From accusations of misconduct to controversial statements, many celebrities have faced backlash and even “cancel culture” in recent years. However, some argue that these cancelations were unfair and that the stars in question should have been better treated.
Janet Jackson
In 2004, Janet Jackson performed at the Super Bowl halftime show alongside Justin Timberlake. During the performance, Timberlake ripped off part of Jackson’s top, exposing her chest on national television. Jackson was forced to make a public apology, whilst Timberlake avoided much of the criticism.
One user notes: “Justin Timberlake’s most successful album was like two years after the Super Bowl. He had no consequences whatsoever”.
Another user said that “Justin suffered no consequences for this, but Janet was totally blacklisted from American radio, and her career as a chart-topper effectively ended that day.”
Kevin Hart
In 2017, old tweets resurfaced on Kevin har using homophobic slurs. Hart initially refused to apologize, stating he had already addressed the tweets years prior.
However, Hart eventually apologized and stepped down as the host of the Oscars, a lifelong dream of his. Many felt that it was not necessary for him to step down, including Ellen DeGeneres.
The Dixie Chicks
In 2003, during the lead-up to the Iraq War, lead singer Natalie Maines of the Dixie Chicks commented on stage at a concert in London, stating, “Just so you know, we’re on the good side with y’all. We do not want this war, this violence, and we’re ashamed that the President of the United States is from Texas”.
This comment caused a significant backlash from many country music fans, the country music industry, and some political figures.
Katherine Heigl
Heigl’s behavior on the set of “Grey’s Anatomy” was widely criticized in the media and by industry insiders, with some accusing her of being difficult to work with and of having a bad attitude.
“All she did was talk about how the conditions were when working on Grey’s Anatomy, and she got blacklisted. Ellen Pompeo said the same thing years later, yet she was praised for it.”
“When she said it, no one said anything about it, and no one came to her defense. Now Ellen is out there saying, “yeah, she was right….” Where was this years ago?”
Johnny Depp
In 2016, Amber Heard filed for divorce from Depp and alleged that Depp had physically and emotionally abused her throughout their relationship.
One Reddit user said: “Although after the trials he been uncanceled when Amber Heard made all those allegations, it ruined Depps career.”
Another user said: “Johnny Depp. Maybe not [canceled] by many of his fans right now, but by the industry. Need I say more?”
Taylor Swift
Swift has been involved in several public feuds, including with Kanye West and Kim Kardashian over a controversial lyric in one of West’s songs. A video was leaked apparently showing Swift agreeing to the lyric when she said she hadn’t. She was branded a snake by online trolls, and she retreated from the public eye.
However, years later, in 2020, the full unedited version of the video emerged and it turns out that Swift never actually approved the controversial lyric, only the part that Kanye had played for her. One user said, “So in other news … the entire phone call between Kanye West and Taylor Swift leaked. Turns out she was telling the truth the whole time, and he’s the snake instead of her.”
Brendan Fraser
Brendan Fraser disappeared from the spotlight in 2003 after publicly speaking out about being sexually assaulted by Philip Berk, the then-president of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA).
“Brendan Fraser spoke up about being sexually assaulted and was never heard from again until recently. He seems like such a good guy, so I’m glad he’s back in the spotlight”.
“He didn’t deserve to be canceled at all.”
Monica Lewinsky
Monica Lewinsky’s affair with former President Bill Clinton had a significant impact on Lewinsky’s personal and professional life, and she was widely criticized and ridiculed in the media.
Redditors noted how Lewinsky has now become an advocate for bullying, with one user saying: “I have loved watching her come back as one of the wittiest people on Twitter. Up there with Mark Hamill.”
Another user said: “She was a young woman who was victimized by HIM and the media. She really seems like a very intelligent and well put together lady. It’s sad that she’s always going to be branded by that”.
Aziz Ansari
In 2018, a woman accused the comedian of sexual misconduct during a date. The woman wrote a full-length article about the event titled “I went on a date with Aziz Ansari. It turned into the worst night of my life.”
Many pushed back on the supposed character assassination of Ansari, with Bari Weiss of the New York Times writing an opinion piece titled, “Aziz Ansari Is Guilty. Of Not Being a Mind Reader.”
Kesha
The singer was involved in a legal battle with her former producer Dr. Luke, whom she accused of sexual assault and abuse.
In 2014, Kesha asked the court to break her contract with Dr. Luke as she didn’t want to work with him, and she was unable to produce any other music as long as she was contractually obligated to. A judge ruled against her in 2016.
Ashley Judd
The actress was one of the first to speak out against Harvey Weinstein, accusing him of sexual harassment.
One user said: “Film director Peter Jackson has admitted to blacklisting actors Ashley Judd and Mira Sorvino in response to a “smear campaign” orchestrated by accused sexual predator Harvey Weinstein.”
Liam Neeson
In 2019, Neeson made controversial comments following the rape of a close female friend.
Neeson’s comments caused a significant backlash and were seen as racist. This led to some calls for Neeson to be boycotted and for his films to be pulled from theaters.
One Redditor said: “He was trying to send a message of what you were isn’t always you, that anyone can change for the better, and that the environments we are born into can shape us, but we can go against that.
He continued: “People could have either said A. Good for you on becoming a better person, allowing others to maybe gain the confidence to admit their own faults (no one is perfect) or B. Cancelled. It was B”.
Corey Feldman
The actor has spoken out about being a victim of child sexual abuse in Hollywood.
“Corey Feldman literally warned about child abuse in their business and was speaking from experience and was shut down, and Barbara Walters said, “You’re damaging an entire industry.”
Hayden Christensen
Hayden Christensen was criticized for his performance in the Star Wars prequel trilogy, specifically in the films Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith, for a variety of reasons.
Some critics and fans felt that his portrayal of Anakin Skywalker was wooden and lacked emotion.
“People tried to cancel him for the Prequels and for being a “bad actor.” He did basically the best he could do for the character in such little time. After he was basically dragged through the entire Clone Wars with garbage people threw at him, the Canadian actor basically disappeared.”
“Yeah, I don’t really get the hate for Christensen. It’s legitimately George’s writing. He managed to make Natalie Portman look like a terrible actress, and she went on to win Best Actress a few years later.”
Rose McGowan
In 2017, McGowan came forward with allegations that Weinstein had raped her in 1997 and, since then, had been blacklisted from Hollywood.
“Wasn’t Rose McGowan canceled for basically calling out the shady stuff that Harvey Weinstein and others were doing?”
“She called it on Twitter way before anyone else did. She had hinted for a long time before finally saying it.”
Winona Ryder
The actress was arrested in 2001 for shoplifting from Saks Fifth Avenue in Beverly Hills.
Colin Kaepernick
The former NFL quarterback has been a controversial figure for kneeling during the national anthem to protest racial injustice.
Apu From The Simpsons
Critics have argued that Apu on The Simpsons is a stereotype of South Asian immigrants and perpetuates negative stereotypes about them. The character’s thick accent and mannerisms, as well as his role as a convenience store owner, have been criticized as racist and offensive.
Many viewers were outraged when Apu was removed from the series. One Redditor said: “To add insult to injury, a lot of Indian viewers loved Apu’s appearance on the show.”
Another noted: “No one cares about Family guy or South Park. why now? He’s been around for decades why not before?”
Sinead O’Connor
The singer has had several public controversies, including tearing up a picture of Pope John Paul II on Saturday Night Live in 1992.
“All she did was let people know about the Catholic priest scandal before people wanted to hear it. All of it was true and even worse than we could ever imagine, and she was crucified for it.”
Britney Spears
The singer has had several public breakdowns and has been the subject of numerous controversies throughout her career.
Constance Wu
The actress faced backlash in 2019 for her reaction to the renewal of her TV show “Fresh Off the Boat.”
George Michael
The singer was arrested several times for drug possession and lewd conduct in public restrooms.
Mira Sorvino
The actress has spoken out about being sexually harassed by Harvey Weinstein.
Jane Fonda
The actress has been involved in political controversies, including her opposition to the Vietnam War.
Mo’Nique
The comedian and actress has had public feuds with Netflix over alleged gender and race discrimination in a comedy special deal.
“Producers Tyler Perry and Oprah tried to get her to do a ton of press tours and basically campaign for Academy Awards. She refused, saying she was paid to act in the film, and that is all. She, deservedly, won the Oscar, but Oprah and Tyler basically had her blacklisted in Hollywood”
Richard Gere
The actor has had a few controversies throughout his career, including a public kissing incident in India.
“I’m surprised nobody has said this, but Richard Gere. The man was really popular as an actor until he mentioned the poor treatment of Tibet by the Chinese government.”
Amanda Bynes
The actress has had several public breakdowns, including being placed under psychiatric hold in 2013 and 2014.
Courtney Love
The singer has had several legal and personal controversies throughout her career, including drug addiction and accusations of slander.
“90% of articles in the 90s editions of Rolling Stone involved someone talking sh*t about Courtney Love.”
Eartha Kitt
The actress and singer faced backlash in the 1960s for her opposition to the Vietnam War and her criticism of the treatment of African Americans.
Slide 2
“Eartha Kitt, cat woman in 3rd season of Batman. Got blacklisted from Hollywood for calling out the president at the White House about the war.”
Billie Holiday
The jazz singer’s career was affected by her drug addiction and conflicts with the law.
Kathy Griffin
The comedian faced backlash in 2017 for a photograph of her holding a replica of President Trump’s severed head.
Rebecca Black
The singer faced widespread criticism for her 2011 hit song “Friday.”
Jenna Marbles
The YouTuber faced backlash for past videos where she used racial slurs and did blackface.
Yoko Ono
The artist and musician faced backlash for her perceived role in the break-up of The Beatles.
Lindsay Ellis
The YouTuber faced backlash for her past videos where she made jokes about rape.
“I miss her videos. But I totally get her stepping back from YouTube after all the nonsense she dealt with.”
Pee Wee Herman
The actor and comedian faced backlash in 1991 after he was arrested for indecent exposure in an adult theater.
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