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You can't work in Hollywood without falling victim to one tabloid scandal or another. In the entertainment industry, no one is off-limits. Unfortunately, stars like Lindsay Lohan and Britney Spears are all-too-aware of the damage incriminating photos can have on one's career.
2007-Era Britney
Britney Spears' very public breakdown in 2007 is likely one of the only pop culture events that everyone who uses the Internet is familiar with. This photo was snapped in the middle of Spears' custody battle with ex-husband Kevin Federline, and it was understandably incredibly stressful. The paps caught her in the middle of a rough moment...
Trying To Get a Reaction
When Britney stopped at a gas station, paparazzi surrounded her and overwhelmed her with camera flashes. They tried to get a reaction from her regarding her personal drama, but what happened next was pretty unexpected. Britney grabbed an umbrella and went to town on one of the photographer's cars.
Tara Reid's Wardrobe Malfunction
Tara Reid's nip slip was really the moment when her career hit the point of no return. She attended P. Diddy's birthday party in 2004, and the strap of her dress slipped too far past her shoulder. Somehow, she didn't realize it for a minute.
Nobody Asked for "Sharknado"
If you had a feeling Tara Reid looked familiar, but you weren't sure how... here's your answer. She's the leading lady in the unfortunate Sharknado franchise. The films are about a series of disastrous weather events that also include sharks flying through the air.
Lawless Lindsay Lohan
This is one of the most recognizable photos of the former child star, unfortunately. She went a little off the rails in the mid-2010s. She was given a DUI and continued to party through that fateful Memorial Day in 2007.
So... A Beach Club?
After a couple of just-okay film roles that helped put her back on the map, Lohan opened her infamous Dubai beach club. That awarded her a short-lived reality show. Despite the high-profile nature of the resort, it went under fairly quickly.
What's Going On Here, Fergie?
Yeah, Fergie really did wet her pants. “We were late for stage, driving down the freeway, it’s Friday traffic…get to the stage, we have to start right the show … I’m running on and we jump and do ‘Let’s Get It Started,’ and I get crazy and I jump and I run across the stage and my adrenaline was going and gosh … I wish it didn’t happen…It was so embarrassing!”
Stepping Out Of The Spotlight
The "Big Girls Don't Cry" singer recently stepped out of the spotlight following her divorce from actor Josh Duhamel in order to focus on motherhood. The couple has a son, Axl Jack Duhamel. Fergie's taken the time off due to COVID to slow things down and focus on motherhood.
Did Christina Aguilera Also Wet Herself?
There are a lot of theories about what this is. None of them are particularly gross, but it's certainly embarrassing. A rep for the singer cleared it up, though, and said it was "a bad mixture of sweat and spray tan."
"Reflection"
Aguilera's most recent project was singing a version of the Mulan classic "Reflection." While the movie wasn't necessarily a hit, the reimagined song definitely was. Though nothing will ever top her number one song, "Beautiful."
Fisticuffs With Kanye West
We all know Kanye West has a pretty big personality. He was caught smashing a pap's camera back in 2008 because he felt like he was being harassed. However, it didn't end there. He chased after another photographer and wrestled him to the ground.
The End of Kimye
Rumors have been circulating since early 2021 that the power couple is headed toward divorce. Kim, studying to be a lawyer herself, has met with a high-profile attorney. The couple had apparently been living pretty separate lives for a while and it appeared that things were headed this direction.
Tom Cruise LOVES Katie Holmes
Was Tom Cruise... okay? I mean, the short answer is definitely no. But do you remember this iconic Oprah Winfrey interview? Cruise leaped up onto the sofa and professed his love for (ex)-wife Katie Holmes in a fit of what can only be described as mania.
Another Star Lured In By Scientology
Unfortunately, the two divorced due to Cruise's affinity with the Scientology religion. They have a daughter, Suri, and Holmes has recently started dating chef Emilio Vitolo Jr. in 2020. Cruise is continuing to star in the Mission: Impossible franchise.
That Michael Jackson Balcony Incident
This was likely the first of many blunders that led to Michael Jackson's ultimate undoing. He dangled his baby, named Blanket, over a balcony in 2002 right in front of paparazzi who shouted at him to stop. He cheerfully showed the baby off for the cameras without realizing just how dangerous the situation could have been.
A Troubled Childhood
Apparently, after the documentary "Leaving Neverland" aired in 2019, the aforementioned "Blanket," whose real name is Prince Michael Jackson II, went mute. The doc shed light on some pretty horrid child sexual abuse allegations against Jackson, and the teen has been struggling to deal with the fallout. Blanket now prefers to be called Biji, and his godfather Mark Lester says everyone is worried about his mental health.
"Cocaine Kate"
Supermodel Kate Moss was successful on the runway, but with the long hours on set, Moss fell into drug abuse. The temporary undoing of her career was thanks to tabloid covers showcasing her sitting next to lines of white powder.
Once a Wild Child, Always a Wild Child
Though her career did survive the fallout, Moss did lose a lot of gigs after the initial tabloid smear. She managed to rebuild her career quickly and turned her partying days around. However, the reputation never left, and people still bring up her past.
That Michael Richards Rant
Remember that one time Kramer went on a crazed tangent? Actor Michael Richards was delivering a standup set at the Laugh Factory in 2006 when he was being heckled by crowds. Rather than just deal with it like a professional, he released a slew of tasteless comments that he later said he felt intensely sorry for.
Nothing Without "Seinfeld"
Unfortunately, Michael Richards has been typecast as his Kramer character. He did manage to recover after that unprecedented rant, and even appeared on "Seinfeld" creator Larry David's show "Curb Your Enthusiasm." Otherwise, he hasn't been up to much.
Martin Lawrence Loses It On Set
While filming Bad Boys II, Martin Lawrence allegedly suffered a mental break due to exhaustion. He ran through the street with a loaded gun in his pocket yelling "Fight the establishment!" Doctors confirmed he wasn't in a stable frame of mind.
Renee Zellweger Looks Different...
Known for her role as Bridget Jones, Zellweger had a sort of charm for her relatable look. However, she hit the screen again in 2014 and her face looked... different. She didn't look bad, but she also didn't look anything like herself. She has a right to do whatever she wants to her body and was apparently pretty hurt by the criticism.
Back Off, John Travolta
This moment on the red carpet between John Travolta and Scarlett Johnsson is pretty cringe-worthy. He went in for a kiss on the cheek, but the encounter turned weird really fast when his hand ended up on her waist and she looked visibly uncomfortable. She laughed it off, but he looks like he realizes exactly what he's done, and wishes he hadn't.
When Kristen Stewart Slept With Her Director
Kristen Stewart messed up big time when she cheated on the most desirable man in Hollywood, Robert Pattinson, with her slimy director, Rupert Sanders. They were working on Snow White and the Huntsman together, and the lines got blurry really fast. That swiftly ended the Twilight stars' romance.
Nicole Richie's Unsettling Bikini Pics
Fashion icon Nicole Richie was put under fire in 2006 after some photos surfaced of her looking unusually thin. Richie addressed the photos, and opened up about her struggles with her weight. The world tried to accuse her of anorexia, but she denied it.
Justin Bieber's Wild Years
During Justin Bieber's youth, he was known to act out around paparazzi because he was overwhelmed by his fame. In 2013, a photo surfaced of him spitting off a balcony at photographers below. Critics pinned him as a "fake tough guy" but in reality, he was just deeply troubled from his high-profile career.
No, Beyoncé Isn't Photoshopped Here
Beyoncé is one of the world's top performers. During her 2013 Super Bowl appearance, a particular photo surfaced that showed her in a less-than-positive light. She was caught mid-pose, and her face was distorted at an odd angle and her body looked particularly ripped. She's complained about the use of these photos so many times.
Don't Bother Nicholas Cage
Nicholas Cage snapped this photo with a fan on a plane, but you have to wonder if he was actually awake enough to consent to the picture. The National Treasure star is known for being particularly meme-able, but this is just top-tier.
Young Brad Pitt
I'm sure Brad Pitt wishes this photoshoot never happened. Even stars probably cringe at their adolescent selves being horribly awkward. Brad Pitt at least still went on to have an insanely successful career.
No Scurvy For Leo
Okay, if Brad Pitt was cringe, you might want to look away. Leonardo DiCaprio subjected himself to this insane photoshoot, impersonating Carmen Miranda. However, the worst part of the shoot is definitely those jeans.
Tom Cruise Is Just Happy To Be Here
Young stars are the best. Known for his roles in Brat Pack films like The Outsiders, Cruise didn't hit it big until the Risky Business era, which is likely when this pic was snapped. Now, he's a slightly unhinged star who does his own stunts in the Mission: Impossible movies.
Kesha Gets Snubbed By Jerry Seinfeld
Singer Kesha went in for a hug with comedian Jerry Seinfeld, and he swiftly turned her down. Despite the other controversy between her and her manager, this moment of embarrassment is one that will be hard to live down. Apparently, Seinfeld didn't necessarily mean any harm by it.
Katy Perry Without Makeup
What, you think stars sleep in a full face of makeup? Heck no. Katy Perry has always kept it real, and has posted dozens of makeup-less selfies in the past in order to show her fans that she's just like them. However, during her shows, she looks like a totally different person.
Lizzie McGuire All Grown Up
Hilary Duff getting caught in a comprising position is likely the only thing she's ever done wrong in her career. Fans have hailed her as one of Disney's most normal adult stars. This photo was snapped right after she got engaged to her now ex-husband.
Literal Bieber Fever
Bieber had a bad case of indigestion during one performance, and couldn't hold it in any longer. He threw up right on the stage, in front of thousands of people. He literally stood up and asked, “Will you love me even though I’m throwing up on stage?”
Followed by Gaga Also Throwing Up On Stage
Her dancer was the hero for hiding it as best he could, but Gaga threw up not once, but four times in one night. The performance was definitely tainted for fans, even though her early concerts thrived on weirdness. Her character in A Star Is Born would never...
Madonna Goes Down
Madonna's had her fair share of onstage blunders, but this one, in particular, is unusually comical. She fell right off the stage during her 2015 Brit Awards performance. She was wearing an exquisite cape, which dancers were supposed to pull off of her during the song. Well, it didn't tear easily, and when the cape came off, she went down with it.
David Hasselhoff, What Are You Doing?
In order to convince her father to stop drinking, David Hasselhoff's daughter posted an embarrassing video of him drunk and eating cheeseburgers on the floor for the whole Internet to see. He was aptly shamed and decided to get off the sauce. The Internet, however, completely loved it.
A Very Married Robin Thicke
Fans have just never been able to forgive Robin Thicke for that awkward Miley Cyrus VMA performance. That "Blurred Lines" era was as weird as it gets. When these photos were taken, it's worth noting that Thicke was still married.
Sofia Vergara's Dress
Sofia Vergara is best known for her curves, and one night at an award show, they got the best of her. The back of her dress completely split, revealing her bare backside. Ellen DeGeneres, of course, had to poke some fun at her.
Katherine Heigl Loses Her Dress
The Grey's Anatomy star found herself the victim of a fashion emergency while earning her 2010 Female Star of the Year ShoWest Motion Picture Award. She was in the middle of her speech when her strap broke, but she gracefully collected herself and powered through the embarrassing moment.
That Iconic Fall
Jennifer Lawrence absolutely ate it at the Oscars while she was on her way to collect her award. The reaction from her fellow colleagues is priceless. She laughed through the moment of course, but it's been years and she still hasn't been able to live it down.
Everything About Amanda Bynes
The worst part about Amanda Bynes' downfall is... everything. The former child star went off the deep end and got heavily involved with drugs. She recalled filming all of Easy A while high. She's since been in and out of rehab, but it doesn't seem to have helped much.
Al Franken Got #MeeToo'd
Comedian Al Franken released a pretty tasteless photo in which he's shown groping what appears to be an unconscious woman in 2006. In light of the #MeToo movement, Franken was called out pretty severely. He apologized for the act and said it was unacceptable.
Is That Brooklyn Decker?
If Amanda Bynes can post unflattering selfies, anyone can. This really is supermodel Brooklyn Decker. This photo was intentional though — she does have a sense of humor!
"Grandpa Hanks"
Sweet Tom Hanks just doesn't really get Instagram. And that's fine! He shared this selfie rocking a USS Montpelier hat in his kitchen. Looks like it could have even been an accidental snap, but he's Tom Hanks, so we'll let it go.
Zac Efron Came Prepared
The situation and the event really just make this entire thing so funny. Zac Efron accidentally dropped a condom while at the premiere of The Lorax, a children's movie. Good thing he showed up solo, or else his date would have probably thought he was getting ahead of himself.
Paris Hilton Needs to Go Home
Paris Hilton is best known for her wild clubbing days, and this picture is a pretty accurate representation of what a huge chunk of her life looked like. Now 36, she probably wishes she'd reigned it in a little bit. The heiress has since turned her life around and is living a lavish, but calmer, lifestyle.
Mariah's Night Out
The "All I Want For Christmas Is You" singer is a notorious diva. These photos of her look like she's hiding the juiciest secret ever, and she isn't about to tell you what it is. She was caught partying back in 2016 during a night out in Vegas, but she seems unbothered by that.
Kathy Griffin Gets Too Political
Kathy Griffin released a photo of herself holding what appeared to be then-President Donald Trump's severed head in 2017. She had to issue an apology, and she lost several gigs because of the stunt. Though freedom of speech is relevant, many people were offended by this.
Kim K's Bikini Bod
Kim Kardashian looks less-than toned in this pic while she was vacationing in Mexico. Known for her curves, this photo of her caught at an unflattering angle went viral on the Internet and fans started to accuse her of photoshopping and airbrushing her personal photos. That's honestly probably true.
Wild Weekend For Christina
Christina Aguilera's heavy makeup phase didn't exactly play out in her favor after a long night out. She was caught leaving an event with lipstick smeared all over her face. If only stars in the early 2000s knew how to properly choose skin-tone flattering makeup.
OG Party Girl Tara Reid
Before her infamous wardrobe malfunction, Tara Reid was out partying every night with Paris Hilton. She was the 90s OG party girl thanks to her starring role in American Pie. These are just some of the many photos that would circulate in tabloids.
Miley's Bangerz Era
2013 Miley was pretty weird. She released an experimental pop album, shaved her head, and broke up with Liam Hemsworth for the first time. She had a total bad-girl attitude and was honestly sort of the worst for a couple years.
Plastic Pamela
The Baywatch actress has had a lot of work done in the past. It was most noticeable when she showed up at the 2017 Cannes Film Festival. People didn't even recognize her!
Fat-Shaming Selena
The tabloids can be brutal. Selena Gomez was photographed while on vacation in Mexico, and fans criticized her bikini for being "too small for her body." Gomez has also been candid about her struggle with Lupus. Let her be!
Bella Thorne's Complexion
Bella Thorne was constantly in the middle of the tabloids when she was a teen. And, guess what? Most teens get acne. It's not her fault, but the cameras captured her while she wasn't wearing any makeup and fans criticized her "unhealthy complexion."
Tori's Chemical Peel
Oh, Tori, that looks painful. But, you know what they say: beauty is pain. She was spotted leaving a spa in 2015 after receiving what looks like an intense chemical peel treatment. She was brave to go out in the sun right after her skin was in such delicate shape.
Tyra's One-Piece
This decade-old photo of Tyra looks almost unrecognizable. The tabloids had a field day over this unflattering shot. In response, Tyra walked a runway show in the same suit and told haters to "kiss her fat a**." Go, Tyra!
Attempted-Meme Jennifer Garner
Jennifer Garner loves to laugh. She also loves to laugh at herself! Her social media is full of these candid moments where she gets real with the camera.