
When public figures make bad decisions, it often becomes public news, and some have been involved in numerous public disputes, insensitive actions, and dramatic outbursts. This list details well-known incidents – including apologies, bans, and the resulting consequences – and explains what happened in each case. From videos going viral and inappropriate comments made in public to being banned from restaurants and getting into neighborhood disagreements, these examples demonstrate how quickly a mistake can escalate. Here’s a look at some of the most notable cases and the specific actions that kept these individuals in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons.
Ye

He caused a major public upset by interrupting an awards show speech, an event that people continued to talk about for years. His controversial statements online and in interviews led to companies ending their sponsorships and widespread criticism. As a result, many events and organizations cut ties with him. He later issued several apologies and explanations, and at times, faced restrictions on his social media accounts.
Justin Bieber

He got into legal trouble twice: once for an incident where a neighbor’s house was egged – which he paid for and served probation for – and again for dangerous driving that led to court dates. Afterwards, he publicly apologized and spoke about his actions in interviews, and sometimes took breaks from touring to address the issues. He also worked to rebuild his reputation through apologies and charitable work.
Logan Paul

He shared a video filmed in an off-limits forest, which caused widespread outrage and led to penalties from the video platform. His advertising deals were put on hold, and he responded with several apology videos. He paused his uploads for a while, then came back with a new approach to creating content. The situation also sparked a larger conversation about how platforms should be monitored and what creators are responsible for.
Jake Paul

Neighbors repeatedly complained to the police about loud parties and reckless behavior at his home. He was initially accused of involvement in looting at a shopping mall during a period of public unrest, but those charges were eventually dismissed. After posting controversial content, he lost advertising revenue and faced increased monitoring on social media. He then began promoting boxing matches, but continued to generate attention – and often controversy – through his publicity efforts.
James Corden

A restaurant owner in New York temporarily banned a customer after reports of disrespectful behavior towards his staff. After speaking with the customer, he lifted the ban. The owner then discussed the situation in interviews and on his broadcast. The story continued to gain attention, fueled by other recent public disagreements about airline seating and how staff are treated.
Shia LaBeouf

He faced accusations of copying parts of a short film and publicly apologized. Following several arrests and incidents of disruptive behavior, he was required to complete court-ordered programs. Later, he worked on performance art pieces that received both praise and additional criticism. Through interviews and legal documents, he discussed his personal growth and taking responsibility for his actions.
Lindsay Lohan

She faced repeated arrests for driving under the influence and repeatedly violated her probation, leading to ongoing court appearances and required treatment programs. These legal issues caused delays and cast changes in her film projects. She tried to revive her career with appearances on reality TV and in stage productions. She regularly shared updates about her recovery and well-being in interviews and on social media.
Charlie Sheen

After disagreements with those making his popular TV show and some unusual public appearances, he was let go. While a concert tour started with a lot of publicity, fans had a varied response. Around the same time, he dealt with legal battles and issues concerning his children, and also shared personal health struggles. Eventually, he tried to make amends with people he’d worked with and began supporting charitable causes.
Tekashi 6ix9ine

He admitted to racketeering and other crimes and helped federal prosecutors with their investigations. As a result, he received a lighter sentence, including home confinement and several restrictions. When he returned to making music, he released controversial videos and used social media to provoke old rivals, restarting their conflicts. Concerns about his safety influenced where and how he performed and traveled.
Colleen Ballinger

She was accused by some fans and people she worked with of having unhealthy relationships where she blurred the lines between personal connection and being a public figure. Her attempt to address the concerns with a ukulele video backfired and made the situation worse. As the controversy grew, her concerts and sponsorships were put in jeopardy. The debate about appropriate boundaries between creators and their fans continued with statements from various people involved.
Shane Dawson

Past videos containing offensive material came to light, causing him to lose funding and have content removed. He responded with detailed apology videos, explaining the problematic clips and his past actions. As a result, some partners and sponsors temporarily or permanently ended their work with him. He eventually launched new projects, but discussions about the older, controversial content continued online.
Jeffree Star

He said he was sorry for racist comments and language that appeared in old videos. Several public disagreements between popular online personalities filled beauty news, leading to many reaction videos. There was a lot of new product releases, but some brands faced calls for people to stop buying from them due to controversies. He moved and changed the names of some of his businesses, but continued to use social media.
Tana Mongeau

A planned side event became overcrowded, creating safety issues and forcing organizers to issue refunds. The person involved apologized for the poor planning and later organized a more secure and well-managed event with a partner. Other problems arose, including delays in posting content, failing to meet commitments, and public criticism of the brand. She then shifted her focus to creating a podcast and offering exclusive content through subscriptions, while also acknowledging and learning from her previous mistakes.
Scott Disick

Throughout ‘Keeping Up with the Kardashians,’ he was often shown partying and getting into arguments. His struggles with substance abuse and highly publicized breakups were frequently covered by the media. Later, he shifted his focus to television shows about renovating houses and various business projects. Viewers also saw ongoing stories about his efforts to co-parent and his family’s involvement in therapy.
Spencer Pratt

‘The Hills’ often showed conflicts between cast members, dramatic confrontations, and attention-grabbing publicity. He intentionally played the role of the ‘villain,’ using planned photos and stories in tabloids to stay in the spotlight. Later, interviews revealed his financial difficulties and his attempt to change his public image with a focus on spirituality. More recently, through podcasts and returning to reality TV, he’s re-examined those old disagreements, reaching a new generation of viewers.
Azealia Banks

She often clashed with people online, including artists, actors, and her fans, getting into repeated arguments and then offering apologies only to start new ones. These public fights led to canceled performances and problems at festivals. Even as her music came out, she faced ongoing issues with being suspended from and then allowed back on various social media platforms.
Doja Cat

She faced public disagreements with fans, particularly regarding the nature of their relationship and her decisions about her online identity. Her critical comments about overly enthusiastic fan culture led to calls for boycotts online. Despite the controversy, she continued with her marketing and tour plans, even as heated discussions continued in the comments sections of her posts. She sometimes responded to criticism with playful provocation, and at other times, with standard promotional material.
Chris Brown

After pleading guilty to assaulting another musician, he received probation and was required to complete certain programs. Several further incidents led to police involvement, canceled performances, and limitations on his travel. Despite ongoing legal issues, he continued to release successful songs. Eventually, he was banned from entering some countries, and additional legal actions disrupted his concert tour.
Soulja Boy

He released a game console that faced backlash for allegedly using older technology with a new label. Frequent run-ins with the law, including arrests for probation violations and weapons charges, kept him in the news. He also engaged in public disputes with other musicians, using online broadcasts and songs to express his disagreements. While launching new products and appearing in advertisements, he was consistently surrounded by controversy.
Bow Wow

Honestly, it’s been a wild ride watching this guy. First, he really messed up by posting a picture that made it look like he was flying private when he wasn’t – it sparked this huge online challenge making fun of him. Then, things got even more serious with an arrest related to a domestic situation, and the courts ordered him to get counseling. Even with all the jokes and negative attention online, he kept doing TV appearances and tours. He’s been trying to explain everything in interviews and on social media, but it’s been tough to watch it all unfold.
Conor McGregor

After leaving the cage, he frequently found himself in legal trouble due to public fights, though the results of those cases varied. One incident involving an attack on a bus led to arrests, court dates, and out-of-court settlements. His career was marked by constantly announcing fights, only to then pull out due to injuries or other issues. Despite these ongoing problems, he continued to secure sponsorships and promote products like whiskey.
Blueface

He was arrested several times for things like assault and breaking the terms of his probation. He also publicly shared arguments with his partners and family online, even earning money from those livestreams. Despite ongoing legal issues, he kept releasing music and performing at clubs. These legal matters made it difficult to travel and plan events.
Jeff Hardy

The wrestler faced multiple arrests for driving under the influence, resulting in suspensions and required rehabilitation. Wrestling organizations responded with public statements and changes to his on-screen storylines as he received treatment. His returns to wrestling were carefully managed, including wellness checks and specific conditions he had to meet. Both fan worry and the company’s rules influenced each time he came back.
Kyrie Irving

He shared a link to a controversial film, which led to players being suspended and sponsors voicing their concerns. To regain their positions, those suspended had to attend meetings, complete educational courses, and issue statements about the situation. This incident also brought up previous disagreements regarding team relationships and player participation. Eventually, he was able to play again after the team updated its agreements and publicly addressed the issues.
Will Smith

During the 2022 Oscars, he unexpectedly went on stage and hit the host while the show was being broadcast live. As a result, he stepped down from the Academy and was prohibited from attending future ceremonies for ten years. He later issued a video apology to the comedian and those watching. The incident caused significant disruption, leading to changes in film promotion plans and numerous interviews and statements.
Ariana Grande

In 2015, a video surfaced showing the individual licking a donut in a shop and making anti-American statements. The police investigated, and the shop underwent a health inspection. She later apologized and clarified her comments in a subsequent post. Despite the controversy, her tours and new releases continued as the incident gained widespread attention online for several weeks.
Mel Gibson

Look, back in 2006, this actor faced a really tough time. He was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, and unfortunately, some deeply offensive, antisemitic comments he made were documented in the police report. He did issue a public apology and sought help through treatment programs, which was a good first step. But understandably, the fallout was significant – a lot of his projects were put on hold. It’s been years, and I’m glad to see he’s been able to rebuild his career and is now back directing and acting again. It’s a testament to second chances, though that initial incident remains a significant part of his story.
Paris Hilton

I remember when news broke about her DUI arrest back in 2006, and things just kept unfolding. It was tough to watch as she struggled to stay out of trouble, violating her probation and ultimately serving time. For months, the media was obsessed with her releases and re-arrests – it felt like a never-ending cycle. It definitely seemed to impact her career at the time, with movie deals and sponsorships put on hold. But I admire how she eventually pivoted, focusing on building businesses and making strategic returns to television. It’s been a real journey to witness.
Miley Cyrus

Her 2013 music video and performance at the VMAs caused a lot of controversy due to suggestive content. This led to discussions among sponsors and parents, and the clips were all over social media. She later explained that this period was a conscious effort to change her image. Her following albums and tours showed a shift in her artistic style.
Kid Rock

He posted videos of himself smashing cases of a particular beer brand as part of a boycott. The videos went viral, sparking debate among venues and fans. He has a history of public altercations, leading to previous arrests. After each incident, he gave statements or interviews while event organizers considered how people were reacting.
Machine Gun Kelly

During a performance, he broke a glass on his face, resulting in visible cuts. Afterward, at a red carpet event, he accidentally collided with a reporter, briefly requiring security to intervene. Videos of him acting out onstage continued to spread online. He later discussed the incidents in interviews but continued with his tour.
Iggy Azalea

She got into public online disagreements with several artists and critics, generating a lot of news coverage. This led to protests and cancellations of her festival performances. She temporarily stopped using social media on multiple occasions, but always came back with new music. She often announced she was trying to avoid conflict while simultaneously promoting her work.
Chrissy Teigen

Past tweets containing hurtful comments about other celebrities came to light. She publicly apologized and said she’d also contacted those she’d offended directly. Some stores temporarily stopped working with her, and others ended their partnerships altogether. She eventually returned to social media and her work, concentrating on new projects and releases.
Ellen DeGeneres

In 2020, accusations surfaced about a negative and harmful work environment on her talk show. The show’s producers investigated and made changes to the staff. She began the next season by publicly apologizing. The show concluded in 2022 after one last season.
Katherine Heigl

In 2008, she asked that her name not be considered for an Emmy Award, explaining she didn’t feel the work deserved a nomination. This decision was widely reported as a criticism of the writers and producers involved. She later gave interviews to explain her reasoning and correct any misunderstandings. Afterwards, she focused on developing new television series and projects for streaming platforms.
Alec Baldwin

In 2011, he was asked to leave a plane because he wouldn’t stop playing a game on his phone during boarding. He also had several encounters with photographers that resulted in police reports and short periods of being held. More recently, an incident on a 2021 film set led to legal battles and halted production. Throughout these events, public statements and court documents detailed the progress of each case.
Russell Crowe

Okay, so back in 2005, things got a little messy for him in New York. Apparently, he tossed a phone at someone working at a hotel, which led to his arrest. He ended up pleading guilty and got off with a conditional discharge – basically, good behavior would keep him out of further trouble. He did apologize and paid a fine, of course. It’s funny, or maybe not so funny, how often the press would bring that whole thing up during interviews on later movie promotion tours. It always seemed to follow him!
Naomi Campbell

In 2007, she admitted to attacking a housekeeper with a phone and was sentenced to community service, working at a sanitation facility. Later, she was investigated multiple times due to disagreements with employees. Despite these legal issues, she continued to secure fashion contracts, and details of her cases frequently appeared in the tabloids.
Antonio Brown

The league suspended him due to repeated violations of its code of conduct. This came after several staff members left the team, and he publicly criticized coaches and management on social media. Lawsuits and police reports were filed in multiple locations. Despite ongoing disagreements, he continued to pursue his music career and made appearances at arenas.
Jussie Smollett

In 2021, he was found guilty of falsely reporting a crime to the police, specifically claiming he was the victim of a hate crime. The judge ordered him to serve time in jail, along with a period of probation and required him to pay back any financial losses resulting from the false report. He continued to pursue legal challenges after the initial conviction, but his career on a popular TV show was cut short due to the investigation.
Tila Tequila

She shared extreme views online, which resulted in her being banned from several platforms and the cancellation of events she was scheduled to appear at. After facing public backlash, one of her festival appearances was cancelled. She continued to share her opinions by creating new accounts on other websites, but this repeatedly sparked further criticism.
Hulk Hogan

A leaked recording sparked legal action and a substantial financial settlement from a media company. As a result, he was removed from the wrestling promotion’s website and Hall of Fame. He subsequently apologized for racist remarks found on other recordings. Years later, the company brought him back, but with certain requirements.
CeeLo Green

In 2014, the artist faced criticism and removed some older tweets about consent following public outrage. He issued an apology and briefly stopped using social media. The controversy also led to the cancellation of a planned concert series. He later resumed performing live and making television appearances.
Bella Thorne

When she launched her subscription service in 2020, it caused some issues that led to changes in the platform’s policies. Many subscribers asked for refunds, and creators reported problems with when they received their payments. The company responded by setting limits on payouts and she clarified the situation with her audience, also adjusting her content plans. Despite these challenges, she continued to work on acting and directing projects, and the launch became a notable example of how creator-based businesses can face difficulties.
Let us know in the comments which moments were most memorable to you, and what you think these people could have done differently.
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2025-10-30 00:49