Bryant claimed it was consensual. During the court case, the defense team deployed dubious methods by attacking the woman’s character. The case was then dismissed after she refused to testify. In 2005, after the woman issued a civil suit against Bryant, the case was settled out of court.
2004: Janet Jackson’s Wardrobe Malfunction
Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake’s halftime performance at Super Bowl XXXVIII in 2004 is undoubtedly one of the most infamous television events of all time. At the end of “Rock Your Body,” Justin removed part of Janet’s costume, exposing her breast for about half a second. The backlash was massive - with shocked and outraged commentators lamenting the country’s moral collapse. Over half a million letters poured into the FCC, who fined CBS $550,000, although it was later voided. The controversy is now remembered for having unfairly tarnished Jackson’s career while not affecting Timberlake’s at all.
2005: Trial of Michael Jackson
Since 1993, allegations about the King of Pop and inappropriate conduct with children have haunted his career. In 2003, the documentary “Living with Michael Jackson” shone a light back on it, showcasing a lot of questionable behavior from Jackson toward child Gavin Arvizo at his Neverland Ranch. This led to the police gathering evidence to arrest and charge Jackson on several counts. In February 2005, one of the biggest celebrity trials got underway, garnering a media circus of attention as several celebrities testified for the pop star’s defense. In June 2005, after a week of deliberation, the jury found Jackson not guilty of all charges.
2006: Mel Gibson's Antisemitic Rant
No one comes out of a DUI arrest looking good. But, this drunken road trip ended up being the least of Mel Gibson’s problems. When the arresting officer refused to let him drive home, Gibson unleashed a hate-filled tirade full of jaw-dropping antisemitic remarks. After TMZ leaked the arrest report, it hit mainstream news outlets, and that was that for Gibson’s image. The ensuing backlash threatened to capsize his entire career. Actually, it did for a while. In the years following this 2006 scandal, Gibson struggled to make new friends in Hollywood. He’s since apologized and regained his footing in the industry, but there’s no way Gibson will ever fully leave his words behind him.
2007: Phil Spector's Murder Trial
As the creator of the “Wall of Sound” music production style, Spector was one of the biggest producers in the industry. However, his life was turned upside down when actor Lana Clarkson was found fatally shot at his residence in Alhambra, California. Spector claimed it was self-inflicted, but the police didn’t agree after gathering evidence and testimonies from staff of his involvement. So, they arrested the producer for murder. In 2007, it was announced Spector’s trial would be televised, drawing the world’s media towards the event. However, a mistrial was declared after a hung jury. In 2009, after the retrial, Spector was found guilty and sentenced to 19 years to life. In 2021, he passed away in prison.
2008: O.J. Simpson's Robbery
In 1994, the former NFL star was thrust into the spotlight as he was arrested for the murders of Nicole Brown and Ron Goldman, of which he was acquitted at the trial. By 2007, Simpson was living a very different life. He was arrested for taking part in the armed robbery of the Palace Station Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada, for stealing sports memorabilia, which he claimed was stolen from him. With his conspirators making deals to testify against Simpson, his case went to trial in 2008. He was found guilty of all charges and was sentenced to 33 years. In 2017, Simpson was released on parole. In 2021, he was granted early discharge for good behavior. However, 3 years later, Simpson passed away.
2009: Kanye Interrupts Taylor Swift's Award Speech
When Taylor Swift won Best Female Video at the 2009 VMAs, Kanye was so outraged that he crashed Swift’s acceptance speech and let everybody know what he thought. The moment was embarrassing for everyone, even Beyoncé, for whom West was advocating. Beyoncé graciously invited Swift back to the stage to finish her speech when she won for Video of the Year. West faced enormous public backlash for ruining Swift’s big moment and apologized. But in 2016, he also later took credit in an improbable lyric for making Taylor Swift famous … setting off a new round of controversy.
2010: Jesse James Cheating Scandal
In March 2010, Sandra Bullock suddenly cut short her European promotional tour for “The Blind Side” to deal with personal issues. As it turned out, several days before, a number of women came forward claiming to have had affairs with Bullock’s husband, James. Best known for creating West Coast Choppers and hosting “Monster Garage,” the two married in 2005. James soon made a public apology to Bullock and his family before checking into a treatment facility to try to save his nuptials. Unfortunately for him, it didn’t work, as the Oscar winner filed for divorce a month later, which was finalized by June 2010.
2011: Charlie Sheen's Fall from Grace
Starring in “Two and a Half Men,” he was the reigning champion of TV acting, becoming its highest-paid performer. Yet, in 2011, Sheen had one of the most public downfalls in the industry’s history. After entering a treatment facility for substance issues, the actor then criticized show creator Chuck Lorre multiple times in interviews as he demanded a pay raise. So Sheen was fired. But he wasn’t done. Sheen then did more interviews where his mental health was questioned after discussing “tiger blood” and declaring himself a “warlock” as he ranted. After Sheen spoke publicly about returning to “Two and a Half Men,” it was announced Ashton Kutcher was cast to replace his character.
2012: Jimmy Savile’s Tarnished Legacy
From charitable to con-man, there may never be anyone who faced as steep a fall from grace as Jimmy Savile. The English celebrity made a name for himself through radio shows, eclectic interviews, and mountains of benevolent fundraisers. He was a good, honest man. Or at least that’s how it seemed until his death in 2011. While there’d been allegations before then, Savile’s passing opened the floodgates to hundreds of sexual misconduct claims. You heard that right, there were hundreds, many of whom were underage at the time. The overwhelming evidence shook the industry to its core, with many still wondering how such a rampant predator never faced justice in his lifetime.
2013: Miley Cyrus’s Image Change
At the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards, the internet was awash with shock. During Robin Thicke’s performance of “Blurred Lines,” Cyrus used a foam finger suggestively and twerked against the performer. It was a far cry from the wholesome image she’d developed during her “Hannah Montana” days. However, the seeds of the more risqué change had been planted years before. On the same day as the VMA performance, Cyrus released the music video for “Wrecking Ball,” which drew further pearl-clutching as she swung around in the buff and got intimate with a sledgehammer. When she was asked about the transformation on the “Fashion Police” show, Cyrus stated, “It's called puberty.”
2014: Bill Cosby Assault Accusations
Before Hannibal Buress’ rant at a standup show went viral in 2014, Bill Cosby was so loved and respected as a comedian that he was known as “America’s Dad.” However, after the Buress video gained attention, several women felt encouraged to come forward and accuse Cosby of misconduct. In 2018, Cosby was indicted and convicted of aggravated indecent assault against Andrea Constand, and received a prison sentence of three to ten years. However, in 2021, he was released early after the Pennsylvania Supreme Court overturned his conviction, citing a violation of due process. Other cases are still pending however, and the scandal has forever tarnished his legacy.
2015: Jared Fogle's Crimes
After getting national attention for losing a load of weight by exercising and consuming a Subway diet, Fogle joined the sandwich company in 2000 as a spokesperson, regularly popping up in their commercials. Subway even claimed he played a major role in vastly increasing their revenue. However, after first coming to the police’s attention in 2007, in 2015, Fogle’s house was raided. After they found indecent media featuring children in his possession, the spokesperson was arrested. Not long after, Fogle pleaded guilty to his crimes as part of a deal and was sentenced to 15 years and 8 months in jail, plus fines totaling $225,000 and a combined restitution to the victims of $1.4 million.
2016: Donald Trump's “Access Hollywood” Tape
In any other election, this scandal would have ended the candidate’s career. Somehow, it didn’t, as Trump went on to win the US Presidency. Amid his campaign, in 2016, footage of him talking in 2005 to Billy Bush for Access Hollywood came to light. Unknowingly being recorded on a microphone as they were on a bus, Trump was heard speaking grossly about "Days of Our Lives" actor Arianne Zucker and Bush’s co-host Nancy O'Dell before talking about assaulting women. It was horrendous. Trump, who called it “locker room talk,” didn’t get any serious repercussions. However, Bush, who weirdly laughed at the businessman's comments, was fired from “Today.”
2017: Harvey Weinstein & #MeToo
An influential producer once considered a titan in Hollywood, Weinstein was accused of assault and harassment by numerous women, as detailed by the New York Times and The New Yorker. After these stories came out, actress Alyssa Milano encouraged women around the world to share their stories on social media with the hashtag #MeToo. This would spark a movement that changed the way many industries viewed misconduct in the workplace. In February 2020, Weinstein was found guilty of multiple counts of misconduct and was later sentenced to 23 years in prison. Although that conviction has been overturned and he will be retried, he is still serving 16 years for a separate conviction as of 2024.
2018: Allison Mack & NXIVM
Best known for her role as Chloe Sullivan on “Smallville,” this actress was involved in NXIVM, a cult dressed up as a multi-level marketing organization. As part of NXIVM, which she joined in 2006, Mack recruited girls to become “slaves” for cult leader Keith Raniere. In 2018, Mack was indicted on charges including sex trafficking and forced labor that potentially could have landed her between 14 and 17 years in prison. However, because of her cooperation with investigators in bringing down Raniere, Mack was only sentenced to three years in prison, 1,000 hours of community service, and was fined 20,000 dollars. She was released in 2023, after serving just 21 months of her term.
2019: Felicity Huffman & Lori Loughlin’s College Admissions Scandal
In 2019, an FBI investigation named Operation Varsity Blues uncovered a criminal scheme in which parents were bribing their children’s ways into top universities. Among those involved were actresses Felicity Huffman, best known for her role in “Desperate Housewives,” and Lori Loughlin of “Full House” fame. Huffman paid $15,000 to have someone take her daughter’s SAT test for her, and Loughlin paid $500,000 to have her daughter enrolled in the University of Southern California. Both actresses were arrested and did short stints in prison. The scandal shone a spotlight on how the rich are able to use money and influence to give their children an unfair advantage.
2020: Ellen DeGeneres’s Treatment of Employees
The comedian presented herself on her talk show as a friendly, down-to-earth personality. However, rumors of mean remarks and actions had circulated for a while, and in 2020, employees began to speak out. In a report from Buzzfeed in July, employees alleged that Ellen presided over a toxic work environment where they were exposed to sexual harassment, racist comments, and other issues from the show’s producers. Following these revelations, ratings dropped by more than a million viewers. In 2022, DeGeneres ended her show after 19 years on the air.
2021: R. Kelly Abuse Allegations
The R&B artist has long been suspected of having inappropriate relationships with underage girls. In 2002, R. Kelly was indicted on multiple counts of possessing obscene material involving children, though he was acquitted, and a year later, he was able to beat the rap again. However, in the late 2010s, more allegations of misconduct and abuse emerged, along with a series of high-profile documentaries, including Lifetime’s “Surviving R. Kelly.” In July 2019, federal prosecutors charged Kelly with multiple felony counts, including racketeering, exploitation, kidnapping, and sex trafficking. All together, it added up to a 2022 sentence of 31 years behind bars.
2022: The Slap Heard Around the World
The morning after the 94th Academy Awards, everyone was talking about Will Smith - and not just because of his Oscar win. During the show, presenter Chris Rock made a tasteless joke about Jada Pinkett Smith’s bald-headed appearance. In response, Will Smith climbed onstage and slapped the comedian. All on live TV. The burst of violence had more drama than all the Best Picture nominees combined, especially when Smith later won Best Actor for his work in “King Richard.” Now regarded as “the slap heard around the world,” Smith’s actions resulted in intense media controversy, and a 10-year ban from future Oscar ceremonies.
2023: The Crimes of Danny Masterson
In 2017, the former “That '70s Show” performer was enjoying life acting on “The Ranch.” Unfortunately for the Scientologist, allegations of his abuse and assaults against women began to come out. Masterson was soon fired from the show and his management team dropped him as a client. Shortly after, more accusations came out, many of which were against other Scientologists at the time of the attacks. This led to Masterson being arrested and going to court. After the first case ended in a mistrial, the actor was re-tried in 2023. Masterson was found guilty of 2 of the 3 charges, the last resulting in a hung jury. He was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison.
2024: The Sean “Diddy” Combs Investigation
In September 2024, rapper and producer Sean “Diddy” Combs was indicted on charges of trafficking and racketeering after a slew of lawsuits and allegations were brought to federal court. The indictment includes multiple accounts of abuse against women, illegal drug transportation, and larger schemes allegedly orchestrated by Combs, who is accused of coercing victims into sex acts that lasted for multiple days. Combs pleaded not guilty to the charges, and if convicted, he faces 15 years to life in prison. Given his high profile in the music industry, the investigation and subsequent trial generated significant media attention, breaking the silence on Combs’ long history of alleged misconduct.
What was the biggest celebrity scandal the year you were born? The 1991 arrest of Paul Rubens, AKA Pee-Wee Herman, for indecent exposure? Charles Manson’s 1971 conviction? Jennifer Grey and Matthew Broderick’s fatal car crash in 1987? Or something else? Let us know below!
