Top Celebrity Fails of All Time

Celebrities live under a bright spotlight, and when things go wrong the world sees every detail. These moments span botched live performances, tone deaf ads, and public scandals that forced apologies and damage control. Each entry here lays out what happened, when it happened, and what followed. From live TV slip ups to viral videos that backfired, these incidents show how fast fame can turn into a headline for all the wrong reasons.

Janet Jackson – Super Bowl halftime wardrobe malfunction

During the Super Bowl halftime show in 2004, a costume reveal went wrong and exposed Janet Jackson on live television. The Federal Communications Commission received an unprecedented number of complaints. CBS and MTV faced investigations and fines that influenced future broadcast policies. Networks expanded delay buffers and tightened standards for live programming.

Will Smith – Slaps Chris Rock at the Oscars

At the 94th Academy Awards in 2022, Will Smith walked onstage and struck presenter Chris Rock after a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith. Smith won Best Actor later that night and delivered an apology. He resigned from the Academy and received a 10 year ban from attending the ceremony. The Academy reviewed security protocols and conduct procedures for live events.

Kendall Jenner – Pepsi protest ad backlash

In 2017, a Pepsi commercial showed Kendall Jenner diffusing a protest by handing a can to a police officer. Viewers criticized the ad for trivializing real protest movements. Pepsi pulled the spot within a day and issued a public apology. The episode prompted brands to reassess how they portray social issues in advertising.

Ashlee Simpson – ‘Saturday Night Live’ lip sync mishap

In 2004, Ashlee Simpson’s ‘Saturday Night Live’ performance began with the wrong vocal track playing before she started singing. She briefly danced and exited as the show cut to commercial. Simpson later said a vocal issue and production error led to the choice to use a guide track. The incident fueled debate over live vocals on TV.

Milli Vanilli – Grammy revoked after lip syncing scandal

In 1990, it emerged that Milli Vanilli had not sung on their hit recordings. The Recording Academy took back their Best New Artist Grammy, a rare move in awards history. Retailers offered album refunds to dissatisfied buyers. Labels tightened verification processes for vocals and credits.

John Travolta – Mispronounces Idina Menzel as “Adele Dazeem”

At the 2014 Oscars, John Travolta misread the teleprompter and introduced Idina Menzel with an incorrect name. The moment was widely shared and referenced across media. Travolta apologized the next day to Menzel. The show later leaned into the flub with playful callbacks.

Ariana Grande – Donut licking video and apology

In 2015, security footage showed Ariana Grande licking donuts on a counter and saying she hated America. Health officials inspected the shop for safety compliance. Grande canceled a scheduled performance and issued multiple apologies. She acknowledged the behavior and addressed hygiene concerns raised by the video.

Gal Gadot – ‘Imagine’ celebrity singalong backlash

In early 2020, Gal Gadot posted a video montage of celebrities singing ‘Imagine’ during pandemic lockdowns. The clip was criticized as out of touch given widespread hardship. Some participants clarified their intentions and acknowledged the negative reaction. The video remains a frequently cited example of misreading public sentiment.

Logan Paul – Films body in Japan’s Aokigahara forest

In late 2017, Logan Paul uploaded footage depicting a deceased person in Japan’s Aokigahara forest. The video drew global condemnation and policy scrutiny for content platforms. Paul removed the video, issued apologies, and paused posting for a period. Platforms revisited guidelines around monetization and sensitive content.

PewDiePie – Anti Semitic jokes lead to partner cuts

In 2017, several PewDiePie videos included offensive imagery and jokes that prompted backlash. Major partners canceled a planned series and reduced collaborations. He apologized and said the content crossed responsible boundaries. Advertisers increased brand safety controls across creator ecosystems.

Roseanne Barr – Racist tweet causes show cancellation

In 2018, Roseanne Barr posted a racist tweet about a former presidential adviser. ABC canceled the revival of ‘Roseanne’ the same day. The network launched ‘The Conners’ without her involvement. Barr lost representation and issued public apologies.

Ellen DeGeneres – Workplace allegations hit daytime show

In 2020, reports described a toxic workplace environment at ‘The Ellen DeGeneres Show.’ WarnerMedia conducted an internal review and replaced senior producers. DeGeneres addressed the claims on air with an apology to staff and viewers. Ratings fell and the show concluded its run in 2022.

U2 and Apple – Unwanted automatic iTunes album

In 2014, Apple distributed a U2 album automatically to hundreds of millions of iTunes users. A significant number of users objected to receiving music they did not choose. Apple released a removal tool and updated messaging around user consent. The incident influenced later opt in design for digital rollouts.

Madonna – Cape malfunction and fall at the Brit Awards

During a 2015 Brit Awards performance, a cape failed to release and pulled Madonna backward. She recovered quickly and completed the song. The production cited a fastened tie as the cause and reviewed costume safety. The show adjusted quick change procedures for complex staging.

Fergie – Unconventional national anthem at NBA All Star Game

At the 2018 NBA All Star Game, Fergie performed a stylized version of the national anthem that drew immediate reactions. Clips spread quickly across social platforms. She apologized afterward and said the creative approach did not land as intended. Broadcasters and event planners prepared contingency messaging for viral moments.

Christina Aguilera – Forgets a line in Super Bowl anthem

At Super Bowl XLV in 2011, Christina Aguilera misstated a lyric during the national anthem. She completed the performance without interruption. Aguilera said she lost her place in the moment and apologized. The incident led to renewed focus on in ear prompts and rehearsal timing.

Kanye West – Interrupts Taylor Swift at the VMAs

In 2009, Kanye West took the microphone during Taylor Swift’s acceptance speech at the MTV Video Music Awards. Security removed him from the venue shortly after. West apologized publicly in the aftermath. Award shows increased stage access control to prevent unauthorized interruptions.

Britney Spears – Underwhelming 2007 VMAs comeback performance

In 2007, Britney Spears opened the VMAs with timing and choreography issues that drew heavy scrutiny. Coverage highlighted ongoing personal challenges surrounding that period. The performance spurred tighter readiness checks for live TV appearances. Spears later returned with charting music and a multi year Las Vegas residency.

Hilaria Baldwin – Heritage and accent questions

In 2020, interviews and posts prompted questions about Hilaria Baldwin’s public presentation of her background and accent. She clarified that she was born in Boston and spent time in Spain. The discussion led to brand and media reviews of her biography. Baldwin addressed the topic across social media and interviews.

Jussie Smollett – Convicted of staging a hate crime

In 2019, Jussie Smollett reported an assault that investigators concluded was staged. A jury found him guilty in 2021 of filing a false police report. A judge sentenced him in 2022 and subsequent appeals followed. His role on ‘Empire’ ended and the case shaped crisis response policies.

Lance Armstrong – Admits to doping after years of denials

In 2013, Lance Armstrong acknowledged using performance enhancing drugs during his cycling career. Governing bodies stripped his Tour de France titles and imposed a lifetime ban. Sponsors ended partnerships and sought restitution. Anti doping programs cited the case in enforcement reforms.

Mel Gibson – DUI arrest and anti Semitic remarks

In 2006, Mel Gibson was arrested for DUI and made anti Semitic comments to officers. He apologized and entered rehabilitation programs. Studios paused or halted projects connected to him. Years later he returned to directing and acting as producers reassessed involvement.

Tiger Woods – Personal scandal leads to public apology and hiatus

In late 2009, revelations about Tiger Woods’ personal life prompted a televised apology and time away from golf. Several sponsors paused or ended endorsements. Woods eventually returned to competition and reestablished parts of his brand. The episode reshaped athlete crisis communications playbooks.

James Corden – Restaurant ban over behavior toward staff

In 2022, a New York restaurant owner announced a temporary ban on James Corden for alleged rude behavior. Corden apologized and the ban was lifted. The situation prompted wider discussion about treatment of service workers. He addressed the episode on his show and in interviews.

Share your picks for the most unforgettable celebrity fails in the comments.