This yr, cancel tradition got here for stars like Chrissy Teigen, Chris Harrison and Dave Chappelle. Britney Spears lastly gained her freedom, however solely after she revealed stunning particulars about her 13-year conservatorship. Listed below are a number of the greatest scandals to rock Hollywood in 2021. — by Ethan Alter, David Artavia, Suzy Byrne, Kerry Justich, Taryn Ryder, Raechal Shewfelt and Megan Sims
Armie Hammer accused of rape
The actor was engulfed in controversy in January after alleged leaked social media messages described sexual fantasies that included violence, rape and cannibalism. Then, in March, a girl got here ahead and publicly accused The Social Community star of sexual assault. Hammer’s lawyer stated the star “maintained that each one of his interactions with [his accuser] — and each different sexual associate of his for that matter — have been utterly consensual, mentioned and agreed upon prematurely, and mutually participatory.” The Los Angeles Police Division investigated the rape allegation, however it’s unknown if costs can be filed. Hammer not too long ago accomplished remedy for drug, alcohol and intercourse points.
Gina Carano’s Star Wars future flames out
Lengthy, way back in a model of the Star Wars galaxy that now appears far, far-off, The Mandalorian‘s Gina Carano was poised to turn into the star of her personal Disney+ collection impressed by George Lucas’s immortal franchise. However then the actress and martial arts professional’s historical past of offensive social media posts about hot-button points like gender pronouns and pandemic-era insurance policies caught up along with her. After a since-deleted Instagram submit that in contrast being conservative in Hollywood to being Jewish through the Holocaust, Carano was lower unfastened by Lucasfilm, her expertise company and even toymakers. Vowing that she wasn’t “taking place and not using a battle,” Carano shortly allied herself with conservative commentator Ben Shapiro for a brand new movie mission that has but to announce a manufacturing begin date.
Girl Gaga’s canine walker is shot, as her Frenchies are dognapped
Whereas the star was away making Home of Gucci in February, her three French bulldogs — Koji, Miss Asia and Gustav — have been within the care of her longtime canine walker, Ryan Fischer. He was strolling them on a February night time in Hollywood when a automobile pulled up with three males who demanded the canine. Fischer was shot, and Koji and Gustav have been stolen. The thieves, who police say have been hoping to illegally promote the canine, returned the canine two days later, after Gaga introduced a $500,000 reward. No reward was handed over. As an alternative, 5 arrests have been made — for the three males within the automobile, one man’s father and the daddy’s girlfriend, who turned the canine in to police. They’re awaiting trial. Gaga has made no remark concerning the state of affairs, however her canine walker has spoken out about his bodily and emotional path to therapeutic, which features a cross-country wellness road-trip for which he is sought crowdfunding.
Harry and Meghan inform all to Oprah
In a second that was in comparison with the late Princess Diana’s 1995 sit-down with BBC journalist Martin Bashir, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry talked with Oprah Winfrey for his or her first main joint interview since stepping away from the royal household in March 2020. Essentially the most stunning factor to come back out of it was that, when the Duchess of Sussex was pregnant for the primary time, a senior member of the royal household had, on a number of events, expressed concern to Harry about how darkish the kid’s pores and skin could be. (Meghan has a Black mom and a white father). She stated the household didn’t supply to make their son, Archie, a prince or to supply safety that got here together with the title. Early on within the marriage, the racist remedy from the media was so unhealthy, Meghan stated, that she’d had suicidal ideas. Response to the interview was uproarious, and it even not directly led to Sharon Osbourne leaving The Speak. (See beneath.) Queen Elizabeth II issued an announcement: “The entire household is saddened to be taught the complete extent of how difficult the previous couple of years have been for Harry and Meghan. The problems raised, significantly that of race, are regarding. Whereas some recollections might differ, they’re taken very severely and can be addressed by the household privately. Harry, Meghan and Archie will all the time be a lot beloved relations.”
Sharon Osbourne fired from The Speak amid racism allegations
The final authentic co-host was ousted in March after an investigation into feedback she made on the present. It stemmed from Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s high-profile interview with Oprah Winfrey by which Markle alleged racism throughout the royal household. British opinionator Piers Morgan did not imagine Markle and publicly stated so — and Osbourne backed him up, first on Twitter after which on The Speak. It turned a heated, on-air debate about racism with co-host Sheryl Underwood by which Osbourne defended Morgan. Whereas Osbourne later apologized, co-host Elaine Welteroth filed a racial insensitivity criticism after the episode and an investigation was launched because the present went darkish. Former co-star Leah Remini and others got here ahead making allegations about Osbourne’s conduct over time. They claimed she made derogatory feedback about former co-hosts Remini, Julie Chen, Sara Gilbert and Holly Robinson Peete. Osbourne denied all of it and, in her first interview after being fired, stated: “I have been referred to as so many issues in my life — I’m so used to being referred to as names — however a racist is one I cannot take.”
Lil Nas X and Nike battle over ‘Devil Footwear’
In March, rapper Lil Nas X shocked the Christian world when he launched a controversial pair of what was referred to as “Devil Footwear.” The 666 pairs of footwear, created in collaboration with the NYC-based artwork collective MSCHF, have been modified Nike Air Max 97s and featured a bronze pentagram, an inverted cross and a drop of actual human blood. (As a result of no such product could be full and not using a little blood, proper?) Nike ended up suing MSCHP shortly after and the 2 events in the end settled the authorized battle when the artwork collective agreed to a voluntary recall of the limited-edition sneakers, which had bought out in lower than a minute. The press, nonetheless, ended up working to Nas’s benefit. The rapper used it to construct hype across the launch of “Trade Child,” the third single launched from his first studio album, Montero.
Chris Harrison leaves The Bachelor amid costs of racism
After turning into as intently tied to the courting franchise as roses over 20 years, Harrison hung up his swimsuit jacket. The June information adopted his February look on Further, by which he defended a white contestant, Rachael Kirkconnell, who was receiving criticism for photographs that surfaced on-line exhibiting her at an antebellum-themed fraternity get together in 2018, to Rachel Lindsay. The latter, who had been the present’s first Black bachelorette, pressed Harrison when he stated everybody wanted to have “a little bit grace, a little bit understanding, a little bit compassion” with Kirkconnell. He did not see the issue along with her having attended the get together. Lindsay later gave examples of the franchise’s long-standing points with race, and others spoke out, too. Harrison apologized — as did Kirkconnell — and he finally took a break from the present earlier than leaving completely.
Chrissy Teigen accused of cyberbullying
Courtney Stodden publicly referred to as out the mannequin for tweeting extraordinarily hateful messages years in the past — and had the screenshots to again it up. Teigen apologized for these “terrible, terrible” tweets and condemned her earlier unhealthy on-line conduct, acknowledging that she was a troll. The cookbook writer took a social media hiatus and centered on her sobriety. “I really feel like I’ve accomplished the work and I simply hope these individuals can forgive and have the ability to welcome the truth that hopefully they’ve seen me be higher,” she stated in October.
Drake Bell convicted of crimes in opposition to a toddler
On June 23, the Drake & Josh alum pleaded responsible to at least one depend of felony tried baby endangerment and one depend of disseminating matter dangerous to juveniles. The sufferer claimed Bell “ruined my life” when he started a sexual relationship along with her when she was 15, calling him a “pedophile” in courtroom. Bell maintained that her claims have been “false” and denied any bodily contact between them. He stated he took the plea deal as a result of he “felt that it was one of the simplest ways to get this over shortly and for everyone concerned to get to maneuver on.”
Invoice Cosby free of jail
In a shocking reversal, the comic’s intercourse conviction was overturned by Pennsylvania’s highest courtroom. The judges dominated in a break up choice {that a} non-prosecution settlement Cosby had made with a earlier district lawyer greater than a decade earlier needs to be upheld. The Cosby Present star had served simply three years of a three- to 10-year sentence for drugging and assaulting Andrea Constand in 2004 when he was launched on June 30. Although the disgraced actor has maintained his innocence, his authorized woes continued in October, when actress Lili Bernard sued him for sexual assault.
R. Kelly discovered responsible in intercourse trafficking trial
After a long time of rumors about Kelly’s predatory conduct, the R&B singer was lastly held legally accountable. Kelly stood trial for sexual exploitation of a kid, bribery, kidnapping and different crimes. In September, he was discovered responsible on one depend of racketeering and eight counts of violating the Mann Act, an interstate anti-sex trafficking regulation. He faces a long time behind bars.
Dave Chappelle’s The Nearer sparks backlash
As quickly because it was launched Oct. 5, the comic’s newest Netflix particular upset the transgender group. Whereas the corporate’s CEO Ted Sarandos defended him and declined to take away the stand-up efficiency from the platform, GLAAD, the Nationwide Black Justice Coalition and different queer activists and allies referred to as Chappelle out for his feedback, together with his declaration that gender is a truth. On Oct. 20, lots of of Netflix workers walked out in protest amid the scandal. Chappelle stated he was keen to satisfy with them underneath a number of situations — that he selected the time and place, everybody needed to have watched his particular in its entirety and agree that fellow comic Hannah Gadsby, who had slammed Sarandos, is “not humorous.” Whereas Chappelle lamented after The Nearer that the controversy lessened curiosity in his movie concerning the homicide of George Floyd, he continued to carry out.
Ruby Rose stirs up main Batwoman drama
When Ruby Rose first introduced her departure from The CW’s Batwoman after a single season, she cryptically remarked: “Those that know, know.” Quick-forward a yr later and now everybody is aware of what led the Australian actress to flee the Batcave, opening the door for Javicia Leslie to take over the mantle of the Bat. In a collection of scorched-earth Instagram Story posts that instantly went viral, Rose dropped allegations of unsafe working situations and “nightmare” co-stars, together with Dougray Scott and Camrus Johnson. Warner Bros. forcefully pushed again in opposition to her claims, accusing Rose of partaking in “revisionist historical past.” For now, all appears quiet in Gotham Metropolis, however as Bat-fans know all too properly, these streets by no means keep silent for lengthy.
Deadly taking pictures happens on Rust
Tragedy struck the set of Alec Baldwin’s Western movie when a prop gun he was holding discharged with a stay spherical. Rising cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was killed and director Joel Souza wounded. Conflicting narratives emerged about working situations previous to the Oct. 21 taking pictures, with some crew members claiming the set was chaotic and unsafe. Baldwin, who additionally served as a producer, hit again at these allegations. In an interview with ABC Information in December, the actor stated he “did not pull the set off,” inflicting much more confusion about how such an incident might happen. Baldwin is known as in two lawsuits (thus far), however doesn’t imagine he is responsible. “I really feel that somebody is accountable for what occurred, and I can not say who that’s, however I do know it is not me,” he declared. The investigation, which is ongoing, has centered on younger armorer Hannah Gutierrez Reed, who oversaw all weapons, and assistant director Dave Halls, who declared the weapon a “chilly gun,” or secure to make use of, as he gave it to Baldwin.
Zayn Malik vs. Yolanda and Gigi Hadid
After six years of an on-and-off relationship and one baby collectively, Malik and Hadid referred to as it quits following accusations that the previous One Path singer hit the mannequin’s mother, Yolanda. The incident was first reported on Oct. 28 by TMZ who wrote that Yolanda was contemplating submitting a police report. Shortly thereafter, Malik delivered a response on Twitter the place he labeled it a “non-public household matter” and requested for privateness. He additionally wrote that he “agreed to not contest claims” in an effort to guard the couple’s daughter, Khai, earlier than offering an announcement to TMZ in the place he “adamantly” denied placing Yolanda. Zayn and Gigi’s breakup was confirmed that very same day, earlier than additional particulars of the incident emerged on Oct. 29 detailing the argument that occurred on the couple’s Pennsylvania dwelling one month prior. Malik was charged with 4 felony offenses of harassment, fined and placed on probation for one yr.
Astroworld ends in tragedy
On Nov. 5, rapper Travis Scott held his insanely common live performance Astroworld in Houston after asserting a star-studded lineup that includes the likes of Earth, Wind & Hearth, 21 Savage, Unhealthy Bunny and extra. The live performance was slated to final two days, however tragedy struck the very first night time. After a day suffering from a number of issues, corresponding to followers leaping the safety line, calls started to come back in throughout Scott’s set, as dozens of the estimated 50,000 attendees turned packed close to the principle stage. Apple Livestream footage and fan cellphone movies confirmed components of the melee that led to many individuals being trampled, shedding consciousness and even dying. Two concertgoers have been proven on movie climbing as much as the stage and begging a producer to cease the present, however he refused. Some followers even chanted “cease the present” to Scott, who appeared oblivious to the carnage as he continued his efficiency, solely stopping a number of occasions to convey consideration to passed-out followers. Paramedics had a tough time reaching the injured via the packed venue, and video confirmed a person dancing on prime of the ambulance seemingly marooned within the crowd. Scott’s girlfriend, Kylie Jenner, and their daughter, Stormi, together with Jenner’s sister Kendall, had safely been ushered out as issues started to take a flip. In all, 10 individuals misplaced their lives, together with a 9-year-old boy, who suffered traumatic mind accidents through the incident. Following the occasion, many concertgoers shared their horrifying tales of survival, with some saying they didn’t assume they have been going to make it out alive. Scott has since made an announcement concerning the incident on Twitter writing partly, “I am completely devastated by what occurred final night time. My prayers exit to the households and all these impacted by what occurred at Astroworld Pageant. Houston PD has my whole help as they proceed to look into the tragic lack of life.” He supplied to pay the funeral bills of the victims, though some grieving households have rebuffed him. To date, there are greater than 30 lawsuits pending in opposition to Scott and a number of other different events. Throughout his first interview for the reason that live performance, which he gave earlier this month, he continued to disclaim legal responsibility.
Britney Spears is lastly free of her 13-year conservatorship
Calls to #FreeBritney have been lastly heard this yr because the pop star, who had been deemed an incapacitated particular person within the eyes of the regulation and handled like an ATM by these concerned within the conservatorship, received again her rights. The Framing Britney Spears documentary launched in February gave a lift to the fan-driven motion and outlined the injustices she was dealing with. Nonetheless, Spears’s courageous assertion to the courtroom in June, the primary time we heard her aspect, blew it up. Spears alleged conservatorship abuse, saying these in cost — led by her father, Jamie Spears — compelled her to work, be positioned in a psychological well being facility and take contraception in opposition to her will, amongst many different allegations. She additionally stated she wished to sue her household. That led to the “Poisonous” singer having the ability to rent her personal lawyer for the primary time in 13 years, and the previous federal prosecutor chosen, Mathew S. Rosengart, ousted the star’s dad. (He is all the time denied any abuse or wrongdoing). That paved the way in which to finish the conservatorship utterly by November. Whereas Rosengart appears into the alleged abuse, the newly engaged Spears is celebrating her freedom. For the primary time since her nightmare started, she has entry to an ATM card (beforehand solely getting an allowance), she will be able to drive her boyfriend in her automobile and he or she’s now not compelled to take numerous drugs. She even purchased her first iPad, beforehand having had her web and telephone use monitored. (It is also been alleged that her dwelling had been bugged with out her data.) Spears hasn’t but, however she’s hinted that she is going to finally inform all — and stated her household needs to be fearful.
Josh Duggar discovered responsible in baby pornography trial
Greater than six years after it was revealed the 19 Youngsters and Counting star molested his sisters, Duggar, now the daddy of seven younger children, was convicted in December of receiving and possessing materials depicting the sexual abuse of kids. In Might 2019, the previous actuality star had used his then-work laptop to obtain greater than 200 photos of kid pornography. The horrific materials depicted the abuse of children underneath the age of 12, some even toddlers. He now faces as much as 20 years in jail and fines of as a lot as $250,000 for every depend. Duggar can be sentenced subsequent yr.
