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Scandals That Shocked Hollywood

Scandals That Shocked Hollywood

With fame in Hollywood comes scandal. In the history of Hollywood, there have been plenty of scandals that have not only shocked just Tinsel Town, but also the general public, the national, and the entire world as well.

These scandals include controversial comments, sexual abuse allegations, Some of the people and celebrities involved in these scandals have had their careers in Hollywood either ruined or flourish. In the case of the latter, it happens only after a certain amount of time has passed since the scandal (depending on how bad it was).

Listed below are 7 Scandals That Shocked Hollywood (in addition to the public as well): 

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1. Harvey Weinstein Sexual Abuse Allegations:

In October 2017, Hollywood (and the entire world) was totally rocked when The New York Times and The New Yorker released articles where dozens of women (including many well-known Hollywood Actresses) accused well-known Film Producer Harvey Weinstein of rape, sexual assault, sexual abuse, and gender-based discrimination for over a period of at least 30 years. After the initial reporting fay both The New York Times and The New Yorker, more than 80 women in the film industry have come out and shared their encounters with Weinstein.

As a result of his alleged actions, Weinstein forced to step down from his production company, The Weinstein Company; expelled from The Academy of Motion Picture Arts of Sciences and other professional organizations; and stripped of several honors. Weinstein, who’s currently facing many legal battles, has largely withdrawn from the public eye. 

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2. The Aftermath of Harvey Weinstein Sexual Abuse Allegations and The#MeToo Movement:

Right after the fallout of Harvey Weinstein’s alleged actions, the #MeToo Movement had risen. The #MeToo Movement is an anti-harassment campaign about men in the film industry and elsewhere that prey on women.

The rise of the #MeToo Movement led allegations of misconduct by other men in the industry, which caused the disruption and the end of several Hollywood careers. Those who faced allegations and/or careers were ruined include Actor Kevin Spacey (in the photo below), Today Show Anchor Matt Lauer, Celebrity Chef Mario Batali, and CBS Chairman and CEO Les Moonves, to name a few. 

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3. Photos of Nude Celebrities Leaked To The Public:

In 2014, Hollywood was rocked with a scandal where several hackers leaked private photos of many high-profile female celebrities on the Internet. Many of these leaked, private photos contained nudity. Female Hollywood Celebrities  who’s private photos were leaked included Kirsten Dunst, Jennifer Lawrence, Kate Upton, and Gabrielle Union, to name a few. 

4. Donald Trump Access Hollywood Tape:

A month prior to the 2016 US Presidential Election, an audio recording was released to the public of a conversation that took place in 2005 between Republican Nominee Donald Trump and then Access Hollywood Host Billy Bush (who is related to former US Presidents George H.W. Bush and George Bush). The conversation took place on a Hollywood set when the former was making an appearance on a soap opera.

In the audio recording, Trump brags to Bush about kissing, groping, and trying to have sex with women who weren’t his wife. It was this clip where Trump stated his infamous “Grab ’em by the pu–y,” comment and in response to the tape being released, the Republican Nominee said it was locker room talk. The audio recording and Trump’s reaction drew angry responses from not only politicians, athletes, and the public, but also Hollywood Celebrities as well!

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Many condemned Trump’s comments and some even suggested that Trump drop out of the race and have Mike Pence (the Republican Nominee for Vice President) take over the Republican Party’s ticket. However, despite the controversy, Trump still won the election. 

5. Mel Gibson’s Antisemitic Remarks:

In 2006, Oscar-Winner Mel Gibson was arrested for a drunk-driving incident in Malibu where he was recorded making several anti-Semitic remarks, which included “The Jews are responsible for all the wars in the world!” His controversial remarks, in addition to his domestic violence incident against ex-girlfriend Oksana Grigorieva (the mother of his eighth (of eventually nine children) child), caused Gibson to be blacklisted in Hollywood for several years. However, following the release of the 2016 film Hacksaw Ridge, which won two Oscars and he also directed, Gibson is in the midst of a career comeback. 

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6. Pee Wee Herman’s Arrest For Public Masturbation:

Actor Paul Reubens, best known for his role as Pee-Wee Herman, was arrested and charged with exposing himself inside of an adult movie theater in Sarasota, Florida in December 1991. The arrest sidetracked his career for several years. Reubens wouldn’t be involved in any major Hollywood projects until 1999 and has experienced a career comeback.

Some of his most notable projects in Hollywood since 1999 included appearances in the TV Shows 30 Rock and The Blacklist. Reubens has also reprised his role as Pee-Wee Herman in the 2016 Netflix film Pee-wee’s Big Holiday.

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7. The College Admissions Bribery Scandal:

When the College Admissions Bribery Scandal came out earlier this year, a lot of people were stunned.  However, Hollywood would later become entangled in the scandal when Actresses Felicity Huffman (on the left) and Lori Loughlin (on the right) were named among the list (of more than 50 people) of people being charged. 

Huffman, who paid $15,000 for someone to cheat on a college entrance exam for her eldest daughter, pleaded guilty. She has expressed in the courtroom that she regretted doing what she did. The Emmy-winner, who was also the first parent to be sentenced, got 14 days in jail (which she served in October 2019), a year of supervised release, 250 hours of community service and a $30,000 fine.

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Unlike Huffman, Loughlin (whose husband, Fashion Designer Mossimo Giannulli, is also being charged in the scandal), rejected a plea deal and decided to plead not guilty. Loughlin and her husband (who have yet to be sentenced yet) reportedly paid $500,000 in bribes to arrange to have their two daughters accepted into USC as members of the rowing team (neither daughter has even participated in the sport). 

From this list, which of these Hollywood scandals stunned and shocked you the most? Be sure to let us know which ones down below in the comments section! 

Featured Image Source: https://www.rt.com/usa/445579-metoo-wall-street-segregation/