The Biggest Scandals of Each Month In 2024
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VOICE OVER: Rebecca Brayton
WRITTEN BY: Jordy McKen
Buckle up for a wild ride through the most shocking and controversial moments of 2024! From international scandals to celebrity controversies, we're breaking down the biggest headlines that had everyone talking this year. Get ready for a jaw-dropping journey through the most outrageous events month by month! Our countdown includes shocking stories like the Hugo Awards censorship, Alexei Navalny's death, Peru's Rolexgate, the Nickelodeon docuseries, Eurovision tensions, and much more! What scandal do you think was the biggest of 2024? Share in the comments.
The Biggest Scandals of Each Month This Year
Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the biggest and most shocking controversies to happen in each month of 2024. We’ll explore each scandal and see what went down.
January: The Hugo Awards Censorship
The Hugo Awards is one of the most prestigious events for science fiction creators. The 81st World Science Fiction Convention in 2023, which presented the awards, already received criticism from creators for being held in China due to human rights concerns. In January 2024, it came to light that those actions caused them to be scrubbed from the nominations despite some having enough votes to be in categories. Speaking against China or creating work that could be deemed “sensitive” by the country excluded people like RF Kuang[a], Xiran Jay Zhao, and “The Sandman” TV show. The director and chair of the board at Worldcon Intellectual Property, who have the service trade for the World Science Fiction Society, resigned as a result.
February: The Death of Alexei Navalny[b]
For years, Navalny was a thorn in the side of Russia’s president, Vladimir Putin. As an anti-corruption political leader and opponent of Putin, he regularly called out the president’s regime, even accusing Putin of attempting to assassinate him. In 2021, Navalny was arrested on multiple charges, including fraud and extremism, later getting him a sentence of 19 years after several trials. In 2023, he vanished from jail before turning up in a corrective colony in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug 3 weeks later. In February 2024, Russia announced Navalny had passed away. Immediately, supporters of Navalny believed something sinister had happened. The cause of death isn’t clear, with some officials pointing at a blood clot or sudden death syndrome. However, these are disputed.
March: Rolexgate
In March 2024, Peru’s president, Dina Boluarte[c], was seen at public events while wearing a Rolex. Straight away, rumors emerged that she was involved in corruption, especially when the watches seemed to get more luxurious over time. Reportedly, one of the timepieces was 3-times Boluarte’s monthly salary. The president denied the allegations and claimed she bought an old Rolex after saving money since she was 18. However, there were also allegations that Boluarte had received $330,000 from unidentified bank accounts. This sparked the country’s police to raid Boluarte’s home after she didn’t answer their request to search her residence. The cops then went to the Government Palace to find evidence. Six government ministers resigned in response to the raids.
April: Quiet on Set
Since 2018, there have been several allegations about producer Dan Schneider during his time at Nickelodeon, including abuse, discrimination, and developing a toxic workplace environment. In March 2024, the docuseries “Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV” was released, which detailed his tenure and allegations with first-hand accounts from the cast and crew. In April, after the final episode, the state of Nickelodeon during Schnieder’s reign was seen completely. Drake Bell stated he was abused by dialect coach Brian Peck, no relation to Bell’s co-star Josh Peck, during Bell’s stint on “The Amanda Show.” Brian was sentenced to 16 months in 2003. However, the incident left Bell traumatized, causing him to go on a path of self-destruction over the years.
May: Israel in the Eurovision Song Contest 2024
After the Israel–Hamas war began in 2023, there were calls for Israel to be banned from competing in 2024’s Eurovision Song Contest. After all, Russia was excluded in 2022 after invading Ukraine. However, the European Broadcasting Union, or EBU, declined to exclude Israel. This led to mass protests at Eurovision events and calls to boycott watching the event. Israel drew further criticism by attempting to perform “October Rain,” a song based on the October 2023 attack by Hamas, as political gestures are banned. The song was reworked into “Hurricane” for singer Eden Golan[d]. In May 2024, when Eurovision got underway, Golan was heavily booed during rehearsal, seemingly stemming from accusations Israel had contributed to friction backstage. The Israeli delegation accused other nations of “hatred.”
June: Mrs. Green Apple Racist Music Video
In June 2024, the Japanese rock band Mrs. Green Apple released the music video “Columbus.” Immediately, it drew the ire of all. The video had the band members dressed as historical figures, such as Napoleon, Ludwig van Beethoven, and Christopher Columbus. However, some dancers were dressed in monkey outfits and were under the control of the historical figures. This caused criticism of racism as the primates were believed to be an allegory of slavery and colonization. Mrs. Green Apple claimed it was meant to be a house party theme, but the damage was done. The video was removed everywhere online, and an apology was issued. Coca-Cola, who’d included the song as part of its music initiative, suspended all advertising with “Columbus.”
July: The Summer Olympics
When the Summer Olympic Games in Paris, France, kicked off in June 2024, the event was immediately thrown into scandal over its opening ceremony featuring a Last Supper parody with drag queens. The event didn’t get any less controversial throughout its time as one issue after another took the world by storm. One involved false accusations that Algeria boxer Imane Khelif [e]was a transwoman, despite being a ciswoman. Many anti-transgender activists and celebrities spoke out against her, leading to Khelif issuing a lawsuit against them. Another controversy involved Canada's women's football team using a drone to surveil opponents. Then, the Netherlands allowing volleyball player Steven van de Velde[f] to compete, who was convicted of assault against a minor, drew a lot of criticism.
August: Blake Lively & It Ends with Us
Instead of focusing on the release of “It Ends with Us” in August 2024, the world was gripped by multiple scandals involving its star, Lively. Firstly, Norwegian journalist Kjersti Flaa[g] reuploaded an interview she did with her and Parker Posey from 2016. After Flaa congratulated Lively for her "little bump,” alluding to her pregnancy, the actor sarcastically threw the comment back at her. The rest of the interview was just as hostile. Then, news leaked that Lively had reportedly clashed with “It Ends with Us” co-star and director Justin Baldoni. Lively was accused of having a cut of the film made, secretly had her husband, Ryan Reynolds, write a scene’s dialogue, and believed Baldoni had fat-shamed her on set.
September: Diddy Allegations
Sean “Diddy” Combs seemed like he was set for life as one of music’s biggest producers and performers. However, in November 2023, his ex-partner Cassie Ventura issued a lawsuit against him for the abuse she sustained during their relationship. This caused a snowball effect as more victims came out to detail their grim experiences with Combs, with accusations he had trafficked people and led an abuse ring. In May 2024, Combs’s reputation was left in tatters when hotel CCTV footage was released that showed him attacking Ventura in 2016. With a mountain of evidence, in September, Combs was arrested for trafficking and racketeering, which he pleaded not guilty to and has been denied bail multiple times. His trial is set to begin in May 2025.
October: The iCon Con
At one point, the iCon Group was a rapidly rising powerhouse in Thailand's health and beauty market. To increase its reputation, the company employed celebrities and influencers to endorse its products alongside multi-level marketing. However, in October 2024, it was reported iCon had defrauded many investors of their money. Shortly after, around 2,170 victims came forward after losing a combined 841 million baht, around $24.4 million. 18 higher-ups at the company, including iCon founder Waratphol Waratvorakul[h] and several celebrities, were arrested for their involvement as the police seized luxury assets. In November, Thai politician Samart Janechaijittawanich had an arrest warrant issued for allegations he was money laundering for iCon.
November: Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson Fix Accusations
After a year and a half of build-up, including a delay in July 2024, the boxing bout between influencer Paul and legendary fighter Tyson finally took place in November. Even running up to the event, there was controversy over “Iron” Mike being over double Paul’s age. However, after the fight, there was even more. On top of the backlash to Netflix’s unstable broadcast, there were accusations the lackluster bout was fixed. Tyson seemed a shadow of his former self. Even brief hints of his velocity vanished soon after. Some viewers showcased videos of what they believe depict the fighters had fixed the bout in Paul’s favor. Even pro boxer Sara Bailey[i] stated her belief in the theory. Paul has denied the allegations.
December:
What’s the biggest scandal in the month you were born? OJ Simpson’s car chase in June 1994? Matthew Broderick and Jennifer Grey’s car crash in August 1987? Kanye West interrupting Taylor Swift’s VMA win in September 2009? Or something else? Let us know below!
[a]kwong https://youtu.be/joywWvgJmRo?si=E7FlYpTfpaKIp7u7&t=112
SHEE-rawn jay zshao https://youtu.be/JvtMFq1NiPg?si=s7kCVXpdc5fyLKnh
[b]uh-LECKSY nuh-VAWL-nee https://youtu.be/l4Lq7gaKW4A?si=Ps3BWffEitfMs20W&t=6
yem-MAW-loh-NEN-nets autonomous OH-kroog
https://translate.google.ca/?sl=ru&tl=en&text=%D0%AF%D0%BC%D0%B0%CC%81%D0%BB%D0%BE-%D0%9D%D0%B5%CC%81%D0%BD%D0%B5%D1%86%D0%BA%D0%B8%D0%B9%20%D0%B0%D0%B2%D1%82%D0%BE%D0%BD%D0%BE%CC%81%D0%BC%D0%BD%D1%8B%D0%B9%20%D0%BE%CC%81%D0%BA%D1%80%D1%83%D0%B3&op=translate
[c]deena boh-loo-ARR-tay https://forvo.com/search/Dina%20Boluarte/
[d]eddin GOH-lin https://youtu.be/NbhsyAia0bk?si=kVS4hXdGlrWRbR1z&t=1
[e]ee-MAN kell-LIF/Leef https://olympics.com/en/paris-2024/athlete/imane-khelif_1540353
[f]von duh vell-duh https://olympics.com/en/paris-2024/athlete/steven-van-de-velde_1965089
[g]CHAIR-shtee flaw/flow https://youtu.be/w112FBKzkzI?si=lY9noSueSuve13sa&t=21
[h]WURRAT-pole wuh-RAT-vora-KOOL https://translate.google.ca/?sl=th&tl=en&text=%E0%B8%A7%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%95%E0%B8%99%E0%B9%8C%E0%B8%9E%E0%B8%A5%20%E0%B8%A7%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%97%E0%B8%A2%E0%B9%8C%E0%B8%A7%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%B8%E0%B8%A5%0A%0A&op=translate
sah-MAWT yonny-SHY-jee-tawa-NIH https://translate.google.ca/?hl=en&tab=TT&sl=th&tl=en&text=Samart%20Janechaijittawanich%0A&op=translate
[i]https://youtu.be/ADD3Le3XO7g?si=ULEUmerERPwyMai6&t=37
Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the biggest and most shocking controversies to happen in each month of 2024. We’ll explore each scandal and see what went down.
January: The Hugo Awards Censorship
The Hugo Awards is one of the most prestigious events for science fiction creators. The 81st World Science Fiction Convention in 2023, which presented the awards, already received criticism from creators for being held in China due to human rights concerns. In January 2024, it came to light that those actions caused them to be scrubbed from the nominations despite some having enough votes to be in categories. Speaking against China or creating work that could be deemed “sensitive” by the country excluded people like RF Kuang[a], Xiran Jay Zhao, and “The Sandman” TV show. The director and chair of the board at Worldcon Intellectual Property, who have the service trade for the World Science Fiction Society, resigned as a result.
February: The Death of Alexei Navalny[b]
For years, Navalny was a thorn in the side of Russia’s president, Vladimir Putin. As an anti-corruption political leader and opponent of Putin, he regularly called out the president’s regime, even accusing Putin of attempting to assassinate him. In 2021, Navalny was arrested on multiple charges, including fraud and extremism, later getting him a sentence of 19 years after several trials. In 2023, he vanished from jail before turning up in a corrective colony in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug 3 weeks later. In February 2024, Russia announced Navalny had passed away. Immediately, supporters of Navalny believed something sinister had happened. The cause of death isn’t clear, with some officials pointing at a blood clot or sudden death syndrome. However, these are disputed.
March: Rolexgate
In March 2024, Peru’s president, Dina Boluarte[c], was seen at public events while wearing a Rolex. Straight away, rumors emerged that she was involved in corruption, especially when the watches seemed to get more luxurious over time. Reportedly, one of the timepieces was 3-times Boluarte’s monthly salary. The president denied the allegations and claimed she bought an old Rolex after saving money since she was 18. However, there were also allegations that Boluarte had received $330,000 from unidentified bank accounts. This sparked the country’s police to raid Boluarte’s home after she didn’t answer their request to search her residence. The cops then went to the Government Palace to find evidence. Six government ministers resigned in response to the raids.
April: Quiet on Set
Since 2018, there have been several allegations about producer Dan Schneider during his time at Nickelodeon, including abuse, discrimination, and developing a toxic workplace environment. In March 2024, the docuseries “Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV” was released, which detailed his tenure and allegations with first-hand accounts from the cast and crew. In April, after the final episode, the state of Nickelodeon during Schnieder’s reign was seen completely. Drake Bell stated he was abused by dialect coach Brian Peck, no relation to Bell’s co-star Josh Peck, during Bell’s stint on “The Amanda Show.” Brian was sentenced to 16 months in 2003. However, the incident left Bell traumatized, causing him to go on a path of self-destruction over the years.
May: Israel in the Eurovision Song Contest 2024
After the Israel–Hamas war began in 2023, there were calls for Israel to be banned from competing in 2024’s Eurovision Song Contest. After all, Russia was excluded in 2022 after invading Ukraine. However, the European Broadcasting Union, or EBU, declined to exclude Israel. This led to mass protests at Eurovision events and calls to boycott watching the event. Israel drew further criticism by attempting to perform “October Rain,” a song based on the October 2023 attack by Hamas, as political gestures are banned. The song was reworked into “Hurricane” for singer Eden Golan[d]. In May 2024, when Eurovision got underway, Golan was heavily booed during rehearsal, seemingly stemming from accusations Israel had contributed to friction backstage. The Israeli delegation accused other nations of “hatred.”
June: Mrs. Green Apple Racist Music Video
In June 2024, the Japanese rock band Mrs. Green Apple released the music video “Columbus.” Immediately, it drew the ire of all. The video had the band members dressed as historical figures, such as Napoleon, Ludwig van Beethoven, and Christopher Columbus. However, some dancers were dressed in monkey outfits and were under the control of the historical figures. This caused criticism of racism as the primates were believed to be an allegory of slavery and colonization. Mrs. Green Apple claimed it was meant to be a house party theme, but the damage was done. The video was removed everywhere online, and an apology was issued. Coca-Cola, who’d included the song as part of its music initiative, suspended all advertising with “Columbus.”
July: The Summer Olympics
When the Summer Olympic Games in Paris, France, kicked off in June 2024, the event was immediately thrown into scandal over its opening ceremony featuring a Last Supper parody with drag queens. The event didn’t get any less controversial throughout its time as one issue after another took the world by storm. One involved false accusations that Algeria boxer Imane Khelif [e]was a transwoman, despite being a ciswoman. Many anti-transgender activists and celebrities spoke out against her, leading to Khelif issuing a lawsuit against them. Another controversy involved Canada's women's football team using a drone to surveil opponents. Then, the Netherlands allowing volleyball player Steven van de Velde[f] to compete, who was convicted of assault against a minor, drew a lot of criticism.
August: Blake Lively & It Ends with Us
Instead of focusing on the release of “It Ends with Us” in August 2024, the world was gripped by multiple scandals involving its star, Lively. Firstly, Norwegian journalist Kjersti Flaa[g] reuploaded an interview she did with her and Parker Posey from 2016. After Flaa congratulated Lively for her "little bump,” alluding to her pregnancy, the actor sarcastically threw the comment back at her. The rest of the interview was just as hostile. Then, news leaked that Lively had reportedly clashed with “It Ends with Us” co-star and director Justin Baldoni. Lively was accused of having a cut of the film made, secretly had her husband, Ryan Reynolds, write a scene’s dialogue, and believed Baldoni had fat-shamed her on set.
September: Diddy Allegations
Sean “Diddy” Combs seemed like he was set for life as one of music’s biggest producers and performers. However, in November 2023, his ex-partner Cassie Ventura issued a lawsuit against him for the abuse she sustained during their relationship. This caused a snowball effect as more victims came out to detail their grim experiences with Combs, with accusations he had trafficked people and led an abuse ring. In May 2024, Combs’s reputation was left in tatters when hotel CCTV footage was released that showed him attacking Ventura in 2016. With a mountain of evidence, in September, Combs was arrested for trafficking and racketeering, which he pleaded not guilty to and has been denied bail multiple times. His trial is set to begin in May 2025.
October: The iCon Con
At one point, the iCon Group was a rapidly rising powerhouse in Thailand's health and beauty market. To increase its reputation, the company employed celebrities and influencers to endorse its products alongside multi-level marketing. However, in October 2024, it was reported iCon had defrauded many investors of their money. Shortly after, around 2,170 victims came forward after losing a combined 841 million baht, around $24.4 million. 18 higher-ups at the company, including iCon founder Waratphol Waratvorakul[h] and several celebrities, were arrested for their involvement as the police seized luxury assets. In November, Thai politician Samart Janechaijittawanich had an arrest warrant issued for allegations he was money laundering for iCon.
November: Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson Fix Accusations
After a year and a half of build-up, including a delay in July 2024, the boxing bout between influencer Paul and legendary fighter Tyson finally took place in November. Even running up to the event, there was controversy over “Iron” Mike being over double Paul’s age. However, after the fight, there was even more. On top of the backlash to Netflix’s unstable broadcast, there were accusations the lackluster bout was fixed. Tyson seemed a shadow of his former self. Even brief hints of his velocity vanished soon after. Some viewers showcased videos of what they believe depict the fighters had fixed the bout in Paul’s favor. Even pro boxer Sara Bailey[i] stated her belief in the theory. Paul has denied the allegations.
December:
What’s the biggest scandal in the month you were born? OJ Simpson’s car chase in June 1994? Matthew Broderick and Jennifer Grey’s car crash in August 1987? Kanye West interrupting Taylor Swift’s VMA win in September 2009? Or something else? Let us know below!
[a]kwong https://youtu.be/joywWvgJmRo?si=E7FlYpTfpaKIp7u7&t=112
SHEE-rawn jay zshao https://youtu.be/JvtMFq1NiPg?si=s7kCVXpdc5fyLKnh
[b]uh-LECKSY nuh-VAWL-nee https://youtu.be/l4Lq7gaKW4A?si=Ps3BWffEitfMs20W&t=6
yem-MAW-loh-NEN-nets autonomous OH-kroog
https://translate.google.ca/?sl=ru&tl=en&text=%D0%AF%D0%BC%D0%B0%CC%81%D0%BB%D0%BE-%D0%9D%D0%B5%CC%81%D0%BD%D0%B5%D1%86%D0%BA%D0%B8%D0%B9%20%D0%B0%D0%B2%D1%82%D0%BE%D0%BD%D0%BE%CC%81%D0%BC%D0%BD%D1%8B%D0%B9%20%D0%BE%CC%81%D0%BA%D1%80%D1%83%D0%B3&op=translate
[c]deena boh-loo-ARR-tay https://forvo.com/search/Dina%20Boluarte/
[d]eddin GOH-lin https://youtu.be/NbhsyAia0bk?si=kVS4hXdGlrWRbR1z&t=1
[e]ee-MAN kell-LIF/Leef https://olympics.com/en/paris-2024/athlete/imane-khelif_1540353
[f]von duh vell-duh https://olympics.com/en/paris-2024/athlete/steven-van-de-velde_1965089
[g]CHAIR-shtee flaw/flow https://youtu.be/w112FBKzkzI?si=lY9noSueSuve13sa&t=21
[h]WURRAT-pole wuh-RAT-vora-KOOL https://translate.google.ca/?sl=th&tl=en&text=%E0%B8%A7%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%95%E0%B8%99%E0%B9%8C%E0%B8%9E%E0%B8%A5%20%E0%B8%A7%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%97%E0%B8%A2%E0%B9%8C%E0%B8%A7%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%B8%E0%B8%A5%0A%0A&op=translate
sah-MAWT yonny-SHY-jee-tawa-NIH https://translate.google.ca/?hl=en&tab=TT&sl=th&tl=en&text=Samart%20Janechaijittawanich%0A&op=translate
[i]https://youtu.be/ADD3Le3XO7g?si=ULEUmerERPwyMai6&t=37
