10 Things Everyone Gets WRONG About Famous Celebrity Scandals
advertisement
VOICE OVER: Patrick Mealey
Celebrity scandals often have more to them than meets the eye. Join us as we unravel the truth behind some of the most misunderstood controversies, from Janet Jackson's wardrobe malfunction to Lance Armstrong's doping scandal, and discover the real stories behind these headline-making moments. Our countdown explores the misconceptions surrounding famous incidents involving Janet Jackson, The Beatles, Tonya Harding, Kim Kardashian, and more, revealing the complex truths behind these sensational stories! Did you get any of these wrong? Share in the comments.
WM-Celeb-Top-10-Things-Everyone-Gets-Wrong-About-Famous-Celebrity-Scandals_E8N7N7
Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the most common misconceptions and preconceived beliefs people have about notable celebrity scandals.
Lance Armstrong's fall from grace after being stripped of his seven Tour de France titles not only rocked the cycling world, but shocked his massive fanbase. The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency even described it as "the most sophisticated doping program in sports history." However, despite what many believe, Armstrong’s doping was far from an isolated case. In fact, at the height of his career, the sport was deeply entrenched in performance-enhancing drug use, with many other top cyclists also involved. But, despite the widespread issue within professional cycling at the time, Armstrong is largely remembered as the sole “villain.”
Actress Winona Ryder’s 2001 shoplifting arrest became instant tabloid fodder, with many outlets portraying it as nothing more than a reckless act of stealing. However, the truth is far more complex. You see, at the time, Ryder was reportedly struggling with mental health issues and was said to be on heavy painkillers for a broken arm. In a 2024 Esquire interview, Winona opened up about the incident, saying, “I think I just checked out. There was a period when I was not in season.” She added, “It wasn't what people think.” Despite the scandal damaging her career, Ryder has since made a comeback, putting the unfortunate (and largely misunderstood) occurrence behind her.
When the serious allegations against Matt Lauer surfaced in November 2017, one of the most shocking details to emerge was a claim that he had a secret button under his desk to trap women in his office. However, it has since been revealed that, while Lauer did have a button to close his office door, it was a standard feature used by many executives for convenience. Notably, the mechanism did not lock the door from the inside, nor prevent anyone from leaving. Lauer himself would go on to make the clarification in an official statement regarding his alleged misconduct.
When Felicity Huffman was sentenced for her part in the college admissions scandal, a scheme where parents illegally paid to secure their children's college enrollment, many people assumed that her husband, actor William H. Macy, had no part in the crime. While Huffman did take full responsibility, court documents revealed that Macy was not so innocent. In fact, it’s shown that the “Shameless” actor was part of the conversations with the consultant behind the scheme. But, since Macy was never charged with anything, his appearances were viewed merely as support for his wife - despite his certain awareness of the crime.
The Depp - Heard defamation trial was, without question, one of the most publicized court cases in recent memory. However, following the verdict on June 1, 2022, many people mistakenly believed Johnny Depp was fully absolved of any wrongdoing. In reality, the court found that both Depp and Heard had defamed each other in different ways. While yes, the jury ruled largely in Johnny’s favor, they also found that Depp had defamed Heard in one instance. The court proceedings also revealed that both parties took part in troubling behaviour. Judging by the “court of public opinion” though, Johnny’s character was given a blanket vindication.
Kim Kardashian’s rise to fame began when a certain explicit tape, involving her and then-lover Ray J, was leaked to the public. It’s been long rumored that the X-rated video was deliberately disclosed by Kim and her mother, Kris Jenner, for publicity. However, despite the widespread speculation, both have repeatedly denied any involvement, and there is no concrete evidence proving they “orchestrated” its release. In fact, it’s public record that Kim tried hard to prevent the release of the tape by suing the company that distributed it, Vivid Entertainment. The matter was settled in February 2007 and the tape has since been viewed more than 150 million times.
The now decades-long relationship between Woody Allen and Soon-Yi Previn has sparked extensive debate, this due in part to the couple’s 35-year age difference. Many also believe Soon-Yi was Allen’s adopted daughter when their romance began. This, however, is false, as Soon-Yi was adopted by Allen’s ex-partner, Mia Farrow, and her former husband, André Previn. And while Woody was a father figure to Mia’s children during their relationship, Soon-Yi has stated that she never saw him in that way. The controversial couple married in 1997 and share two adopted children. Mia Farrow, meanwhile, continues to assert that Allen indecently assaulted her other daughter, Dylan, when she was a child.
The targeted attack on professional figure skater Nancy Kerrigan captured the nation's (scratch that) the world’s attention. And while it's often assumed that Kerrigan’s rival, Tonya Harding, masterminded the plot with detailed planning, the true facts behind the events reveal a more complex situation. It has been revealed that Harding's ex-husband, Jeff Gillooly, was the one most involved in the scheme, pulling the strings and coordinating the events with associates. Harding has since said she “knew something was up,” but was nowhere near the puppet master many believed. Regardless, Tonya’s legacy has suffered dearly, and the shocking incident has defined both her and Nancy’s careers.
For decades, Yoko Ono has been blamed for breaking up the beloved English rock band, The Beatles. And sure, while her presence was said to have created some tension among the members, the band was already unraveling due to personal, creative, and financial conflicts. In fact, by the late 1960s, the group’s dynamic had mostly deteriorated, with members evolving artistically and personally in their own ways. Simply blaming Yoko Ono, John Lennon’s wife and fellow musical artist, distorts a much more complex situation - ignoring the many other internal struggles that ultimately led to one of music’s most famous breakups.
During the 2004 Super Bowl halftime show, viewers were left shocked after Janet Jackson was exposed on stage – the result of Justin Timberlake tearing a piece of her outfit. Many continue to believe that this was all a planned stunt to grab attention. Afterall, it happened with the lyrics, “gonna get you naked by the end of this song.” However, the now-infamous "wardrobe malfunction" excuse rings true. It’s been said that the costume tug was supposed to reveal a red bustier, but something went wrong. The fallout of the accident not only negatively impacted Janet’s career (Timberlake not so much), but also led to stricter regulations for live performances.
What major celebrity scandal do you remember following? Share the controversies in the comments below.
Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the most common misconceptions and preconceived beliefs people have about notable celebrity scandals.
#10: Lance Armstrong Doping Scandal
Not the Only OneLance Armstrong's fall from grace after being stripped of his seven Tour de France titles not only rocked the cycling world, but shocked his massive fanbase. The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency even described it as "the most sophisticated doping program in sports history." However, despite what many believe, Armstrong’s doping was far from an isolated case. In fact, at the height of his career, the sport was deeply entrenched in performance-enhancing drug use, with many other top cyclists also involved. But, despite the widespread issue within professional cycling at the time, Armstrong is largely remembered as the sole “villain.”
#9: Winona Ryder's Shoplifting Arrest
Not Blatant TheftActress Winona Ryder’s 2001 shoplifting arrest became instant tabloid fodder, with many outlets portraying it as nothing more than a reckless act of stealing. However, the truth is far more complex. You see, at the time, Ryder was reportedly struggling with mental health issues and was said to be on heavy painkillers for a broken arm. In a 2024 Esquire interview, Winona opened up about the incident, saying, “I think I just checked out. There was a period when I was not in season.” She added, “It wasn't what people think.” Despite the scandal damaging her career, Ryder has since made a comeback, putting the unfortunate (and largely misunderstood) occurrence behind her.
#8: Matt Lauer’s Alleged Misconduct
No Door Locking ButtonWhen the serious allegations against Matt Lauer surfaced in November 2017, one of the most shocking details to emerge was a claim that he had a secret button under his desk to trap women in his office. However, it has since been revealed that, while Lauer did have a button to close his office door, it was a standard feature used by many executives for convenience. Notably, the mechanism did not lock the door from the inside, nor prevent anyone from leaving. Lauer himself would go on to make the clarification in an official statement regarding his alleged misconduct.
#7: College Admissions Scandal
William H. Macy’s InvolvementWhen Felicity Huffman was sentenced for her part in the college admissions scandal, a scheme where parents illegally paid to secure their children's college enrollment, many people assumed that her husband, actor William H. Macy, had no part in the crime. While Huffman did take full responsibility, court documents revealed that Macy was not so innocent. In fact, it’s shown that the “Shameless” actor was part of the conversations with the consultant behind the scheme. But, since Macy was never charged with anything, his appearances were viewed merely as support for his wife - despite his certain awareness of the crime.
#6: Depp v. Heard
Didn’t Completely Exonerate JohnnyThe Depp - Heard defamation trial was, without question, one of the most publicized court cases in recent memory. However, following the verdict on June 1, 2022, many people mistakenly believed Johnny Depp was fully absolved of any wrongdoing. In reality, the court found that both Depp and Heard had defamed each other in different ways. While yes, the jury ruled largely in Johnny’s favor, they also found that Depp had defamed Heard in one instance. The court proceedings also revealed that both parties took part in troubling behaviour. Judging by the “court of public opinion” though, Johnny’s character was given a blanket vindication.
#5: Kim Kardashian & Ray J’s Tape
Not Leaked by KimKim Kardashian’s rise to fame began when a certain explicit tape, involving her and then-lover Ray J, was leaked to the public. It’s been long rumored that the X-rated video was deliberately disclosed by Kim and her mother, Kris Jenner, for publicity. However, despite the widespread speculation, both have repeatedly denied any involvement, and there is no concrete evidence proving they “orchestrated” its release. In fact, it’s public record that Kim tried hard to prevent the release of the tape by suing the company that distributed it, Vivid Entertainment. The matter was settled in February 2007 and the tape has since been viewed more than 150 million times.
#4: Woody Allen & Soon-Yi Previn’s Relationship
Not His Adopted DaughterThe now decades-long relationship between Woody Allen and Soon-Yi Previn has sparked extensive debate, this due in part to the couple’s 35-year age difference. Many also believe Soon-Yi was Allen’s adopted daughter when their romance began. This, however, is false, as Soon-Yi was adopted by Allen’s ex-partner, Mia Farrow, and her former husband, André Previn. And while Woody was a father figure to Mia’s children during their relationship, Soon-Yi has stated that she never saw him in that way. The controversial couple married in 1997 and share two adopted children. Mia Farrow, meanwhile, continues to assert that Allen indecently assaulted her other daughter, Dylan, when she was a child.
#3: Attack on Nancy Kerrigan
Not Planned by Tonya HardingThe targeted attack on professional figure skater Nancy Kerrigan captured the nation's (scratch that) the world’s attention. And while it's often assumed that Kerrigan’s rival, Tonya Harding, masterminded the plot with detailed planning, the true facts behind the events reveal a more complex situation. It has been revealed that Harding's ex-husband, Jeff Gillooly, was the one most involved in the scheme, pulling the strings and coordinating the events with associates. Harding has since said she “knew something was up,” but was nowhere near the puppet master many believed. Regardless, Tonya’s legacy has suffered dearly, and the shocking incident has defined both her and Nancy’s careers.
#2: The Beatles Breakup
Not Yoko Ono’s FaultFor decades, Yoko Ono has been blamed for breaking up the beloved English rock band, The Beatles. And sure, while her presence was said to have created some tension among the members, the band was already unraveling due to personal, creative, and financial conflicts. In fact, by the late 1960s, the group’s dynamic had mostly deteriorated, with members evolving artistically and personally in their own ways. Simply blaming Yoko Ono, John Lennon’s wife and fellow musical artist, distorts a much more complex situation - ignoring the many other internal struggles that ultimately led to one of music’s most famous breakups.
#1: Janet Jackson’s Super Bowl Halftime Flashing
Not A Publicity StuntDuring the 2004 Super Bowl halftime show, viewers were left shocked after Janet Jackson was exposed on stage – the result of Justin Timberlake tearing a piece of her outfit. Many continue to believe that this was all a planned stunt to grab attention. Afterall, it happened with the lyrics, “gonna get you naked by the end of this song.” However, the now-infamous "wardrobe malfunction" excuse rings true. It’s been said that the costume tug was supposed to reveal a red bustier, but something went wrong. The fallout of the accident not only negatively impacted Janet’s career (Timberlake not so much), but also led to stricter regulations for live performances.
What major celebrity scandal do you remember following? Share the controversies in the comments below.
Sign in
to access this feature