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

The relationship between celebrities and service workers is often a subject of intense public scrutiny especially when stories of poor behavior emerge. While many stars are known for their generosity and kindness others have developed reputations for being difficult or dismissive toward those in the hospitality industry. These accounts frequently come from servers and bartenders who share their experiences on social media platforms or in interviews with entertainment outlets. From meager tips to demanding attitudes these incidents highlight the occasional disconnect between fame and common courtesy. The following list explores various public figures who have been accused of being less than pleasant to waitstaff and service employees.

James Corden

Restaurateur Keith McNally famously banned James Corden from his establishment Balthazar after multiple reports of the host being abusive to the staff. One incident involved the late night personality shouting at a server over a mistake with an egg yolk omelet that contained a small amount of egg white. McNally described him as a highly gifted comedian but a tiny cretin of a man regarding his treatment of service workers. Corden later apologized on his television program and admitted that his behavior was uncalled for at the time. The ban was eventually lifted but the story remains a prominent example of celebrity rudeness in the dining industry.

Ellen DeGeneres

A former server named Chris Belcher shared a widely circulated story about Ellen DeGeneres complaining to a restaurant manager about her chipped nail polish. The incident allegedly occurred at a Los Angeles eatery where the server claimed the comedian tried to get her in trouble over the minor aesthetic issue. This report gained more traction when dozens of other service workers and former employees of her talk show came forward with similar accounts. The allegations of a toxic work environment and cold demeanor toward staff significantly impacted her public reputation. She eventually addressed these claims by promising to be a better leader and person.

Lea Michele

The actress faced a wave of criticism after several former colleagues and service workers shared stories of her demanding and dismissive behavior. A server reported that the ‘Glee’ star once mocked her in front of a group of friends while she was explaining the daily specials. Other accounts suggest she was frequently impatient and rude to waitstaff who did not recognize her immediately. These stories surfaced alongside allegations from fellow actors who described her as difficult to work with on set. Michele later issued a public apology stating that she wanted to learn from these past experiences.

Kendall Jenner

Kendall Jenner has been the subject of several reports regarding her treatment of staff at New York City bars and restaurants. One specific incident involved a server claiming that the model threw money at her after being told she could not be served alcohol without a valid identification. Another report from ‘Shahs of Sunset’ star Mercedes Javid suggested that Jenner was unfriendly and refused to acknowledge staff members during an event. While Jenner has denied some of these specific claims the reputation for being cold to service workers has persisted in tabloid reports. She often maintains that she is simply shy and that her behavior is misunderstood by the public.

Usher

The R&B singer faced significant backlash after reports surfaced that he left promotional materials instead of monetary tips at a restaurant. Servers alleged that he used fake bills featuring his own face to advertise his Las Vegas residency rather than leaving actual currency. This practice was criticized by the service industry as disrespectful to workers who rely on tips for their livelihood. Social media users quickly dubbed the fake money “Usher bucks” as the story went viral across multiple platforms. While representatives for the singer claimed the fake bills were left as a joke alongside a real tip the original server stood by their account.

Jeremy Piven

The actor is frequently cited in lists of the rudest celebrity diners due to an incident at a high end sushi restaurant. After finishing a meal with a large group Piven reportedly left a DVD box set of his show ‘Entourage’ as a tip for the waiter. The manager of the establishment was so offended by the gesture that he allegedly told Piven he was no longer welcome at any of their locations. Piven later claimed that he had left a cash tip in addition to the gift but the server disputed this version of events. This story has become a legendary example of celebrity entitlement within the restaurant industry.

Madonna

The legendary pop star has a reputation for being extremely demanding and difficult when dining out or staying at hotels. Reports from various servers suggest that she often requests total silence from the staff and demands that no one make eye contact with her. She has also been accused of leaving very small tips even after receiving highly personalized and attentive service. Some workers have claimed she once left a tip of only a few dollars on a bill that totaled several hundred. Her representatives typically do not comment on these specific allegations of poor behavior in public spaces.

Jennifer Lopez

Jennifer Lopez has long been the subject of rumors regarding a “no eye contact” rule for service staff and flight attendants. One prominent story involves her allegedly taking back a tip that Ben Affleck had left for a casino worker because she felt it was too generous. Other reports from retail workers suggest she is often demanding and expects stores to close so she can shop in private. These accounts have contributed to a public perception of her being a “diva” who is difficult for service employees to manage. Lopez has occasionally pushed back against these claims by stating she is a hard worker who respects others.

Britney Spears

The pop icon has been accused by several servers of being messy and failing to leave tips after dining in restaurants. Workers have reported that she often leaves tables in a state of disarray with food and napkins scattered across the floor. There are also multiple accounts of her walking out of establishments without leaving any gratuity for the staff who served her. While her fans often defend her by citing her personal struggles the service community has shared many stories of her being a difficult patron. These incidents were particularly common during the height of her paparazzi era in the mid 2000s.

Tiger Woods

Despite his immense wealth Tiger Woods has a long standing reputation for being a poor tipper and a difficult customer. Various reports from waitstaff and caddies suggest that he rarely leaves a gratuity and has even been known to take back money if he feels the service was not perfect. One story involves him refusing to tip a server because he claimed he never carried cash on his person. Other athletes and celebrities have occasionally commented on his frugal nature when it comes to service industry workers. This reputation has persisted throughout his career despite his numerous professional successes.

Katherine Heigl

The actress has been described as difficult by both her professional colleagues and people in the service industry. Reports from restaurant workers suggest that she is often impatient and makes excessive demands regarding her food and seating arrangements. She was famously labeled as “difficult” by industry insiders which she later admitted affected her career trajectory. Service workers have shared stories of her sending back food multiple times for minor reasons and being generally unpleasant to engage with. These accounts have contributed to her public image as someone who is hard to please in any setting.

Naomi Campbell

The supermodel is well known for her legal troubles involving her treatment of assistants and service staff. She has faced multiple assault charges after throwing objects including cell phones at employees during fits of anger. Reports from hotel staff and flight attendants suggest that she can be extremely volatile if her specific requests are not met immediately. One incident involved her being removed from a flight after she became aggressive toward the cabin crew over a missing suitcase. While she has completed anger management courses her reputation for being difficult remains a part of her public profile.

Mariah Carey

Mariah Carey is famous for her extravagant lifestyle and her specific demands when traveling or dining. Hotel staff have reported that she often requires dozens of white roses and specific types of candles to be present in her room before she arrives. She has also been known to arrive several hours late for restaurant reservations and expect the staff to wait on her past closing time. While her “diva” persona is part of her brand it can create significant stress for the workers who must accommodate her. These stories of high maintenance behavior are frequently shared by those in the luxury service industry.

Lindsay Lohan

The actress has a history of conflict with service workers and business owners regarding unpaid bills and general behavior. Several high end hotels have reportedly banned her after she failed to settle tabs totaling tens of thousands of dollars. Restaurant servers have also claimed that she is often rude and dismissive when asked to pay for her meals or drinks. There are accounts of her becoming belligerent with staff when they refuse to provide her with free services or products. These incidents were widely documented by tabloids during her more turbulent years in the spotlight.

Sean Penn

The Academy Award winning actor is known for having a short fuse and has had several public outbursts involving service workers. He has reportedly been involved in verbal altercations with restaurant staff and paparazzi who get too close to his personal space. Some servers have described him as intense and unfriendly even when the service provided is of high quality. There are stories of him leaving small tips and making staff feel uncomfortable with his aggressive demeanor. While he is respected for his acting and activism his reputation in the service world is somewhat negative.

Christina Aguilera

The singer has been accused of being rude to retail workers and waitstaff on multiple occasions. One report claimed she demanded that a store be closed so she could shop alone and then treated the employees poorly during her visit. Servers have also shared stories of her being dismissive and failing to leave adequate tips for their service. There was a public incident where she was reportedly upset with a Mickey Mouse performer at Disney World for not taking a photo with her immediately. These accounts have painted a picture of someone who expects special treatment at all times.

Kanye West

The rapper and designer is known for his unpredictable behavior and has had many reported conflicts with service staff. Employees at various high end boutiques have claimed he can be extremely demanding and sometimes leaves stores in complete disarray. Restaurant workers have also shared stories of him being uncommunicative or making unusual demands that are difficult for the staff to fulfill. He has also been involved in several altercations with paparazzi and airport security workers over the years. His public persona often translates into a challenging experience for those tasked with serving him.

Justin Bieber

During his younger years Justin Bieber was involved in several incidents that left a negative impression on service workers. He was famously filmed spitting on fans from a hotel balcony and has been accused of being disrespectful to staff at various venues. One report involved him urinating in a mop bucket at a restaurant while his friends cheered him on. He has also been criticized for being late to performances and acting out during interactions with security and flight crews. While he has since made efforts to change his image these early stories remain well known in the industry.

Russell Crowe

The actor has a reputation for having a hot temper which has occasionally been directed at service workers. He famously pleaded guilty to assault after throwing a telephone at a hotel clerk in New York City because he was frustrated with a phone call. This incident became a major news story and cemented his image as someone who can be volatile when things do not go his way. Other reports from the film industry and hospitality sector suggest he can be intimidating to those working around him. Crowe has since expressed regret for some of his past actions and outbursts.

Alec Baldwin

Alec Baldwin has been involved in numerous public confrontations with service workers and members of the public. He was once removed from a flight for refusing to turn off a mobile game and becoming verbally abusive toward a flight attendant. He has also had several physical and verbal altercations with paparazzi and individuals in parking lot disputes. Servers have reported that he can be impatient and prone to sharp remarks if he is unhappy with his dining experience. His frequent public outbursts have made him a controversial figure in the eyes of many service employees.

Rachael Ray

The television chef has been the subject of several reports suggesting she is not as friendly in person as she appears on screen. Fans and service workers have shared stories of her being cold and refusing to engage in small talk during public appearances. Some reports claim she has a “no talking” rule for staff members who are not directly involved in her immediate tasks. While she has many supporters these accounts of her being unfriendly have circulated for many years in the industry. She has generally focused on her brand and professional work rather than addressing these specific claims.

Sharon Stone

The actress has been described as demanding by hotel staff and people working on her various film sets. Reports suggest she often has a long list of specific requirements for her accommodations that can be difficult for staff to meet. Some service workers have claimed she treats them more like personal servants than employees of an establishment. There are accounts of her being dismissive of staff who do not immediately cater to her every whim. Her reputation for being a difficult high profile guest is well known within the luxury hospitality sector.

Mel Gibson

Mel Gibson has faced significant public backlash for his recorded outbursts and aggressive behavior toward various individuals. These incidents have occasionally spilled over into his interactions with service staff and security personnel. Reports from restaurants and public venues suggest he can be confrontational and difficult to manage if he feels slighted. His legal troubles and public statements have overshadowed much of his professional work in recent years. Many service workers have shared that they find him to be one of the more intimidating celebrities to encounter in person.

Christian Bale

The actor became the center of a major controversy when audio was leaked of him screaming at a crew member on the set of ‘Terminator Salvation’. While this occurred in a professional setting it contributed to a wider perception of him being difficult to work with. Some reports from the service industry suggest he can be equally intense and demanding when out in public. He has been described as someone who takes his work very seriously and expects total perfection from everyone around him. Bale later apologized for the on set incident and noted that he acted like a “brat” during the outburst.

Julia Roberts

Despite her “America’s Sweetheart” image Julia Roberts has been accused of being difficult by some of her former colleagues and staff. During the filming of ‘Hook’ she was reportedly given the nickname “Tinkerhell” by the crew due to her behavior on set. Some service workers have shared stories of her being cold and dismissive when approached in public or at restaurants. While these reports are less frequent than those of some other celebrities they have persisted throughout her long career. She generally maintains a very private personal life and does not often respond to these types of allegations.

Chevy Chase

The comedian and actor has a well documented history of being difficult to work with and rude to those around him. Many of his former cast members on ‘Saturday Night Live’ and ‘Community’ have shared stories of his abrasive personality and offensive comments. This behavior reportedly extends to his interactions with service workers and fans in public settings. He has been involved in several public feuds and has been banned from certain sets due to his conduct. Chase has admitted in interviews that he does not particularly care about his reputation for being a “jerk” to others.

Waylon Jennings

The late country music star was known for being a “no tipper” according to many accounts from the music and hospitality industries. He reportedly felt that he should not have to pay extra for service that should already be included in the price of the meal. This stance was well known among the staff at the venues where he performed and the restaurants he frequented. While he was a legendary figure in music his refusal to tip made him an unpopular figure among waitstaff. His frugality in this area was often discussed by those who worked closely with him.

Mick Jagger

The Rolling Stones frontman has been accused of being a very poor tipper despite his massive net worth. Reports from various high end restaurants suggest that he often leaves a very small percentage of the total bill as a gratuity. One story involves him leaving a tip that was less than ten percent on a bill that reached into the thousands of dollars. While he is usually polite to the staff his lack of generosity in tipping has earned him a spot on many “rude celebrity” lists. He remains one of the most famous musicians in the world but his tipping habits continue to be a topic of discussion.

Drake

The rapper has faced criticism for staying at restaurants long after they have closed and leaving relatively small tips for the overtime work. Servers have reported that he often arrives with a large entourage late in the evening and expects the full staff to remain available to him. While he is generally seen as friendly his lack of consideration for the staff’s time has been noted by several industry workers. There are also accounts of him being dismissive toward security personnel and other service employees at public events. His reputation in the service world is a mix of being a high spender but a demanding guest.

Miley Cyrus

The singer has been accused by some waitstaff of being a poor tipper and occasionally leaving restaurants without paying the full gratuity. One report claimed she left a very small tip on a large bill at a popular Los Angeles eatery which led to negative social media posts from the server. Other accounts suggest she can be loud and disruptive in dining environments which can make things difficult for the staff and other patrons. While she is known for her bold personality it sometimes translates into behavior that is perceived as rude by service workers. She has not publicly addressed most of these specific tipping complaints.

Megan Fox

The actress has a reputation for being a difficult diner and a poor tipper according to several reports from restaurant employees. One specific story involves her being banned from a restaurant after she allegedly treated the staff poorly and failed to leave a tip. Some servers have described her as being very demanding about her food preferences and having a cold attitude toward those serving her. While she is often in the public eye for her film roles these stories of her behavior in restaurants have circulated for years. She typically keeps a low profile in her personal life and avoids commenting on such rumors.

Tori Spelling

The reality star and actress has been frequently cited by service workers for her lack of tipping and demanding behavior. Reports suggest she often asks for free items or discounts at restaurants and boutiques due to her celebrity status. Many servers have shared stories of her leaving no tip at all or leaving a very small amount on large bills. This behavior is often contrasted with her public discussions about her financial struggles on her various reality shows. The service community has generally given her a negative reputation for her treatment of hospitality workers.

Kim Kardashian

While she is one of the most famous women in the world Kim Kardashian has faced some criticism from service workers regarding her demands. Some reports suggest she expects a high level of special treatment and can be dismissive of staff who do not meet her expectations. There have been accounts of her being unfriendly during retail visits and demanding that stores be cleared for her. However some other service workers have defended her and claimed she is actually quite polite in person. Her reputation remains somewhat divided depending on the specific worker’s experience with her.

Kylie Jenner

The billionaire beauty mogul has been accused of being a low tipper by several workers in the hospitality industry. One server at a high end restaurant in Manhattan claimed that Jenner left a twenty dollar tip on a bill that was over five hundred dollars. This story went viral on social media and led to a wider discussion about the tipping habits of the wealthy. Other reports suggest she is often quiet and does not engage with staff which some perceive as being cold or rude. Like her sisters her interactions with service workers are frequently scrutinized by the public.

Sandra Bernhard

The comedian and actress has a reputation for being quite rude to service workers and fans alike. Multiple reports from waitstaff suggest she is often dismissive and makes cutting remarks during her interactions with them. One server shared a story of her being particularly unpleasant during a meal and refusing to acknowledge the staff’s efforts. She is known for her sharp wit and cynical persona which some feel she carries over into her real life interactions. These stories have contributed to her image as a difficult celebrity to serve in a professional capacity.

Daryl Hannah

The actress has been described as unfriendly and difficult by some people in the service industry. Reports suggest she can be cold and uncommunicative when dining out or staying at hotels. Some workers have claimed she makes them feel uncomfortable with her silent and stern demeanor. While she is a dedicated activist and respected actress her social interactions in the service sector have not always been positive. These accounts are often shared in forums where hospitality workers discuss their experiences with famous guests.

Bill Cosby

Before his legal downfalls Bill Cosby had a long standing reputation for being extremely rude and demanding to service staff. Many waitstaff reported that he would lecture them on their performance and was often very difficult to please. He was known for being a “no tipper” or leaving very small amounts even after making extensive demands. Some servers described him as being arrogant and using his fame to intimidate the people working around him. These stories of his poor treatment of staff were well known in the industry long before his criminal convictions.

Roseanne Barr

The comedian has a reputation for being a difficult customer who is prone to outbursts and poor tipping. Reports from several restaurants suggest she can be verbally abusive toward staff if she is unhappy with any aspect of her meal. Some servers have claimed she has walked out of establishments without leaving a tip after making significant demands. Her public persona is often characterized by controversy and this seems to extend to her private interactions in the service world. Many workers in the hospitality industry have shared negative stories about their encounters with her.

LeAnn Rimes

The country singer has been described as demanding and “diva like” by some service workers and hotel staff. Reports suggest she has a long list of requirements for her dressing rooms and hotel suites that can be stressful for staff to manage. Some servers have also claimed she is unfriendly and does not engage with those who are assisting her. There are accounts of her being impatient and making staff feel as though they are not working fast enough for her liking. While she has many fans her reputation among service employees is somewhat tarnished by these reports.

Gwyneth Paltrow

The lifestyle mogul and actress is often accused of being pretentious and out of touch when interacting with service workers. Reports suggest she can be very demanding about the specific ingredients and preparation of her food in restaurants. Some staff members have described her as being “condescending” during their interactions with her. Her brand ‘Goop’ often promotes an elite lifestyle which some feel translates into a dismissive attitude toward everyday workers. These stories of her being a difficult patron have been a part of her public image for many years.

Sacha Baron Cohen

The actor known for his many characters has been accused of being rude to service workers while remaining in character. Reports suggest he has caused significant disruptions in restaurants and hotels while filming or practicing his roles. This behavior often involves making the staff uncomfortable or creating a mess that they are then required to clean up. While some see this as part of his comedic process the workers involved often find it disrespectful and difficult to deal with. His commitment to his craft has led to several complaints from those in the hospitality industry.

Kirstie Alley

The late actress was occasionally cited in reports regarding poor tipping and a difficult attitude toward service workers. Some servers claimed she would be very demanding throughout a meal and then leave a very small gratuity for the effort. There were also accounts of her being impatient and vocal about any perceived slights in the service she received. While she was a beloved figure to many fans these stories from the service world painted a different picture of her personality. Her interactions with waitstaff were often discussed in industry circles.

Toby Keith

The late country music star was another celebrity who reportedly did not believe in the practice of tipping. Several servers and bartenders shared stories over the years about him failing to leave a gratuity after his meals. He was known for being a “regular guy” in his music but his tipping habits were seen as anything but regular by the people serving him. While some fans defended him by saying it was his personal choice it made him an unpopular figure among the waitstaff at the venues he visited. His reputation as a non tipper was well established in the hospitality industry.

Teresa Giudice

The star of ‘The Real Housewives of New Jersey’ is known for her volatile temper on television and reports suggest this can carry over into her real life interactions. Service workers have claimed she can be very demanding and is quick to show her frustration if things are not perfect. There have been accounts of her being rude to waitstaff and making scenes in public places when she is unhappy with the service. Her public image is built on drama and this often makes her a challenging customer for those in the service sector. Many hospitality workers find her to be one of the more difficult reality stars to serve.

Anna Wintour

The legendary editor of ‘Vogue’ is famously known for her cold and demanding persona which reportedly extends to all of her interactions. Staff at hotels and restaurants have shared that she rarely speaks to them directly and often uses an assistant to communicate her needs. She is said to have a very specific set of requirements for her surroundings and can be extremely dismissive if they are not met. While she is a powerhouse in the fashion industry her reputation for being difficult and unfriendly is legendary. Many service workers describe serving her as an intimidating and high pressure experience.

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