22 Times Celebrities Had It All and Then Messed Up

We can all name a celebrity who had everything going for themselves and lost it all because they said something problematic, did something problematic, or became embroiled in legal issues.

Reddit user u/HumptyDumpty30 recently sparked a discussion about celebrities who ruined their careers by asking, “What famous person had everything going for him but managed to mess it all up?” Here are some of the names mentioned, from TV hosts to world-famous athletes:

1. Matt Lauer: This guy was NBC royalty. Hosting the Olympics and being a network fixture, he then vanished after his alleged sex abuse secrets got out. Matt Lauer has denied the allegations.

2. Oscar Pistorius: The celebrated Paralympian’s global fame turned to infamy when he reportedly shot his girlfriend through a door. “Dude was the poster boy and champion of paraolympians. Shame what he did.”

3. Subway Jared: Once a spokesperson for Subway, Jared was arrested and sentenced to 15 years in prison in 2015 for child sex crimes.

4. Robert Downey Jr.: Initially struggling with addiction and legal issues, he later made a significant comeback with 2008’s Iron Man.

5. Kevin Porter Jr.: A former NBA player for the Houston Rockets who got arrested and charged with assaulting his girlfriend shortly after signing a lucrative deal. Porter has pleaded not guilty.

6. Allison Mack: Known for her role in Smallville, she lost it all after getting involved in a sex trafficking cult.

7. Kevin Spacey: Once a favorite actor for many, his career took a downturn after multiple sexual assault allegations in 2017, which he has denied. He was acquitted on claims of sexual abuse this summer.

8. Andrew Cuomo: Once a rising political star, several women came forward accusing him of sexual harassment. Cuomo has denied the allegations.

9. Rudy Giuliani: Once a hero post 9/11, Giuliani now faces backlash for various controversial actions and comments. He has denied multiple allegations against him.

10. Jussie Smollett: In 2019, Smollett claimed an attack that was later determined to be staged. He was convicted and served part of a 150-day sentence. He continues to maintain his innocence.

11. Aaron Hernandez: The NFL player, convicted of murder in 2015, tragically died by suicide in prison in 2017.

12. Lizzo: Accused of creating a toxic work environment, Lizzo faced a lawsuit alleging improper behavior at an Amsterdam strip club. She has denied the claims.

13. John Wilkes Booth: A famous and highly regarded actor before assassinating President Lincoln.

14. Ellen DeGeneres: Once famous for her “be kind” mantra, her show ended after allegations of a toxic workplace environment.

15. Bill Cosby: Once known as “America’s Dad,” Cosby was accused of raping multiple women. He denied the allegations but was convicted in one case before the conviction was overturned.

16. Henry Ruggs III: An NFL prospect whose career was cut short after being involved in a fatal car crash. He pled guilty to the charges.

17. T.J. Miller: Once a comedy staple, Miller faced accusations of physical and sexual assault, which he denied.

18. O.J. Simpson: Arrested for the 1994 murders of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ronald Goldman. He was acquitted in a highly publicized trial.

19. Kanye West: Experienced major fallout following antisemitic remarks in 2022. He was suspended from social media and lost major business partnerships.

20. Armie Hammer: Accused of rape and having a cannibalism fetish in 2021, allegations which he denied.

21. Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis: Faced backlash after supporting Danny Masterson before his sentencing on rape charges. They later apologized.

Did anyone else come to mind? Share them in the comments below.

Note: Some responses have been edited for length and/or clarity.

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Source: Reddit