Entertainment
Breaking Down the Biggest Hollywood Scandals of the Past Decade
Hollywood has always been about extravagance and drama, or as many say, it is show business. Over the last decade, some of the most recognized and controversial personalities have become the subject of numerous scandals. These were a wide range of outrageous activities that stirred the entertainment world.
Some of the men and women we admire underwent such shocking changes that we could hardly recognize them. Whether it was a shocking #MeToo breach, Britney Spears’ custody battle, or Lizzo’s legal crisis, these events tarnished our idealistic perception of our beloved idols. This post is about the top Hollywood scandals of the last ten years: how they originated, how they developed, and what they changed in the world of money, fame, and scrutiny.
We are about to explore our favourite Hollywood cocktail – controversies, but before that, have some popcorn.
#5 The Treatment of Employees on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show”
Ellen DeGeneres, the famous comedian and actress, is known to radiate joy and charm. TW The essence of her daily talk show ‘The Ellen DeGeneres Show’ depended largely on how free-flowing and engaging the conversations appeared to be. The shock of many came forward when a July 2020 article by BuzzFeed News exposed what employees current and past described as a toxic workplace on the show. Exploitations such as racism, sexual abuse, and firing employees for being present at their relatives’ funerals or sick were seen to take place more frequently than expected.
Shortly after the publication of the report, Ellen DeGeneres wrote an apologetic letter to staff members and assured them that there was room for workplace transformation. Nonetheless, one of the most well-known actresses worldwide, DeGeneres made one of the most distressful apologies while addressing the accusations during the first episode of season 18 of The Ellen DeGeneres Show.
The controversy led to the exit of several executives, but the tarnished image of the show had run its course, lasting until its conclusion in 2022 two years later. In 2024, during a standup special, DeGeneres announced that she would be stepping away from television, stating that the criticism she received after the scandal was a major factor in her decision.
#4 The Sony Hack
Some people who have seen “Entourage” — or other similar series about the entertainment industry — understand the image presented by Hollywood. The dramatized version is filled with endless meltdowns, unpleasantries, and a lot of unprofessional behaviour from everyone involved. Well, in the year 2014, a notorious leak of Sony Pictures’ email accounts revealed that there is some truth in these assumptions.
The email communications between officials were quite revealing. A feud between then-Sony chair Amy Pascal and movie producer Scott Rudin over the film “Jobs” had to be resolved in this fashion. In these emails, Jolie was against director David Fincher’s participation in “Jobs” as it meant he would not be able to head her film ‘Cleopatra’. And while Pascal suggested Rudin talk to Jolie to calm her down, the producer clapped back by alleging that she is a ‘spoiled brat with minimal talent.’ They both could not resist the urge to spar on the keyboard in a war that quickly turned into a situation that would make any Reddit user proud.
Fans of the comic book universe were excited to learn that “The Amazing Spider-Man 3” was due to be announced at a big event, but Andrew Garfield skipped the show in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, much to the chagrin of Sony CEO Kaz Hirai, and sent everyone in a frenzy. These are just two notable examples of how this Sony hack revealed information, including the phone numbers and contacts of celebrities, such as Emma Stone.
#3 The Controversial Tweet of Roseanne Barr
The sitcom “Roseanne” pushed Roseanne Barr into the limelight that she had dreamt of all along. For the period between 1988 and 1997, the series aired for the first time only for it to be brought back in 2018. Its Season 10 premiere was quite a blockbuster with 27.26 million viewers and one can only imagine the thrill network executives must have experienced in their homes. The prospects for the show appeared bright and it was immediately renewed for a second season.
Then came the post on X, formerly Twitter, which Barr deleted previously and then the tumble-down occurred. The actress sparked controversy when she wrote a racist comment about Valerie Jarrett who served as a senior adviser to President Barack Obama.
#2 The Allegations on Kevin Spacey Ended His Career
Kevin Spacey, throughout his career, has received multiple accolades and commendations, with many acknowledging him as the most acclaimed actor of his generation owing to his captivating performances in the award-winning films Seven, The Usual Suspects, American Beauty, and the much-cherished House of Cards. However, things began to go sour in 2017, when actor Anthony Rapp accused Spacey of trying to abuse him when he was a teenager.
Speaking on this situation while on his X account, Spacey said that he did not recall any such incident, but suggested that Rapp should forgive him since he saw the act as “deplorably drunken etiquette”. Rapp was not the only person who shared similar experiences about Spacey, as many others came out with their accounts to inform the public about the controversial figure including those who were among the cast members of “House of Cards”.
#1 The Slap at the Oscars
You know what we are talking about. This controversy between Will Smith and Chris Rock at the Oscars went viral back in 2022. Comedian Chris Rock was performing on stage. As expected, he began cracking some jokes and even made fun of the audience including Jada Pinkett Smith who was also present. Rock made a joke aimed towards Jada concerning her bald head saying “Looks like she’s ready for G.I. Jane 2”.
Next, we see Will Smith climaxing the situation by rushing to the stage and slapping Rock. “Get your wife’s name out of my mouth,” he yelled as he slapped Chris. People were confused as to whether this was scripted while some thought it was part of the actual performance. The controversy was, however, added when just a few photographs later it was apparent that this was a completely spontaneous occurrence.
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This week’s top new streaming movies include some of the most popular films today, the newest originals from leading streaming networks, as well as other less hyped-up films that many noticed came out in cinemas. There’s a variety of films spanning many genres up in Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Max, Peacock, and Paramount+, many of which are just off their cinematic run. Some recently featured titles are also getting some recognition in the award season buzz.
This week still showcases some Christmas cheer to those impatient viewers who just cannot wait for the festive season. There are several Netflix productions such as Emilia Pérez that are starting to generate some anticipation due to the awards season. This is however the best week of the year for several people as it’s the release week for some of the most smashing blockbusters of the year: Transformers One, Twisters, and Deadpool & Wolverine.
#10 The Last Breath (2024)
Ever since Jaws showed us how interesting a shark movie can be, there has not really been a ‘good’ shark-related film after it which is universally appreciated and leaves a gap or potential like we saw in Under Paris’s recent effort. The Last Breath is an entertaining movie that makes viewers think thrice before entering the water but includes an interesting twist in how it tells its shark attack story. The Last Breath follows a group of college friends on a scuba diving trip in the Caribbean. All goes well until the group decides to investigate a WWII wrecked ship and unbeknownst to them, they are trapped and being stalked by sharks.
It is interesting to note that in The Last Breath, the ocean becomes as much a villain as the sharks in this narrative. The main characters have to make the horrible decision of either drowning in the sunken maze of the ship or getting eaten by the sharks in the confrontation. However, it does make for a suspenseful underwater thriller though still not able to match the Jaws.
#9 Hot Frosty (2024)
When it comes to the Christmas period, Netflix’s catalogue has several good and cozy options that I feel will find their way to people as the familiar annual collection of Christmas rom-coms has already begun in the year 2024. But no other film will probably ever beating the outrageous concept of Hot Frosty. One of the stars Lacey Chabert portrays a widow called Cathy who is not so much of a fan of Christmas and her problems are consistently solved by turning a magic snowman into a hot nice guy.
The movie goes headfirst in this merry premise with Dustin Milligan portraying Jack Snowman providing both humor and charm in the role. Some other comedic actors who feature in the film are also very notable; for example, Craig Robinson plays the sheriff who is trying to get to the root of Jack’s mysterious activities. This creates a wonderful and amusing approach to the festivities.
#8 Return Of The King: The Fall And Rise Of Elvis Presley (2024)
There are many amazing music documentaries in the world today, but there is something special about Elvis Presley that has lasted for several decades and therefore any film of him is worth watching. Return of the King: The Fall and Rise of Elvis Presley is an account of an interesting and unique phase in Elvis’ career which transformed him into one of the biggest icons of world music.
The music-focused documentary looks at the era when Elvis’ music stopped resonating with the masses and he was slowly becoming well known as a family entertainer. But Elvis made an unforgettable comeback with an equally memorable television show which earned him the title ‘The King’. The interviews are interspersed with great footage of other legendary artists speaking about their love for Elvis, including Bruce Springsteen, and fans like Conan O’Brien.
#7 Close To You (2024)
After six years of absence from the big screen, Elliott Page comes back with a film called Close to You. Additionally, he made this film after transitioning into the character that he is today. Page returns home to celebrate his father’s birthday in Close to You. During the celebration, he encounters both his relatives and friends and learns how they feel about his decision to become a trans person.
The style of the film is intimate and very loose as if the viewer simply happens to be around the characters as they engage in highly spontaneous and unscripted chats. The page clearly portrays the private side of the ordeal in the film, answering many questions, criticisms or supportive comments which inevitably come in circumstances such as these.
#6 An Almost Christmas Story (2024)
For those still not prepared to settle down with the hour-and-a-half-long Christmas special can check out the shorter festive Christmas film which comes in the shape of An Almost Christmas Story. The animated movie depicts a young owl called Moon who is accidentally caught up in a tree chosen as the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree for the year. While finding his way around the big city, Moon meets and starts talking to a girl named Luna.
Although it is only a short film available on Disney+, there are some big names in the cast of An Almost Christmas Story. An and Two have co-written and directed the short film, David Lowery (The Green Knight) directed the film which was written in part by Alfonso Cuarón. It also features an incredible voice cast that includes Natasha Lyonne, John C. Reilly and Jim Gaffigan. It serves as a nice warm family Christmas collectible for viewers of all ages.
#5 Thelma (2024)
Thelma might be the most underappreciated film of the year; however, with it now streaming at home, new audiences should enjoy this delightful surprise. Oscar nominee June Squibb portrays Thelma, a widow who is swindled out of some money because of her goodness. Determined to show that she can function independently, she sets out to reclaim what was lost.
Although the movie may precisely be described as a revenge flick, it’s really about a woman who cherishes her life and aims to do all it takes to prove that she is not a liability. Squibb is wonderful in the lead role, and she manages to be funny, charming, and sweet all at the same time. Another great performance is given by the late Richard Roundtree as Thelma’s friend who is coerced into participating in the mission.
#4 Emilia Pérez (2024)
Every year, Netflix tries its level best to market one of its original films as an award-winning film during the award season. The film which seems to catch attention this time, and chances to sweep many nominations with it is the hyped musical titled Emilia Pérez. The main cast of the film Zoe Saldaña plays an unappreciated attorney bored of being at a dead-end and is approached by a powerful and dangerous drug kingpin named Emilia. The drug lord wants assistance in staging her death so that she can escape and fulfil her dreams.
The Emilia Pérez movie received a lot of positive reactions after its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival where it also took home the Jury Prize award and Best Actress award which was awarded to the four main actors of the film; Saldana, Karla Sofía Gascón, Selena Gomez, and Adriana Paz. Mixing music with crimes has never been done before and Emilia Pérez will undoubtedly not only be one of the most talked-about films of the Fall season but will also grab a lot of attention.
#3 Transformers One (2024)
Transformers has had its fair share of highs and lows over the decades as a franchise, but one thing that stood out about Transformers One was the fact that it catered to older fans and was animated. It is a prequel depicting the events behind Optimus Prime and Megatron in their prime friendship, on a planet named Cybertron, yet again, something goes haywire and the friends get all angry at each other and split up because they have got a ‘calling’.
Transformers movie fans have waited a long time for the action to be set in Cybertron and for the Transformers characters rather than the humans taking centre stage. Transformers One feels like accomplishing both and, oddly enough, seems like a good tale about two close friends growing apart. The voice cast includes Chris Hemsworth, Brian Tyree Henry and Scarlett Johansson.
#2 Twisters (2024)
Fresh in the theatres across America, once a blockbuster this summer season is ‘Twisters.’ This movie comes after a long gap of 1996 and this movie was stuck because of the constant change of directors. This movie has a new generation of cast which features Daisy Edgar Jones, and Glen Powell amongst others which definitely excites the audience.
The film is interesting as it nicely ties in with the previous one but brings new levels of destruction as well. Nevertheless, the cast earns the highest praise – actors Edgar-Jones and Powell are among the brightest rising stars of Hollywood including Meryl Streep. They easily make Twisters exceed the expectations of the audience when it comes to storm disasters, which is the whole point of the franchise.
#1 Deadpool & Wolverine (2024)
After an explosive performance at the box office which followed up with great audience reception, Deadpool & Wolverine is one of the most desirable streaming releases this year. This is the third movie in the Deadpool trilogy, but the first that puts the Merc with the Mouth voiced by Ryan Reynolds in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. As expected, Deadpool did not come to Disney of his own accord, as the film is a multiverse tale with the perfect narrator, Deadpool, and his co-star Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine pursuing their dual motivations to not get wiped out.
It is amazing to watch Reynolds and Jackman bring their characters to life in such blood-filled and laughter-packed light. There are a lot of great action sequences where Deadpool and Wolverine exchange some truly funny lines. Along with Reynolds and Jackman, the movie features plenty of Wolverine and Deadpool & Wolverine cameos which are always guaranteed to be the best moments in the MCU.
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