25 Celebs Who Went From Loved to Loathed

Hollywood is a fickle place where fans can turn on their favorite stars in an instant. Celebs who once had the world at their feet can find themselves facing backlash due to scandals, poor choices, or simply rubbing audiences the wrong way.

From beloved icons to polarizing figures, these 25 celebs experienced a dramatic shift in public perception. Whether it’s due to controversial behavior, career missteps, or personal drama, their stories show how quickly fame can sour.

Charlie Sheen

Charlie Sheen was a fan favorite as Charlie Harper on ‘Two and a Half Men,’ charming audiences with his sharp wit and bad-boy charm. His roles in films like ‘Platoon’ and ‘Wall Street’ also earned him widespread praise and a loyal following.

However, Sheen’s public image took a hit with his erratic behavior, including publicized substance abuse issues and a messy divorce. His infamous “winning” rants and departure from ‘Two and a Half Men’ turned many fans against him, cementing his fall from grace.

Kristen Stewart

Kristen Stewart shot to fame as Bella Swan in ‘Twilight,’ winning the hearts of millions with her brooding, relatable performance. Her role made her a teen idol and a staple in romantic dramas.

Her reputation tanked when news broke of her affair with director Rupert Sanders, cheating on her ‘Twilight’ co-star Robert Pattinson. Fans felt betrayed, and her perceived aloof demeanor in interviews didn’t help, leaving her as a divisive figure.

Miley Cyrus

Miley Cyrus was America’s sweetheart as Hannah Montana, beloved by kids and parents alike for her wholesome Disney image. Her music and TV success made her a global sensation.

After shedding her ‘Hannah Montana’ persona, Cyrus leaned into provocative behavior and a bold new image, alienating her family-friendly fanbase. Her controversial performances and public antics drew heavy criticism, turning her into a polarizing figure.

Shia LaBeouf

Shia LaBeouf was a rising star in films like ‘Transformers’ and ‘Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull,’ earning praise for his charisma. His early work as a child actor on ‘Even Stevens’ also won him a dedicated fanbase.

LaBeouf’s erratic behavior, including public stunts like wearing a paper bag on his head and legal troubles, turned fans off. His vocal opinions and perceived pretentiousness further fueled the backlash, tarnishing his once-promising career.

Anne Hathaway

Anne Hathaway was adored for her roles in ‘The Princess Diaries’ and ‘The Devil Wears Prada,’ seen as a charming and talented actress. Her Oscar win for ‘Les Misérables’ solidified her as a Hollywood darling.

Despite her talent, some fans found her overly polished demeanor grating, leading to a wave of online hate. Critics called her “try-hard,” and her awards season speeches rubbed many the wrong way, sparking an unexpected backlash.

Casey Affleck

Casey Affleck was celebrated for his raw performance in ‘Manchester by the Sea,’ earning an Oscar and widespread acclaim. His understated acting style made him a respected figure in Hollywood.

His reputation took a hit when past sexual harassment allegations resurfaced during his Oscar campaign. Many fans and critics felt he didn’t deserve the award, and the settlements in those cases fueled ongoing public distrust.

Jaden Smith

Jaden Smith won fans with his role in ‘The Pursuit of Happyness’ alongside his father, Will Smith, showing promise as a young actor. His music and early roles made him a teen favorite.

His career faltered with the poorly received ‘After Earth,’ and his eccentric public persona, including odd fashion choices and cryptic statements, alienated many. Fans began to see him as out-of-touch, leading to widespread criticism.

Hayden Christensen

Hayden Christensen was a heartthrob as Anakin Skywalker in the ‘Star Wars’ prequels, thrilling fans of the iconic franchise. His casting was initially met with excitement and high expectations.

The prequels’ mixed reception, particularly Christensen’s wooden performance, turned fans against him. Many blamed him for ruining a beloved character, and the criticism lingered, overshadowing his later work.

Justin Bieber

Justin Bieber was a global sensation as a teen pop star, with hits like ‘Baby’ earning him a massive, devoted fanbase. His charm and talent made him a household name.

His bad-boy phase, marked by legal issues, public outbursts, and disrespectful behavior, soured fans. Actions like spitting on fans from a balcony and abandoning his pet monkey fueled a wave of dislike.

Chris Brown

Chris Brown was poised to be a music and dance icon, often compared to Michael Jackson for his talent. His early hits and smooth moves won him legions of fans.

His career imploded after his assault on Rihanna, a scandal that shattered his image. Despite attempts to rebuild, many fans and the public have never forgiven him, making him one of Hollywood’s most controversial figures.

Kim Kardashian

Kim Kardashian rose to fame with ‘Keeping Up with the Kardashians,’ becoming a pop culture icon for her style and business savvy. Her charm and media presence made her a fan favorite.

Her constant media saturation and perceived lack of talent drew heavy criticism. Many view her as fame-hungry, and her privileged persona has made her a target of widespread disdain.

Kanye West

Kanye West was celebrated as a musical genius, with albums like ‘The College Dropout’ earning critical and fan acclaim. His bold personality made him a cultural icon.

His erratic behavior, controversial statements, and political stances alienated many fans. Incidents like interrupting Taylor Swift at the VMAs and his polarizing public rants shifted his image from admired to divisive.

Angelina Jolie

Angelina Jolie was beloved for her roles in ‘Tomb Raider’ and ‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith,’ as well as her humanitarian work. Her beauty and talent made her a global star.

Her reputation took a hit after her affair with Brad Pitt during his marriage to Jennifer Aniston. Labeled a “homewrecker,” she struggled to shake the negative perception despite her continued success.

Zac Efron

Zac Efron became a teen idol with ‘High School Musical,’ charming audiences with his good looks and talent. His roles in romantic comedies kept him in the spotlight.

His “pretty boy” image drew envy and criticism, with some, like Seth Rogen, openly disliking him before working together. Fans began to see him as overrated, and his party-heavy persona didn’t help.

Jonah Hill

Jonah Hill won fans with his comedic roles in ‘Superbad’ and ‘Knocked Up,’ earning praise for his humor. His shift to dramatic roles in ‘Moneyball’ showed his versatility.

Reports of rude behavior toward fans and a perceived arrogant attitude turned people off. His serious persona clashed with his comedic roots, leading to mixed feelings among audiences.

Lindsay Lohan

Lindsay Lohan was a child star darling in ‘The Parent Trap’ and a teen icon in ‘Mean Girls.’ Her talent and charm made her a beloved figure in the early 2000s.

Her public struggles with addiction, legal issues, and erratic behavior shifted fan perception. Multiple arrests and a party-girl reputation made her a cautionary tale rather than a star.

Amanda Bynes

Amanda Bynes was adored for her comedic roles on ‘All That’ and ‘The Amanda Show,’ becoming a Nickelodeon favorite. Her charm carried into films like ‘She’s the Man.’

Her mental health struggles and bizarre public behavior, including troubling social media posts, alarmed fans. The once-beloved star became a figure of concern and criticism.

Mel Gibson

Mel Gibson was a Hollywood legend, loved for ‘Braveheart’ and ‘Lethal Weapon,’ blending action and charm. His directorial work also earned him critical acclaim.

His career derailed after antisemitic remarks during a DUI arrest and allegations of abusive behavior. The scandals alienated fans, turning him into a pariah despite his talent.

Alec Baldwin

Alec Baldwin was admired for his roles in ‘The Hunt for Red October’ and ‘30 Rock,’ known for his sharp wit. His versatility made him a respected actor.

His public outbursts, including a leaked voicemail berating his daughter, and the tragic ‘Rust’ shooting incident damaged his image. Many now view him as volatile and irresponsible.

Johnny Depp

Johnny Depp was a fan favorite for ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ and ‘Edward Scissorhands,’ celebrated for his quirky roles. His unique style made him a cultural icon.

His messy legal battles with Amber Heard, including abuse allegations, split public opinion. Many fans turned against him, seeing his personal drama as overshadowing his talent.

Ezra Miller

Ezra Miller gained fame for ‘The Perks of Being a Wallflower’ and as The Flash in the DC Universe. Their charisma and talent made them a rising star.

Multiple arrests, allegations of assault, and erratic behavior, including cult-like accusations, tanked their reputation. Fans and studios alike distanced themselves from the troubled actor.

Amber Heard

Amber Heard was admired for her roles in ‘Aquaman’ and ‘The Rum Diary,’ seen as a rising talent. Her beauty and screen presence earned her a solid fanbase.

Her high-profile defamation trial with Johnny Depp painted her as manipulative to many fans. The public fallout and leaked audio evidence shifted sentiment heavily against her.

Ellen DeGeneres

Ellen DeGeneres was America’s favorite host, beloved for ‘The Ellen DeGeneres Show’ and her comedic charm. Her “be kind” mantra resonated with millions.

Allegations of a toxic workplace on her show and reports of her being cold off-camera flipped her image. Fans felt betrayed, and her once-adorable persona became a target of scorn.

James Franco

James Franco was loved for ‘Freaks and Geeks’ and ‘127 Hours,’ blending humor and dramatic talent. His Oscar-nominated roles cemented his status as a versatile star.

Sexual misconduct allegations and inappropriate behavior with students at his acting school derailed his career. Fans turned away, seeing him as untrustworthy and exploitative.

Kevin Spacey

Kevin Spacey was a revered actor for ‘American Beauty’ and ‘House of Cards,’ earning Oscars and Emmys. His commanding performances made him a Hollywood giant.

Multiple sexual assault allegations led to his swift downfall, with studios cutting ties. Fans abandoned him, and his once-stellar reputation became synonymous with scandal.

What’s your take on these actors’ falls from grace—do you think they deserved the backlash or should they get a second chance? Share your thoughts in the comments!