Celebs Who Are Notorious for Being Rude to Waitstaff and Service Workers

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We often hear about how celebrities treat people who serve them, and it’s a topic that gets a lot of attention, especially when stories of rude behavior surface. While many stars are known for being generous, others have gained a reputation for being difficult or disrespectful to those working in restaurants and hotels. These stories usually come from servers and bartenders who share their experiences online or with the media. From leaving small tips to being overly demanding, these incidents show that fame doesn’t always come with good manners. Here’s a look at some public figures who have been accused of treating waitstaff and service employees poorly.

James Corden

Restaurant owner Keith McNally publicly barred James Corden from his restaurant, Balthazar, after receiving several complaints about Corden being disrespectful to the staff. One instance involved Corden yelling at a waiter over a minor error with his omelet – it had a little bit of egg white in it. McNally acknowledged Corden’s comedic talent but criticized his behavior towards the restaurant’s employees, calling him small-minded. Corden later apologized on TV, admitting he had acted inappropriately. Although the ban was eventually removed, the incident became a well-known example of a celebrity being rude to service staff.

Ellen DeGeneres

Chris Belcher, a former server, shared a story that quickly spread online about Ellen DeGeneres complaining to a restaurant manager about a small chip in her nail polish. Belcher claimed DeGeneres tried to get him in trouble over this minor issue. This story gained attention when many other servers and former employees of her talk show shared similar experiences. These accounts painted a picture of a harsh work environment and suggested DeGeneres was often cold to her staff, which damaged her public image. She later responded to the criticism by saying she would strive to be a better leader and person.

Lea Michele

The actress received significant backlash after people she’d worked with – including former colleagues and restaurant staff – shared accounts of her being unkind and demanding. One server said the actress publicly made fun of her while explaining the daily specials. Others described her as often being impatient and rude to waitstaff who didn’t immediately recognize her. These stories came out at the same time as reports from fellow actors who found her challenging to work with. She later apologized publicly, saying she wanted to grow from these experiences.

Kendall Jenner

Kendall Jenner has faced accusations of being rude to staff at bars and restaurants in New York City. One server claimed Jenner threw money at her after being refused alcohol for not having ID. Mercedes Javid, from ‘Shahs of Sunset,’ also reported that Jenner ignored staff at an event. While Jenner has disputed some of these stories, reports of her being unfriendly to service workers continue to surface. Jenner herself says she’s just shy and her actions are often misinterpreted.

Usher

R&B singer Usher received considerable criticism after it was reported he left promotional flyers, resembling money with his face on it, instead of tips at a restaurant. Servers claimed he used these fake bills to advertise his Las Vegas shows instead of providing actual cash, which many in the service industry saw as disrespectful, as they depend on tips to earn a living. The story quickly spread online, and people started calling the fake money “Usher bucks.” While Usher’s team said the bills were meant as a joke alongside a real tip, the server involved maintained their original account of the situation.

Jeremy Piven

Actor Jeremy Piven is often mentioned as one of the worst celebrity restaurant customers because of an incident at a fancy sushi restaurant. After dining with a big group, he supposedly left a DVD box set of his show, ‘Entourage,’ as a tip for the waiter. The restaurant manager was reportedly very upset and told Piven he wasn’t welcome back at any of their restaurants. Piven later said he also left a cash tip, but the waiter disagreed. This story has become well-known as a prime example of a celebrity acting entitled in a restaurant.

Madonna

The famous singer is known for being a very particular and challenging customer at restaurants and hotels. Staff members have reported that she frequently asks everyone to be completely silent and avoids eye contact. She’s also been criticized for leaving minimal tips, even when receiving excellent service – some say she’s tipped just a few dollars on bills worth hundreds. Her team generally doesn’t respond to these claims about her behavior in public.

Jennifer Lopez

For years, rumors have circulated about Jennifer Lopez requiring service staff and flight attendants to avoid eye contact with her. One story claims she retracted a tip Ben Affleck gave to a casino employee, believing it was too large. Retail workers have also reported she can be demanding, sometimes requesting stores close for private shopping. These stories have fueled a public image of Lopez as a difficult “diva” to work with. Lopez herself has occasionally denied these claims, stating she is a respectful and hardworking person.

Britney Spears

The popular singer has repeatedly been criticized by restaurant staff for leaving messes and not tipping. Servers have said she frequently leaves tables untidy, with food and napkins strewn about, and often doesn’t leave any tip for the service. While some fans point to her personal challenges as an explanation, many in the restaurant industry share stories of her being a demanding customer. These issues were especially frequent during the peak of her fame and the constant presence of paparazzi in the mid-2000s.

Tiger Woods

Despite being incredibly wealthy, Tiger Woods has a well-known reputation for being a bad tipper and a demanding customer. Many servers and caddies have reported that he rarely leaves tips, and has even been known to take money back if he’s unhappy with the service. There are stories of him refusing to tip a server because he didn’t have any cash on him. Other athletes and celebrities have also noted his tendency to be stingy with those working in the service industry. This reputation has followed him throughout his successful career.

Katherine Heigl

The actress has a reputation for being demanding and difficult to work with, according to both people she works with professionally and those in the service industry. Restaurant staff have reported she’s often impatient and makes a lot of special requests when dining out. She’s been publicly labeled “difficult,” a reputation she’s acknowledged hurt her career. Stories from service workers describe her frequently sending food back for small issues and being generally unfriendly. These experiences have contributed to a public perception of her as someone who is hard to please.

Naomi Campbell

The supermodel is often in the news for her problematic behavior towards people she works with, including assistants and hotel/airline staff. She’s been accused of assault several times, reportedly throwing things like phones at employees when she gets angry. Staff who have worked with her say she can become very upset and difficult if her demands aren’t met right away. There are reports of her being kicked off a flight after arguing with the crew over lost luggage. Although she’s attended anger management, she’s still known for having a difficult personality.

Mariah Carey

Mariah Carey is well-known for living a luxurious life and having very particular requests. People who work at hotels and restaurants often share stories about her needing things like dozens of white roses and special candles in her hotel room before she even arrives. She’s also reportedly been very late for dinner reservations, expecting restaurants to stay open late to serve her. While this “diva” image is part of her public persona, it can be stressful for the staff who have to meet her demands. Stories about her high-maintenance behavior are common among those working in the luxury service industry.

Lindsay Lohan

The actress has repeatedly had issues with people she encounters while patronizing businesses, particularly when it comes to paying her bills. Several luxury hotels have reportedly barred her due to unpaid bills adding up to a significant amount of money – tens of thousands of dollars. Servers at restaurants have also described her as often being disrespectful and ignoring them when they ask for payment. She’s also been known to become angry and confrontational with staff if they don’t offer her complimentary items or services. Tabloids frequently reported on these kinds of incidents during a more chaotic period of her career.

Sean Penn

The award-winning actor is known for his quick temper and has often been involved in public arguments with people providing services. Reports suggest he’s clashed with restaurant employees and photographers, especially when he feels they’re invading his privacy. Servers have described him as intimidating and unpleasant, even when they provide excellent service. Stories circulate about him leaving minimal tips and making staff feel uneasy due to his forceful behavior. Despite his success as an actor and activist, he has a reputation for being difficult to work with in service settings.

Christina Aguilera

The singer has repeatedly been described as unkind to people working in retail and restaurants. Stories have surfaced alleging she once insisted a store close for private shopping and then mistreated the staff. Waitstaff have also said she was condescending and didn’t tip well. She was also reportedly upset with a Disney World character performer for not posing for a picture right away. These incidents suggest she frequently expects preferential treatment.

Kanye West

As a film and pop culture fan, I’ve been following this artist for a while, and honestly, it seems like dealing with him in real life must be incredibly tough. There are so many stories floating around about how difficult he can be with service staff – everything from being super demanding in high-end stores and leaving messes, to making bizarre requests at restaurants that are impossible to meet. It’s not just retail and restaurants either; he’s had run-ins with the paparazzi and airport security too. Basically, it sounds like anyone who has to serve him ends up having a really challenging experience. It’s like his larger-than-life public image carries over into everyday interactions.

Justin Bieber

Early in his career, Justin Bieber gained a reputation for disrespectful behavior, particularly towards service industry workers. He was caught on camera spitting on fans and faced accusations of being rude to staff at hotels and other venues. There were even reports of him behaving inappropriately, like urinating in a mop bucket while others encouraged him. He also received criticism for being late to shows and causing problems with security and flight attendants. Though he’s worked to improve his public image, these incidents from his youth are still widely remembered.

Russell Crowe

The actor is known for his quick temper, and there have been instances of him lashing out at people providing service. He famously admitted to assault after throwing a telephone at a hotel employee in New York when he became frustrated during a phone call. This event received a lot of media attention and reinforced the public’s perception of him as someone who easily becomes angry. People in the film and hospitality industries have also described him as being intimidating to colleagues. He has since apologized for some of his past behavior and outbursts.

Alec Baldwin

Alec Baldwin has a history of public disagreements, often with people providing services or members of the general public. He’s been kicked off a flight for refusing to follow instructions and arguing with a flight attendant, and has been involved in physical and verbal fights with photographers and in parking lot arguments. Restaurant staff have described him as easily frustrated and quick to make critical comments if he’s dissatisfied with his meal. These repeated public displays of anger have made him a controversial figure, especially among service workers.

Rachael Ray

A popular TV chef is facing long-standing rumors that she’s much less approachable in real life than she seems on television. People who’ve met her – both fans and those working in the service industry – have shared stories about her being distant and avoiding casual conversation at public events. There are even claims that she instructs staff not to initiate small talk unless it’s directly related to their work. Despite having a large following, these stories have persisted for years within the food industry, and she’s typically avoided addressing them, instead focusing on her work and public image.

Sharon Stone

Hotel staff and film crew members have described the actress as very demanding. She’s known for having lengthy and particular requests for her hotel stays, which can be challenging for staff to fulfill. Some workers have said she treats them like personal assistants rather than professionals doing their jobs. There are stories of her being rude to staff who don’t immediately meet her needs. Throughout the luxury hotel industry, she has a reputation for being a difficult and high-maintenance guest.

Mel Gibson

Mel Gibson has often faced criticism and negative attention due to angry outbursts and aggressive behavior. This has sometimes affected how he interacts with people he encounters while out, including restaurant staff and security. Several reports suggest he can become argumentative and challenging if he feels disrespected. In recent years, these personal issues and controversial statements have drawn more attention than his films. Many service industry workers have said he’s one of the more intimidating celebrities they’ve had to deal with.

Christian Bale

The actor faced significant backlash after audio surfaced of him yelling at a crew member during the filming of ‘Terminator Salvation’. This incident added to a growing reputation for being challenging to work with, and some accounts from people in the service industry suggest he’s equally demanding in public. He’s known for his dedication and high standards, expecting everyone to meet his level of perfection. Following the incident, Bale apologized, admitting he had behaved poorly and like a “brat.”

Julia Roberts

Although Julia Roberts is known as “America’s Sweetheart,” some past coworkers and staff have described her as challenging to work with. During the filming of ‘Hook,’ the crew apparently nicknamed her “Tinkerhell” because of her behavior. There have also been occasional stories from service industry workers who felt she was unfriendly or dismissive in public settings. These reports aren’t as common as with some other stars, but they’ve surfaced throughout her career. Roberts generally keeps her personal life private and rarely addresses these kinds of claims.

Chevy Chase

The comedian and actor is known for being difficult and often rude to colleagues and others. Several former co-stars from shows like ‘Saturday Night Live’ and ‘Community’ have described his harsh behavior and offensive remarks. Reports suggest this extends to how he treats service staff and fans. He’s been involved in public disagreements and even barred from some workplaces because of his conduct. In interviews, he’s acknowledged this reputation and indicated he isn’t concerned about being perceived as unpleasant.

Waylon Jennings

The country music star, though a legend in his field, had a reputation for never leaving tips. People in the music and hospitality industries often said he believed service should be included in the price, so he didn’t feel obligated to tip. This was widely known by staff at the places he played and ate, and while he was famous, his refusal to tip made him unpopular with servers. Those who worked with him frequently talked about his tendency to be very frugal when it came to tipping.

Mick Jagger

Despite being incredibly wealthy, the lead singer of The Rolling Stones has a reputation for being a bad tipper. Several upscale restaurants have reported he typically leaves very small tips, with one instance claiming he tipped less than 10% on a bill totaling thousands of dollars. Although he’s known to be courteous to staff, his stinginess with tips has landed him on lists of impolite celebrities. He remains a world-famous musician, but his tipping habits continue to be a talking point.

Drake

The rapper has received complaints about his behavior when dining out. He often stays at restaurants late, even after closing, and doesn’t leave generous tips for the extra hours staff work. Servers say he frequently arrives with a large group late at night and expects everyone to stay and serve him. While he’s usually polite, many restaurant workers feel he doesn’t respect their time. There have also been reports of him being rude to security and other service staff at events. Overall, he’s known as someone who spends a lot of money but can be a difficult customer.

Miley Cyrus

I’ve been seeing some stories online about this singer, and honestly, it’s not great. Apparently, some servers have said she’s a really bad tipper, and even walked out on the bill a few times. I saw one post where a server said she left a tiny tip on a huge bill at a restaurant in LA, and it caused a lot of drama online. People are also saying she can be really loud and disruptive when she’s dining out, which makes things tough for the staff and other people trying to enjoy their meals. I know she’s always been known for being outspoken, but it seems like sometimes that comes across as just being rude to the people serving her. She hasn’t really responded to any of these complaints publicly, which is a little frustrating.

Megan Fox

Several restaurant workers have reported that the actress is a challenging customer and doesn’t tip well. One story claims she was even banned from a restaurant for being rude to staff and not leaving a tip. Servers have described her as very particular about her food and unfriendly to those serving her. Though she’s known for her acting, stories about her restaurant behavior have been circulating for years. She generally avoids discussing these kinds of rumors and keeps her personal life private.

Tori Spelling

The reality TV star and actress has earned a reputation for being a poor tipper and being overly demanding when receiving service. Numerous servers have reported that she frequently asks for complimentary items or discounts, seemingly expecting special treatment because of her fame. Many have shared stories of her either leaving no tip or a minimal tip on substantial bills. This behavior is particularly notable considering she often discusses her financial difficulties on her reality shows. Overall, hospitality workers generally view her negatively due to her treatment of them.

Kim Kardashian

As a total cinema and celebrity culture buff, I’ve been following the stories about Kim Kardashian, and it’s interesting how divided opinions are. Apparently, some people who work in service industries have said she can be really demanding and expects a lot of special treatment – things like wanting stores cleared out just for her, and not being very friendly if things don’t go her way. But, it’s not all negative! I’ve also read accounts from other service workers who say she’s actually quite polite and lovely in person. It seems like it really just depends on the individual’s experience with her, and her reputation is pretty mixed because of it.

Kylie Jenner

Several hospitality workers have accused the beauty billionaire of being a poor tipper. One server at a fancy Manhattan restaurant said Jenner tipped only twenty dollars on a bill exceeding five hundred dollars. This story quickly spread online, sparking a broader conversation about how wealthy people tip. Others have reported that she tends to be reserved and doesn’t often interact with staff, which some find off-putting. As with her sisters, the public closely watches her interactions with service workers.

Sandra Bernhard

The comedian and actress has gained a reputation for being unkind to people she interacts with, including both service workers and fans. Several waiters have reported that she tends to be dismissive and makes harsh comments. One server recounted a particularly unpleasant experience where she ignored their efforts while dining. While known for her clever and cynical humor onstage, some believe she displays this same attitude in everyday life, leading to stories about her being a challenging customer.

Daryl Hannah

I’ve been hearing some interesting things about this actress – not about her work, which everyone seems to admire, but about how she treats people in restaurants and hotels. Apparently, some service industry folks have shared stories online about her being a bit cold and distant. They say she doesn’t really engage in conversation and can come across as stern, which makes some of them feel uncomfortable. It’s a shame, because she’s known for being passionate about important causes, but these accounts paint a different picture of her interactions with everyday workers.

Bill Cosby

Even before his legal troubles, Bill Cosby was known for being a difficult and unpleasant customer. Many servers reported that he would scold them about their service and was rarely satisfied. He famously didn’t tip, or left only minimal tips, despite making numerous requests. Some described him as arrogant and using his celebrity status to bully staff. Stories about his rude behavior towards service workers were common knowledge in the restaurant industry long before his convictions.

Roseanne Barr

The comedian is known for being a demanding customer and has a history of being rude to restaurant staff. Multiple reports indicate she’s been verbally abusive when dissatisfied with her food or service, and some servers claim she’s left without tipping after making excessive requests. This behavior seems to mirror the controversial image she presents publicly. Many hospitality workers have shared negative experiences from serving her.

LeAnn Rimes

Some people who work in service and hospitality, like hotel staff and servers, have described the country singer as difficult and demanding, even behaving like a diva. They say she often makes extensive requests for her dressing rooms and hotel suites, which can be stressful to fulfill. Several servers have also reported that she’s unfriendly and doesn’t acknowledge their help. Some have felt she was impatient and made them feel rushed. Despite her popularity with fans, these reports have damaged her reputation among service workers.

Gwyneth Paltrow

I’ve heard a lot over the years about how this actress can be really difficult when she’s out, especially with people who are serving her. Apparently, she gets very specific – and demanding – about how her food is made in restaurants, right down to the ingredients. Some people who’ve worked with her have said she comes across as looking down on them, and honestly, it feels like it connects to the whole vibe of her brand, Goop. It just seems to promote a lifestyle that’s so far removed from what most of us experience, and it unfortunately comes off as dismissive towards everyday workers. It’s become a pretty well-known part of how she’s perceived publicly.

Sacha Baron Cohen

A popular actor known for playing diverse roles has been criticized for treating service staff poorly while staying in character. He’s reportedly caused problems at restaurants and hotels, both during filming and when preparing for roles, often making employees uncomfortable or leaving messes for them to clean. While some defend this as part of his acting method, many hospitality workers find it disrespectful and frustrating. This dedication to his work has resulted in numerous complaints from people in the service industry.

Kirstie Alley

The actress, though adored by fans, was sometimes described as a challenging customer by people working in the service industry. Reports suggested she could be demanding during meals and often left minimal tips. Some servers recalled instances of her being impatient and openly complaining about even minor issues with the service. Stories about her behavior with waitstaff were frequently shared among industry professionals, presenting a side of her personality different from her public image.

Toby Keith

The country music star, who recently passed away, was apparently one of many celebrities who didn’t believe in tipping. Over the years, several servers and bartenders shared stories about him not leaving tips after eating. Though he presented himself as down-to-earth in his music, those who served him felt his tipping habits were quite the opposite. While some fans argued it was his right to choose, it made him unpopular with waitstaff at the places he frequented. His reputation for not tipping became well-known within the hospitality world.

Teresa Giudice

Teresa Giudice, from ‘The Real Housewives of New Jersey,’ is known for her dramatic personality on TV, and it seems that extends to her everyday life. People who work in service industries have said she can be very particular and easily frustrated if things don’t go her way. There are stories of her being impolite to servers and causing a fuss in public when she’s unhappy with the service she receives. Because of her on-screen persona, she often presents a challenge for those working in hospitality, and many consider her a difficult customer.

Anna Wintour

I’ve heard so much about Anna Wintour, the editor of ‘Vogue’, and honestly, the stories about her are pretty consistent. Apparently, she’s incredibly demanding and doesn’t often interact directly with people providing service – she usually sends an assistant to handle things. It sounds like she has very precise expectations, and if they’re not met, she can be really dismissive. Everyone in the fashion world knows she’s a force to be reckoned with, but it also seems like dealing with her as a waiter or hotel staff member is a seriously stressful experience. I’ve read accounts of service workers feeling really intimidated when she’s around.

Please share your own experiences or thoughts on celebrity behavior in the comments.

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2026-01-29 04:21