Celebrities Who Were Caught Shoplifting Long After Becoming Famous

The public image of a celebrity often suggests a life of luxury and endless resources. However history shows that fame and fortune do not always prevent individuals from engaging in petty crimes like shoplifting. These incidents frequently shock fans and dominate headlines for weeks as the legal process unfolds. From high end boutiques to common grocery stores these stars faced significant consequences for their actions.

Winona Ryder

Winona Ryder was arrested in 2001 for shoplifting thousands of dollars worth of designer merchandise from Saks Fifth Avenue in Beverly Hills. The actress was caught on security footage removing security tags from clothes and handbags before attempting to leave the store. She was eventually convicted of grand theft and felony vandalism for the high profile incident. This legal trouble briefly stalled her successful career in films like ‘Little Women’ and ‘Beetlejuice’.

Lindsay Lohan

Lindsay Lohan was accused of stealing a high priced necklace from a jewelry store in Venice California. The actress claimed she was simply borrowing the item but the shop owner disagreed and contacted authorities. This legal issue occurred while she was already facing other personal challenges in the public eye. She eventually pleaded no contest to the charge and served time under house arrest as part of her sentence.

Britney Spears

Britney Spears was spotted taking a wig from a shop in Hollywood during a period of intense personal struggle. She also reportedly walked out of a convenience store with a lighter without paying for it during the same timeframe. These minor thefts were captured by paparazzi who followed her every move at the time. The singer eventually moved past these incidents as she regained control over her life and career.

Amanda Bynes

Amanda Bynes was involved in an incident at a Barneys store in New York City where she was accused of walking out with a hat. The actress claimed she was simply trying to avoid paparazzi outside and forgot she was wearing the item. Security held her for questioning but eventually released her after she signed a no trespass agreement. This situation occurred during a series of erratic behaviors that concerned her fans and family members.

Kim Richards

Kim Richards was arrested for shoplifting at a Target store in the Van Nuys neighborhood of Los Angeles. The reality star was accused of taking more than one hundred items totaling over six hundred dollars in value. She spent the night in jail before being released on bail the following morning. This incident was a difficult moment for the star who had been open about her struggles on ‘The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills’.

Bai Ling

Bai Ling was detained at the Los Angeles International Airport for shoplifting magazines and batteries from a gift shop. The actress later explained that she was having a difficult emotional day and was not thinking clearly. She pleaded guilty to a disturbing the peace charge and paid a fine to resolve the matter. Her arrest was widely reported due to her roles in major films like ‘The Crow’ and ‘Anna and the King’.

Beth Ditto

Beth Ditto was arrested after a night out for disorderly conduct and reportedly shoplifting items from a local shop. The singer for the band Gossip has always been known for her rebellious and outspoken personality. Witnesses claimed she was behaving erratically before the police were called to the scene. She eventually apologized for her behavior and focused on her music career.

Peaches Geldof

Peaches Geldof was accused of shoplifting from various London boutiques on multiple occasions throughout her life. The socialite and television presenter was once seen leaving a store with a coat she had not purchased. While she was never officially charged in some of the instances her frequent run ins with store security were well documented. These incidents were often attributed to her youthful rebellion in the British press.

Antony Worrall Thompson

Antony Worrall Thompson was caught using self checkout machines to steal cheese and wine from a Tesco grocery store. The celebrity chef was cautioned by police after being observed by security staff on several different occasions. He later expressed great shame and embarrassment for his actions and sought professional help. He described the period as a low point in his life and apologized to his fans and family.

Shelley Morrison

Shelley Morrison was arrested for shoplifting jewelry from a Robinsons May department store in 2003. The actress was best known for playing the character Rosario on the hit comedy series ‘Will & Grace’. She pleaded no contest to the charges and was sentenced to probation and a fine. Her colleagues and fans were surprised by the news of her arrest given her professional reputation.

Jennifer Capriati

Jennifer Capriati was arrested for shoplifting a silver ring from a mall kiosk when she was already a famous athlete. The tennis star was struggling with the pressures of early success and professional competition. This incident was part of a larger period of rebellion that saw her take a break from the sport. She eventually made a successful comeback to tennis and won multiple Grand Slam titles.

Rex Reed

Rex Reed was arrested for shoplifting three record albums from a store in New York City during the 1970s. The famous film critic was already a prominent figure in the media at the time of the incident. He claimed that the situation was a misunderstanding but still faced legal scrutiny. This event remains a curious footnote in the career of one of the most recognizable voices in film criticism.

Kristin Cavallari

Kristin Cavallari was arrested for shoplifting from a clothing store in Orange County shortly after finding fame. The reality star was a lead cast member on ‘Laguna Beach’ which was a massive hit for MTV. She later admitted that the experience was a huge wake up call for her. She managed to put the incident behind her and went on to have a successful career in television and fashion.

Gemma Collins

Gemma Collins was caught shoplifting from a Selfridges department store during her rise to fame in the United Kingdom. The reality star from ‘The Only Way Is Essex’ admitted that she took items during a period of financial stress. She has since been very open about her past mistakes in various interviews and books. Her fans appreciated her honesty regarding the struggles she faced before becoming a major star.

Hedy Lamarr

Hedy Lamarr was arrested for shoplifting at a department store in Los Angeles during the later years of her life. The classic Hollywood actress was once considered one of the most beautiful women in the world. She faced similar charges again in Florida several years later for taking health and beauty items. These incidents were a sad turn for a woman who was also a brilliant inventor.

Sarah Goldberg

Sarah Goldberg was arrested for shoplifting items from a CVS store in 2014. The actress was known for her recurring role on the family drama ‘7th Heaven’ and other television projects. She faced charges of retail theft and was released after processing by local authorities. Her sudden death shortly after the incident brought a tragic end to her life and career.

Kelly Cutrone

Kelly Cutrone was arrested for shoplifting items from a Barneys store in New York City. The fashion publicist and television star was known for her appearances on ‘The City’ and ‘America’s Next Top Model’. She claimed the incident was a misunderstanding involving a garment she thought she already owned. The charges were eventually resolved but the story was widely circulated in the fashion industry.

Kirsty Leigh Porter

Kirsty Leigh Porter was arrested for shoplifting from a Boots store in the United Kingdom. The actress was a regular on the popular soap opera ‘Hollyoaks’ when the incident occurred. She was given a police caution after admitting to the theft of several beauty products. She continued her acting career and remained a prominent figure on British television.

Bess Myerson

Bess Myerson was arrested for shoplifting merchandise including nail polish and batteries from a department store in Pennsylvania. The former Miss America and prominent political figure faced a significant scandal following the arrest. This incident happened late in her career and contributed to her withdrawal from public life. She was a pioneering woman who held high ranking positions in the New York City government.

Lisa Robin Kelly

Lisa Robin Kelly was arrested for shoplifting after being caught taking items from a CVS pharmacy. The actress was famous for her role as Laurie Forman on the sitcom ‘That 1970s Show’. This legal trouble was one of several personal challenges she faced during her adult years. She struggled to maintain her acting career as her private life became increasingly complicated.

Richard Madeley

Richard Madeley was arrested for shoplifting champagne from a Tesco supermarket in the early 1990s. The British television presenter claimed he had simply forgotten to pay for the bottles while distracted by other groceries. He was eventually acquitted of the charges after a jury trial. The incident became a famous part of his public persona and he often discussed it in interviews.

Courtney Love

Courtney Love was caught shoplifting clothing from a boutique during the height of her fame in the 1990s. The lead singer of Hole was known for her wild behavior and public outbursts. She reportedly took several items without paying and was confronted by store staff. This incident was one of many legal and personal issues she navigated during her music career.

Stephanie Pratt

Stephanie Pratt was arrested for shoplifting thousands of dollars worth of merchandise from a Neiman Marcus store. This event took place while she was a star on the hit reality series ‘The Hills’. She was charged with second degree theft and faced legal consequences for the act. She later spoke about the incident as a major turning point that led her to seek help for personal issues.

Amy Schumer

Amy Schumer has been very open about her history of shoplifting high end clothing from department stores. The comedian admitted to running a sophisticated operation with her sister to steal and return items for cash. While many of these acts happened early in her career she continued to discuss them after becoming a household name. She used these experiences as material for her stand up comedy specials and her book.

Rose McGowan

Rose McGowan revealed in her memoir that she engaged in shoplifting during various points in her adult life. The ‘Charmed’ actress described the behavior as a reaction to the trauma and pressures of the entertainment industry. She often took small items from stores as a way to feel a sense of control. Her candid reflections on these actions provided insight into the complexities of her life in Hollywood.

Big Sean

Big Sean admitted during a radio interview that he used to shoplift groceries from a store near his studio. The rapper was already signed to a major label but was still waiting for his career to take off financially. He described taking essential items because he was hungry and lacked the funds to pay for them. He has since become one of the most successful artists in the music industry.

Mary Stuart Masterson

Mary Stuart Masterson was involved in a shoplifting incident during the 1990s when she was a major film star. The actress from ‘Fried Green Tomatoes’ was accused of taking items from a store without proper payment. The matter was handled relatively quietly compared to other celebrity scandals of the era. She continued to work steadily in the film and television industry for many years.

Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga was reportedly caught shoplifting from a boutique in London during the early years of her global stardom. The singer was seen taking a small item and was stopped by security before leaving the shop. She reportedly apologized and paid for the merchandise immediately to resolve the situation. This brief incident did little to slow down her meteoric rise to fame as a pop icon.

Katy Perry

Katy Perry confessed that she often takes items like pillows and linens from high end hotels while traveling. While hotel theft is slightly different from retail shoplifting she admitted to the habit during a media interview. The pop star joked about her collection of stolen items from around the world. Her fans found the admission to be a humorous look at her life on the road.

Sia

Sia admitted to shoplifting from an American Apparel store during her adult life while living in Los Angeles. The singer and songwriter mentioned that she took clothing items because she liked the style but did not want to pay. She eventually stopped the behavior as her music career reached international success. She has since become known for her privacy and her chart topping hits.

Robert Downey Jr.

Robert Downey Jr. faced numerous legal issues in the early stages of his career including minor theft and drug charges. The actor was caught in several situations where he took items or entered properties without permission. These incidents were part of a well documented struggle with addiction that nearly ended his career. He eventually achieved a remarkable turnaround and became the star of ‘Iron Man’.

Janice Dickinson

Janice Dickinson was accused of shoplifting from a drug store in Malibu while she was a famous television personality. The world first supermodel was seen taking items and leaving without paying for them. She later claimed that the incident was a misunderstanding and that she had intended to pay. Her long career in fashion and reality television has been marked by many such colorful and controversial moments.

Gaby Hoffmann

Gaby Hoffmann was caught shoplifting from a Sephora store in New York City during her adult years. The actress who starred in ‘Transparent’ and ‘Girls’ was spotted by security and detained for questioning. She eventually resolved the legal matter and continued her successful career in independent film and television. She is known for her authentic and grounded approach to her work as an artist.

Todd Bridges

Todd Bridges faced several arrests for shoplifting and other crimes during his years as a young adult. The star of ‘Diff’rent Strokes’ struggled with the transition from child stardom to adult life. He was caught taking items from various stores as he dealt with personal and financial difficulties. He eventually overcame these challenges and became an advocate for others facing similar struggles.

Frances Bean Cobain

Frances Bean Cobain was caught shoplifting from a clothing store when she was a teenager living in the public eye. The daughter of music legends was already famous due to her family legacy and personal style. Security held her for questioning after she was seen attempting to take items without payment. She eventually moved past the incident as she focused on her career in art and music.

Adam Clayton

Adam Clayton was arrested for shoplifting from a store in Ireland during the early years of his fame. The bass player for U2 was navigating the pressures of international success when the incident occurred. He faced legal consequences and later expressed regret for his youthful behavior. He has since become a respected philanthropist and musician on the world stage.

Cybill Shepherd

Cybill Shepherd admitted in her autobiography that she occasionally shoplifted from department stores even after becoming a star. The actress from ‘Moonlighting’ described the act as a way to deal with the stress and isolation of fame. She often took small items that she could easily afford to purchase. Her honesty provided a rare look at the psychological complexities of Hollywood life.

Jodie Sweetin

Jodie Sweetin discussed her history of shoplifting in her memoir about her life and career. The ‘Full House’ star was dealing with various personal struggles when she engaged in the behavior. She explained that the acts were often driven by a need for attention or a sense of rebellion. She has since turned her life around and remains a beloved figure on television.

Jane Fonda

Jane Fonda was arrested in 1970 at an airport for what was initially reported as drug smuggling and theft. The actress and activist was carrying vitamins that authorities mistook for illegal substances. While the theft charges were related to minor items the situation was a major media story. She was already an established star and a vocal critic of social and political issues.

Tyson Beckford

Tyson Beckford was involved in a shoplifting incident involving designer clothing items from a high end store. The world famous model was detained after security saw him taking merchandise without paying. He later explained that the situation was a misunderstanding and the charges were eventually resolved. He remains one of the most successful male models in the history of the industry.

Kesha

Kesha admitted in interviews that she frequently shoplifted groceries and clothing during the early part of her music career. The singer was struggling to make ends meet even as she was beginning to find professional success. She described the behavior as a necessity for survival at the time. She has since become a global superstar known for her hit songs and advocacy.

Halsey

Halsey has been very open about her past including moments where she had to shoplift to eat. The singer was facing homelessness while trying to build her career in the music industry. She took essential items from stores during this difficult period of her life. Her fans admire her transparency regarding the hardships she faced before achieving stardom.

Corey Feldman

Corey Feldman faced several legal issues as an adult including accusations of minor theft and shoplifting. The former child star of ‘The Goonies’ struggled with the complexities of fame and personal trauma. These incidents were often reported in the media as he navigated his career and personal life. He has since focused on his music and advocacy work for child actors.

Edward Furlong

Edward Furlong was arrested for shoplifting from a store during a period of intense personal struggle. The actor who rose to fame in ‘Terminator 2: Judgment Day’ was dealing with various addiction and legal issues. The incident was one of several public challenges he faced during his adult years. He remains a recognizable figure in the film industry despite his difficult journey.

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