The 25 Most Disliked Actresses of All Time, Ranked

People have always had strong opinions about celebrities, and actresses often find themselves in the spotlight for reasons beyond their roles on screen. Some have faced backlash from scandals that captured public attention, while others have dealt with accusations of difficult behavior behind the scenes. This list looks at actresses who have drawn significant dislike over the years, focusing on the events and actions that contributed to those feelings.

The reasons vary from legal troubles to interpersonal conflicts, and many of these women have spoken out about their experiences in interviews or public statements. As we count down, you’ll see how specific incidents shaped public perceptions and led to widespread criticism.

25. Selena Gomez

Selena Gomez faced criticism after a series of public relationships and health issues brought her personal life into focus. She dated Justin Bieber on and off for years, and their breakups often played out in the media with fans taking sides. Gomez also received backlash for her involvement in collaborations that some viewed as inauthentic.

In addition to her romantic history, Gomez dealt with accusations of cultural appropriation in her music and fashion choices. She has spoken about her lupus diagnosis and time in rehab, but some people felt her sharing felt calculated for sympathy. Her social media presence grew massive, yet it also amplified negative comments from those who questioned her talent.

24. Cameron Diaz

Cameron Diaz encountered dislike after reports surfaced about her on-set behavior during several film productions. Crew members from movies like ‘Charlie’s Angels’ mentioned her demands for specific accommodations that delayed shooting. She also faced scrutiny for her close friendships with controversial figures in Hollywood.

Diaz stepped away from acting in 2014 to focus on family and business ventures, but some people saw this as abandoning her career at its peak. Her return to projects like ‘Back in Action’ reignited old stories about her supposed diva tendencies. Publications highlighted her involvement in wellness brands that promoted expensive products out of reach for many fans.

23. Julia Roberts

Julia Roberts drew criticism when stories emerged about her interactions with co-stars on various sets. During the filming of ‘Hook’, she reportedly clashed with the director over creative differences, leading to nicknames like Tinkerhell from the crew. Her high salary demands in the 1990s also sparked debates about gender pay gaps in Hollywood.

Roberts’ personal life came under fire after her relationship with a married man while filming ‘Closer’. Tabloids covered her multiple engagements and breakups extensively, painting her as unreliable in relationships. She later addressed these issues in interviews, explaining how media exaggeration affected her public image.

22. Catherine Zeta-Jones

Catherine Zeta-Jones faced backlash after her marriage to Michael Douglas, with many questioning the age difference and motives behind their union. Tabloids speculated about prenuptial agreements and financial arrangements, leading to perceptions of opportunism. She also dealt with criticism for her limited film roles following the wedding.

Zeta-Jones received negative attention during her bipolar disorder diagnosis in 2011, as some media outlets sensationalized her treatment stays. Her endorsement deals and lifestyle choices, like promoting luxury brands, drew accusations of being out of touch. She has discussed the impact of these stories on her mental health in public forums.

21. Anne Heche

Anne Heche became a target of dislike after her public relationship with Ellen DeGeneres in the late 1990s, which some viewed as a publicity stunt. The couple’s high-profile status led to claims that Heche used the romance to advance her career. Her memoir detailed personal struggles, but critics dismissed it as attention-seeking.

Heche’s 2000 mental health breakdown, involving erratic behavior and hospitalization, fueled tabloid stories portraying her as unstable. She faced legal issues from a car crash in 2022 that injured others and destroyed property. Reports highlighted her history of substance abuse, contributing to ongoing negative perceptions.

20. Paris Hilton

Paris Hilton drew widespread criticism after her sex tape leaked in 2003, with many blaming her for seeking fame through scandal. She served time in jail for driving with a suspended license in 2007, amplifying views of her as spoiled and entitled. Her reality show ‘The Simple Life’ portrayed her as clueless about everyday tasks.

Hilton faced accusations of cultural insensitivity from using racial slurs in old videos that resurfaced. Her business ventures, like perfume lines, were mocked as superficial. She later revealed childhood abuse in a documentary, but some dismissed it as an attempt to rebrand her image.

19. Tyra Banks

Tyra Banks encountered dislike from contestants on ‘America’s Next Top Model’ who accused her of creating a harsh environment. Former participants described challenges that involved physical discomfort and emotional manipulation for ratings. Banks hosted the show from 2003 to 2015, and clips of her critiques went viral years later.

Banks also faced backlash as host of ‘Dancing with the Stars’ starting in 2020, with viewers complaining about her interview style and focus on herself. Staffers from her talk show reported tight budget practices, like serving fast food at events. She addressed some criticisms in apologies, citing growth from past mistakes.

18. Madonna

Madonna sparked dislike with her provocative music videos and performances in the 1980s, like simulating acts on stage during tours. Religious groups protested her use of Catholic imagery in ‘Like a Prayer’, leading to boycotts. Her book ‘Sex’ in 1992 featured explicit content that many found offensive.

Madonna’s adoptions from Malawi in 2006 and 2009 drew accusations of using wealth to bypass rules. Critics pointed to her public feuds with other artists, including shading their work in interviews. She has continued to release music, but some view her recent changes in appearance as desperate for relevance.

17. Anne Hathaway

Anne Hathaway faced backlash during her 2013 Oscar campaign for ‘Les Misérables’, with people calling her enthusiasm overly rehearsed. She co-hosted the Oscars in 2011, and her energy contrasted with her partner’s laid-back style, leading to poor reviews. Tabloids labeled her as pretentious based on acceptance speeches.

Hathaway’s roles in films like ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ typecast her as uptight, and real-life stories echoed that image. She addressed the hate in interviews, explaining how it affected her self-esteem. Social media amplified memes mocking her mannerisms from that period.

16. Charlize Theron

Charlize Theron drew criticism for her comments about co-stars, including calling Tom Hardy difficult during ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ filming in 2015. Crew members reported tensions on set that delayed production. Theron also spoke out against Hollywood’s treatment of women, but some saw it as hypocritical given her success.

Theron’s adoption processes in 2012 and 2015 led to debates about single parenting and race. She faced backlash for raising her child as transgender, with public figures questioning her decisions. Interviews highlighted her blunt opinions on industry standards, alienating some peers.

15. Kristen Stewart

Kristen Stewart encountered dislike after her affair with director Rupert Sanders in 2012 while dating Robert Pattinson. Paparazzi photos led to intense media scrutiny and fan backlash from the ‘Twilight’ series. She issued a public apology, but many viewed it as insincere.

Stewart’s red carpet demeanor, often appearing uncomfortable, drew accusations of being ungrateful for her fame. Her shift to independent films post-‘Twilight’ in 2012 prompted claims she rejected mainstream success. She later came out as queer, facing additional homophobic criticism.

14. Katherine Heigl

Katherine Heigl faced backlash after withdrawing from Emmy consideration in 2008 for ‘Grey’s Anatomy’, citing weak material. Writers felt insulted, leading to her character’s reduced role. She called ‘Knocked Up’ sexist in interviews, alienating director Judd Apatow and co-stars.

Heigl’s on-set demands during films like ‘Life as We Know It’ reportedly included script changes and high fees. Producers labeled her difficult, impacting her casting opportunities. She addressed the blacklisting in later statements, attributing it to speaking out as a woman.

13. Lea Michele

Lea Michele drew criticism from ‘Glee’ co-stars who accused her of bullying behavior from 2009 to 2015. Samantha Ware described microaggressions and threats on set. Other cast members supported these claims, sharing stories of exclusion and rude comments.

Michele’s apology in 2020 acknowledged her actions but faced skepticism as performative. Her Broadway role in ‘Funny Girl’ in 2022 reignited old allegations from theater colleagues. Reports highlighted her demanding nature during rehearsals, contributing to her reputation.

12. Jennifer Lopez

Jennifer Lopez faced dislike from staff who reported diva demands like specific room temperatures and no eye contact rules. Her multiple engagements, including to Ben Affleck twice, drew tabloid mockery. Lopez’s 2024 documentary revealed personal struggles, but some viewed it as self-centered.

Lopez’s business ventures, like her beauty line, received criticism for high prices and inclusivity issues. Co-stars from films like ‘Gigli’ mentioned creative clashes. She addressed rumors in interviews, explaining how media distorted her professional relationships.

11. Angelina Jolie

Angelina Jolie sparked backlash with her relationship to Brad Pitt beginning in 2005 while he was married to Jennifer Aniston. Fans sided with Aniston, labeling Jolie a homewrecker. Their 2016 divorce involved custody battles where Jolie accused Pitt of abuse, intensifying public division.

Jolie’s humanitarian work with the UN since 2001 drew skepticism from some as image-building. Her adoptions of children from different countries led to debates about cultural uprooting. She has filed lawsuits against media outlets for invasive coverage of her family.

10. Kim Kardashian

Kim Kardashian became disliked after her 2007 sex tape with Ray J leaked, with many claiming she orchestrated it for fame. Her 72-day marriage to Kris Humphries in 2011 fueled views of her relationships as publicity stunts. Kardashian’s app and products earned millions but faced copycat accusations.

Kardashian’s social media posts promoting luxury items drew criticism for insensitivity during economic hardships. She received backlash for wearing Marilyn Monroe’s dress in 2022, damaging it slightly. Her law studies since 2019 prompted doubts about her seriousness.

9. Gwyneth Paltrow

Gwyneth Paltrow faced criticism for promoting unproven health advice on Goop since 2008, like jade eggs for vaginal health. Experts debunked many claims, leading to lawsuits and fines for false advertising. Paltrow’s ski trial in 2023 highlighted her wealth, with details like private jets.

Paltrow’s comments on motherhood and work-life balance offended working parents. She sold high-priced items like scented candles with controversial names. Interviews revealed her strict diets and routines, seen as unattainable and preachy.

8. Meghan Markle

Meghan Markle drew dislike after joining the royal family in 2018, with media accusing her of breaking protocols. Staff reports claimed bullying behavior during her time as a working royal. Markle’s 2021 Oprah interview detailed racism within the family, polarizing public opinion.

Markle’s acting background in ‘Suits’ led to claims she treated royal life like a role. Her Netflix series and book deals post-2020 exit faced criticism as exploitative. She has sued tabloids for privacy invasions, winning cases against intrusive reporting.

7. Jada Pinkett Smith

Jada Pinkett Smith sparked backlash with her ‘Red Table Talk’ show starting in 2018, where she discussed her entanglement with August Alsina during a separation from Will Smith. Fans viewed it as humiliating for him. Her comments on marriage dynamics drew accusations of toxicity.

Pinkett Smith’s 2023 memoir revealed long-term separations, intensifying criticism. She faced scrutiny for her alopecia and the 2022 Oscars incident involving her husband. Co-stars from films like ‘Girls Trip’ mentioned her strong opinions on set.

6. Ellen DeGeneres

Ellen DeGeneres faced accusations in 2020 of fostering a toxic workplace on her talk show running from 2003 to 2022. Employees reported bullying, racism, and intimidation by executives. A Twitter thread called her mean, prompting an internal investigation by Warner Bros.

DeGeneres apologized publicly, but viewership dropped, leading to the show’s end. Former guests shared stories of cold off-camera behavior. Her relationship with controversial figures added to the backlash. She addressed the impact on her career in stand-up specials.

5. Winona Ryder

Winona Ryder became disliked after her 2001 arrest for shoplifting $5,500 worth of clothes from a Beverly Hills store. She pleaded guilty to felony charges and served community service. The incident halted her career momentum from films like ‘Girl, Interrupted’.

Ryder’s trial revealed prescription drug issues, with prosecutors claiming she used fake names for medications. Tabloids covered her personal life, including breakups with high-profile partners. She later discussed the mental health toll in interviews after returning to acting.

4. Lori Loughlin

Lori Loughlin faced intense backlash in 2019 for her role in the college admissions scandal, paying $500,000 to get her daughters into USC as fake crew recruits. She pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges and served two months in prison. Loughlin paid fines and completed community service.

Loughlin’s actions displaced deserving students, sparking public outrage. Her return to acting in 2021 on shows like ‘When Hope Calls’ drew boycotts. She expressed remorse in court, explaining pressure to secure her children’s futures through improper means.

3. Felicity Huffman

Felicity Huffman drew criticism in 2019 for paying $15,000 to inflate her daughter’s SAT scores in the college admissions scheme. She pleaded guilty to fraud charges and served 11 days in prison. Huffman paid restitution and completed supervised release.

Huffman’s involvement shocked fans from her ‘Desperate Housewives’ role, leading to lost endorsements. She spoke about feeling like a bad mother if she didn’t help her child. The scandal highlighted privilege in education, amplifying dislike toward her actions.

2. Lindsay Lohan

Lindsay Lohan faced dislike after multiple arrests starting in 2007 for DUI and drug possession. She violated probation several times, serving jail time and attending rehab. Lohan’s theft charge in 2011 for a necklace led to house arrest and community service.

Lohan’s on-set behavior during films like ‘The Canyons’ included tardiness and conflicts with directors. Tabloids covered her party lifestyle and family disputes. She relocated to Dubai in 2017 to escape scrutiny but continued facing legal issues abroad.

1. Amber Heard

Amber Heard became widely disliked during her 2022 defamation trial against Johnny Depp, stemming from a 2018 op-ed about domestic abuse. The court ruled in Depp’s favor, ordering Heard to pay $10 million in damages. Witnesses testified about volatile incidents in their marriage.

Heard’s testimony faced scrutiny, with social media campaigns petitioning for her removal from ‘Aquaman’. She pleaded guilty in 2015 to falsifying documents for bringing dogs into Australia illegally. Appeals and countersuits prolonged the legal battle, intensifying public division.

What do you think about this list of disliked actresses—share your thoughts in the comments below.