Celebrities Who Were Canceled Twice and Still Remained Successful

Many public figures have faced severe backlash and career-threatening controversies only to return to the spotlight. In the age of social media, the phenomenon of being “canceled” often marks the end of a professional trajectory, yet some individuals navigate multiple waves of public disapproval. These celebrities have successfully maintained their status in film, music, or business despite facing repeated calls for their removal from the public eye. Their endurance highlights the complexities of public forgiveness and the power of career longevity.

Robert Downey Jr.

The actor faced his first major career crisis in the late 1990s due to multiple drug-related arrests and a period of incarceration. After a short-lived comeback on ‘Ally McBeal’, he was written off the show following another arrest in 2001. Despite being considered uninsurable by major studios for years, he secured the lead in ‘Iron Man’ and revitalized his career. He eventually won an Academy Award for his performance in ‘Oppenheimer’, solidifying his status as a top-tier Hollywood star.

Mel Gibson

Mel Gibson experienced a massive public fallout in 2006 following a recorded anti-Semitic tirade during a DUI arrest. His reputation suffered a second blow in 2010 when audio recordings of domestic abuse threats against Oksana Grigorieva were made public. While he was blacklisted for several years, he returned to directing with the critically acclaimed ‘Hacksaw Ridge’. He continues to work steadily in the industry as both an actor and filmmaker.

Chris Brown

The R&B singer faced global condemnation in 2009 after pleading guilty to the felony assault of Rihanna. He experienced a second wave of legal and public scrutiny in 2016 following a police standoff at his home involving a woman with a firearm. Despite these high-profile incidents and various other legal battles, his music consistently performs well on global charts. He continues to release platinum-selling albums and performs for sold-out crowds worldwide.

Kanye West

Kanye West was first widely criticized in 2009 after interrupting Taylor Swift at the MTV Video Music Awards. He faced a much more severe professional backlash in 2022 following a series of anti-Semitic remarks that led to the termination of his partnerships with Adidas and Gap. Though his net worth dropped significantly and many industry peers distanced themselves, he returned to the top of the charts in 2024. His album ‘Vultures 1’ debuted at number one on the Billboard 200.

Justin Bieber

Justin Bieber faced a wave of public disdain in 2014 following a DUI arrest and accusations of vandalism in his neighborhood. That same year, older videos surfaced showing the young singer using racial slurs, causing a second major PR crisis. He took a hiatus to undergo a public “redemption” tour, including a televised roast on Comedy Central. His subsequent albums, including ‘Purpose’ and ‘Justice’, were massive commercial successes that restored his pop-star status.

Winona Ryder

Winona Ryder became the subject of intense tabloid scrutiny in 2001 after being arrested for shoplifting at Saks Fifth Avenue. This incident followed years of intense media pressure that had already begun to stall her career momentum. After spending several years away from leading roles, she experienced a massive resurgence starting in 2016. Her performance in ‘Stranger Things’ and ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’ has returned her to the forefront of popular culture.

Louis C.K.

The comedian admitted to multiple instances of sexual misconduct in 2017, leading to the cancellation of his film ‘I Love You, Daddy’. He faced further backlash in 2018 when leaked audio of a stand-up set featured jokes about the survivors of the Parkland school shooting. Despite these controversies, he returned to touring and self-releasing his specials independently. In 2022, he won the Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album for his special ‘Sincerely Louis CK’.

Dave Chappelle

Dave Chappelle faced his first major “cancellation” in 2005 when he walked away from a $50 million contract for ‘Chappelle’s Show’, leading to rumors regarding his mental health. He faced a second, more modern wave of backlash in 2021 regarding material in his Netflix special ‘The Closer’. Critics and activists called for the removal of his content, yet Netflix stood by the comedian. He remains one of the highest-paid and most influential stand-up performers in the world.

John Mayer

In 2010, John Mayer faced severe backlash for two controversial interviews in ‘Playboy’ and ‘Rolling Stone’ that included racial slurs and graphic details about his ex-girlfriends. He retreated from the public eye for several years to recover from the damage to his reputation and a vocal cord injury. He successfully rebuilt his career by shifting his musical focus and joining the band Dead & Company. Today, his solo tours continue to sell out arenas across the globe.

Roseanne Barr

Roseanne Barr was first criticized in 1990 for her screeching rendition of the National Anthem during a baseball game. Her career faced a more permanent shift in 2018 when a racist tweet led to the immediate cancellation of her hit revival series ‘Roseanne’. While she was written out of the spin-off ‘The Conners’, she has maintained a following through stand-up and digital media. She currently hosts a show on the Fox Nation streaming platform.

Charlie Sheen

Charlie Sheen dealt with addiction and domestic violence allegations throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. His most famous public downfall occurred in 2011 after a highly publicized feud with the creator of ‘Two and a Half Men’. Despite his firing and a string of erratic interviews, he quickly landed a new sitcom, ‘Anger Management’. He has recently begun a return to television with a recurring role in the series ‘Bookie’.

Kevin Hart

The comedian stepped down from hosting the 2018 Academy Awards after old homophobic tweets resurfaced and he initially refused to apologize. He faced a second wave of negative press in 2019 following a public infidelity scandal and a serious car accident. Despite these hurdles, his production company, Hartbeat, has grown into a multi-million dollar venture. He remains one of the top-grossing actors in the film industry with hits like ‘Lift’ and ‘Jumanji: The Next Level’.

Scarlett Johansson

Scarlett Johansson was criticized in 2017 for her casting in ‘Ghost in the Shell’, which many labeled as whitewashing. She faced further backlash in 2019 when she defended director Woody Allen despite the allegations against him. Despite these moments of public friction, she remained the highest-paid actress in the world for several years. She continues to lead major franchises and received two Academy Award nominations in a single year for ‘Marriage Story’ and ‘Jojo Rabbit’.

Chrissy Teigen

Chrissy Teigen faced a major cancellation in 2021 when past tweets surfaced showing her cyberbullying Courtney Stodden and other young celebrities. Shortly after, she faced additional allegations of bullying from other public figures, leading to several brands dropping her. She took a brief social media hiatus before returning to promote her ‘Cravings’ brand and television projects. She continues to maintain a massive following and a successful culinary business.

Eminem

Eminem faced intense protests and calls for censorship in the early 2000s due to lyrics deemed homophobic and misogynistic. He faced a second wave of modern criticism in 2018 with the release of ‘Kamikaze’, which some critics felt relied on outdated tropes. Regardless of the controversy, he remains one of the best-selling artists of all time. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2022 and continues to top the charts with new releases.

Travis Scott

The rapper faced legal issues in 2017 for allegedly inciting a riot during one of his concerts. His career faced a much larger crisis in 2021 following the Astroworld Festival tragedy, where multiple attendees lost their lives. After a period of relative silence and the cancellation of several brand deals, he returned to the industry. His 2023 album ‘Utopia’ was a massive commercial success and led to a sold-out stadium tour.

Demi Lovato

Demi Lovato first faced public scrutiny in 2010 after an incident where they punched a backup dancer, leading to their first stint in rehab. In 2021, they faced a second “cancellation” after publicly feuding with a small frozen yogurt shop over its sugar-free options. While the incident led to significant online mockery, Lovato transitioned back into music with a rock-heavy sound. Their album ‘Holy Fvck’ was well-received by critics and fans alike.

Bill Maher

Bill Maher saw his show ‘Politically Incorrect’ canceled in 2001 after he made controversial comments regarding the 9/11 hijackers. He faced a second major backlash in 2017 for using a racial slur during a live segment on ‘Real Time’. Despite multiple campaigns for his firing, HBO has continued to renew his talk show. He remains a prominent, albeit polarizing, figure in American political commentary.

Mark Wahlberg

In his youth, Mark Wahlberg served time for a racially motivated assault, an incident that has resurfaced periodically throughout his career. He faced a second wave of criticism in 2012 after suggesting he could have prevented the 9/11 attacks if he had been on the plane. Wahlberg has addressed these issues through public apologies and philanthropic work. He remains one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars and a prolific producer of film and television.

Alec Baldwin

Alec Baldwin was widely condemned in 2007 after a leaked voicemail showed him speaking aggressively to his young daughter. He faced a far more complex professional crisis in 2021 following the accidental shooting on the set of ‘Rust’. Despite the legal battles and public scrutiny surrounding the incident, he has continued to work. He has several film projects in various stages of production and maintains a presence in the industry.

Paula Deen

The celebrity chef lost her Food Network contract and multiple endorsements in 2013 after admitting to the past use of racial slurs. She faced a second backlash in 2015 when a photo of her son in “brownface” was posted to her social media account. Deen pivoted by launching her own digital network and focusing on her restaurant empire. She continues to sell cookbooks and maintains a loyal fanbase in the culinary world.

Tiger Woods

Tiger Woods experienced a massive fall from grace in 2009 following a high-profile infidelity scandal that led to several lost sponsorships. He faced a second public crisis in 2017 when he was arrested for a DUI involving prescription medication. Despite these personal setbacks and numerous injuries, he completed a historic comeback by winning the 2019 Masters. He remains a global icon in the sport of golf and a highly sought-after brand ambassador.

Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart’s career was severely threatened in 2004 when she was convicted of insider trading and served time in federal prison. She faced secondary legal hurdles in 2013 during a court battle with Macy’s over merchandising rights. Instead of fading away, Stewart leaned into her “bad boy” reputation and partnered with Snoop Dogg for a successful television series. She remains a lifestyle mogul and recently became the oldest model to cover ‘Sports Illustrated’.

Shia LaBeouf

Shia LaBeouf was first “canceled” in 2014 after it was discovered he had plagiarized a short film, leading to his bizarre “I Am Not Famous Anymore” performance art. He faced a much more serious second wave of backlash in 2020 following a lawsuit from FKA Twigs alleging physical and emotional abuse. While he has spent time away from major franchises, he continues to work in independent cinema. He recently starred in Francis Ford Coppola’s ‘Megalopolis’.

Ellen DeGeneres

Ellen DeGeneres saw her sitcom canceled and her career stall in 1997 after she came out as gay on television. She successfully returned with ‘The Ellen DeGeneres Show’, only to face a second cancellation in 2020 following allegations of a toxic workplace environment. After ending her talk show in 2022, she took a break from the public eye. She recently returned to stand-up with a Netflix special titled ‘For Your Approval’.

Will Smith

Will Smith’s public image was pristine for decades until he famously slapped Chris Rock during the 2022 Academy Awards. He faced a second wave of public scrutiny in 2023 when his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, revealed intimate and controversial details about their marriage in her memoir. Many predicted his career was over, but he returned to the box office in 2024. ‘Bad Boys: Ride or Die’ became a global hit, proving his enduring star power.

Logan Paul

Logan Paul faced worldwide condemnation in 2018 for filming a video in the Aokigahara “suicide forest” in Japan. He faced a second major backlash in 2023 regarding his involvement in the failed ‘CryptoZoo’ project, which many labeled a scam. Despite these controversies, he has successfully transitioned into a professional wrestler for WWE. He also co-founded the beverage company Prime, which has become a multi-billion dollar brand.

Lana Del Rey

Lana Del Rey was heavily criticized following a 2012 performance on ‘Saturday Night Live’ that was deemed amateurish by critics. She faced a second “cancellation” in 2020 after posting a “Question for the Culture” note that many viewed as racially insensitive toward other female artists. Her music career has only grown in spite of these controversies. She remains a frequent headliner at major festivals and her albums continue to debut near the top of the charts.

Kathy Griffin

The comedian was effectively blacklisted from television in 2017 after posing for a photo with a prop of Donald Trump’s severed head. She faced further backlash from various fanbases for her involvement in multiple public social media feuds. Griffin struggled to find work in the United States for several years, eventually touring internationally. She has since returned to the domestic stage with her ‘My Life on the PTSD-List’ tour.

Hulk Hogan

Hulk Hogan was scrubbed from WWE history in 2015 after a recording surfaced of him using racial slurs. He faced additional public scrutiny during his 2016 legal battle against Gawker, which revealed more details about his private life. Hogan eventually won a massive settlement and was reinstated into the WWE Hall of Fame. He remains a fixture at wrestling events and a highly recognizable figure in popular culture.

Ezra Miller

Ezra Miller first faced public outcry in 2020 when a video surfaced of the actor allegedly choking a woman in Iceland. Their legal situation worsened in 2022 with a series of arrests in Hawaii and allegations of grooming and harassment. Despite the intense negative publicity, Warner Bros. moved forward with the release of ‘The Flash’ starring Miller. The actor has since sought treatment and has remained out of the headlines while projects continue to circulate.

Morgan Wallen

Country singer Morgan Wallen was first criticized in 2020 for violating COVID-19 protocols, leading to his removal from a scheduled SNL appearance. He faced a much larger crisis in 2021 when a video surfaced of him using a racial slur outside his home. Despite being temporarily removed from radio and awards shows, his fan base rallied behind him. His album ‘One Thing at a Time’ spent multiple weeks at number one and broke several streaming records.

Doja Cat

Doja Cat was first “canceled” in 2020 for allegedly participating in alt-right chatrooms and for a song title that was deemed offensive. She faced a second wave of backlash in 2023 when she publicly insulted her fans for calling themselves “Kittenz.” Despite these instances of friction with the public, she remains one of the most successful pop stars today. Her singles consistently go viral and her ‘Scarlet’ tour was a commercial success.

Matty Healy

The frontman of The 1975 faced backlash in 2023 for controversial comments made on a podcast regarding several female artists. He faced a second wave of international criticism that same year for a stage protest in Malaysia that led to the cancellation of a music festival. Despite the constant cycle of controversy, his band’s ‘At Their Very Best’ tour was one of the highest-grossing of their career. He remains a central figure in the indie-rock scene.

Madonna

Madonna has faced numerous “cancellations” throughout her four-decade career, most notably in 1989 following the religious controversy of ‘Like a Prayer’. She faced a second wave of modern criticism in 2020 for her “great equalizer” comments regarding COVID-19 and her unusual social media presence. Despite the criticism, her ‘Celebration’ world tour in 2023 and 2024 was a massive financial success. She continues to hold the record for the best-selling female recording artist of all time.

Jimmy Fallon

The late-night host faced a major controversy in 2020 when a video of him performing in blackface on ‘Saturday Night Live’ in 2000 resurfaced. In 2023, he faced a second wave of backlash following an investigation into an allegedly toxic workplace culture at ‘The Tonight Show’. Fallon issued public apologies for both incidents and retained his hosting position. He continues to lead one of the most-watched programs in late-night television.

James Corden

James Corden faced several waves of public annoyance throughout his time on ‘The Late Late Show’, often stemming from his perceived personality. He faced a specific “cancellation” in 2022 after he was temporarily banned from the Balthazar restaurant for his behavior toward staff. Despite being a frequent target of internet criticism, he has successfully transitioned back to theater and production. He remains a sought-after host and actor in both the US and the UK.

Liam Neeson

Liam Neeson faced a massive PR crisis in 2019 after he shared a story about seeking a “black bastard” to kill in revenge for a friend’s assault decades prior. He faced secondary criticism for several action films that were perceived as repetitive or of low quality. Neeson clarified his comments and expressed regret, which eventually allowed the controversy to subside. He continues to star in multiple action thrillers every year, maintaining a steady box office presence.

Justin Timberlake

Justin Timberlake was first heavily criticized in 2004 following the Super Bowl “wardrobe malfunction” with Janet Jackson. He faced a second modern wave of backlash in 2021 after the ‘Framing Britney Spears’ documentary highlighted his past treatment of Spears. In 2024, he faced a third crisis after a DWI arrest in the Hamptons. Despite these setbacks, he successfully launched a global arena tour and remains a staple of pop music.

Christian Bale

The actor faced family-related legal issues in 2008, though no charges were ultimately filed. He faced a second, more public cancellation in 2009 after a leaked audio recording of him screaming at a crew member on the set of ‘Terminator Salvation’. Bale apologized for the outburst and his career continued to flourish with numerous award-winning roles. He remains one of the most respected and sought-after dramatic actors in Hollywood.

Matthew Broderick

Matthew Broderick’s career was nearly derailed in 1987 after he was involved in a fatal car crash in Northern Ireland. He faced a second period of public disinterest in the 2000s as he moved away from leading film roles toward theater. He successfully reinvented himself as a Broadway powerhouse, starring in hits like ‘The Producers’. Most recently, he appeared in the high-profile Netflix series ‘Painkiller’ and the film ‘No Hard Feelings’.

Vince McMahon

The former head of WWE faced a massive scandal in 2022 involving millions of dollars in hush-money payments to former employees. He faced a second, more legally perilous “cancellation” in 2024 following a lawsuit alleging sex trafficking and physical abuse. While he was forced to resign from his executive roles, he remains a multi-billionaire following the merger of WWE and UFC. His influence on the wrestling industry remains undeniable despite his total removal from operations.

Morgan Freeman

Morgan Freeman faced personal scrutiny in 2008 following a car accident that led to rumors regarding his private life. He faced a more significant professional crisis in 2018 when eight women accused him of sexual harassment and inappropriate behavior. While some brands temporarily pulled his ads, Freeman denied the allegations and continued his career. He remains one of the most prolific voice actors and narrators in the entertainment industry.

Ansel Elgort

Ansel Elgort faced serious sexual assault allegations in 2020 from a woman who claimed an incident occurred when she was 17. He faced a second wave of public mockery and criticism for his eccentric social media behavior during the same period. Despite the controversy, he starred in Steven Spielberg’s ‘West Side Story’ and the series ‘Tokyo Vice’. He continues to land leading roles and maintains a career in both acting and music.

Chris Pratt

Chris Pratt was labeled the “Worst Hollywood Chris” by social media in 2019 due to his perceived political and religious affiliations. He faced a second wave of backlash in 2021 after a social media post about his “healthy daughter” was interpreted as a slight toward his son with Anna Faris. Despite the frequent internet criticism, his movies consistently break box office records. He remains the lead of several multi-billion dollar franchises, including ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ and ‘Super Mario Bros.’.

Please share your thoughts on which of these celebrity career resurgences surprised you most in the comments.