15 Celebrity Mistakes That Almost Ended Their Careers

Tabloid magazine laid out, top view.

The glitz and glam of celebrity life often create a picture of a perfect world where everything is at the fingertips of famous people. However, the truth is that even celebrities can make mistakes that can significantly impact their lives. From public scandals to legal issues, here are 15 celebrity mistakes that should’ve ruined their career.

#1 Tiger Woods

World number one golfer Tiger Woods of the United States tees off during the final round of the HSBC Champions golf tournament at the Sheshan International Golf Club in Shanghai, China, Sunday, 8 November 2009.Phil Mickelson of the U.S. held off a challenge by South Africas Ernie Els in the last round of the HSBC Champions golf tournament in Shanghai to win by one stroke. Mickelson, the world No.2 behind Tiger Woods, becomes the first person to win the tournament twice, following his victory in 2007. Top-ranked Woods tied for sixth, recovering from dropping three shots on the front nine to shoot par.
Image Credit: ChinaImages /Depositphotos.com.

Tiger Woods was one of the most successful golfers in the world before his personal life took a turn for the worse. In 2009, Woods was involved in a high-profile car accident that led to the discovery of his infidelity. The revelation led to a public scandal, and Woods lost several endorsement deals. He never quite made it back to the same heights, but he remains one of Golf’s biggest superstars.

#2 Britney Spears

Britney Spears dancing on stage.
Image Credit: benhoudijk /Depositphotos.com.

Britney Spears was once one of the biggest pop stars in the world. However, her life took a dramatic turn in 2007 when she had a public breakdown that included shaving her head and attacking the paparazzi. The incident led to a conservatorship that lasted for over a decade. Since the conservatorship was lifted though, Britney continues to display erratic, worrying behavior on social media.

#3 Lindsay Lohan

Lindsay Lohan at the 12th Annual Race to Erase MS, Century Plaza Hotel, Century City, CA 04-22-05
Image Credit: s_bukley /Depositphotos.com.

Lindsay Lohan was one of Hollywood’s most promising actresses. Her personal life began to unravel in the mid-2000s, and she faced several legal issues, including multiple DUI arrests and probation violations. Her career never quite recovered, but she remains in the public eye.

#4 Charlie Sheen

DORTMUND, GERMANY - April 13th 2019: Charlie Sheen (*1965, American film and television actor) at German Comic Con Dortmund Spring Edition, a two day fan convention
Image Credit: mwissmann /Depositphotos.com.

Charlie Sheen’s personal life has been full of controversy. In 2011, Sheen was fired from his hit show “Two and a Half Men” after a series of erratic behavior and drug use. Sheen’s behavior also led to a public feud with the show’s creator, Chuck Lorre.

#5 Justin Bieber

Canadian pop singer Justin Bieber sings during his concert in Beijing, China, 29 September 2013.
Image Credit: ChinaImages /Depositphotos.com.

Justin Bieber rose to fame as a teen pop sensation and is still one of the biggest pop stars around. However, his personal life has been plagued with controversy, including his arrest in Miami Beach in 2014 for driving under the influence (DUI), drag racing, and resisting arrest. He also had an expired license and tested positive for marijuana and Xanax. This incident led to a lot of media attention and criticism of Bieber’s behavior, but he is one of the few to successfully turn his life around.

#6 Mel Gibson

Mel Gibson side profile, smiling.
Image Credit: DenisMakarenko /Depositphotos.com.

Mel Gibson’s career took a hit after a 2006 DUI arrest, during which he made anti-Semitic comments to the arresting officer. Gibson’s behavior led to a public backlash and several studios refusing to work with him.

#7 Winona Ryder

VENICE, ITALY - AUGUST 30: Actress Winona Ryder attends 'The Iceman' premiere during the 69th Venice Film Festival on August 30, 2012 in Venice, Italy.
Image Credit: arp /Depositphotos.com.

Winona Ryder’s career came to a halt in 2001 when she was arrested for shoplifting. The incident led to a public scandal and a hiatus from acting. She made her comeback with Netflix’s hugely popular series, Stranger Things.

#8 Paris Hilton

Paris Hilton wearing an outfit by Area arrives at The Daily Front Row's 6th Annual Fashion Los Angeles Awards presented by Yes I Am Cacharel, Moroccanoil, Sunglass Hut, MCM, FIJI, Whispering Angel, and Sleep Spa Hastens held at the Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel on April 10, 2022 in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, California, United States. (Photo by Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency)
Image Credit: imagepressagency /Depositphotos.com.

Paris Hilton was once one of the most famous socialites in the world. However, her personal life took a turn for the worse in 2006 when she was arrested for driving under the influence and served 23 days in jail in 2007 for probation violation. She was also charged for cocaine and marijuana possession in 2010.

#9 Robert Downey Jr.

Robert Downey Jr. at a movie premier, smiling at the cameras.
Image Credit: PopularImages /Depositphotos.com.

Robert Downey Jr.’s career was nearly ruined by his struggles with drug addiction. Downey faced several legal issues, including multiple arrests, and his behavior led to him losing several acting roles. His comeback as Marvel’s Iron Man is stuff of legends now.

#10 Kim Kardashian

Kim Kardashian
Image Credit: PopularImages /Depositphotos.com.

Kim Kardashian is a unique case. Her rise to fame was largely due to a sex tape that was leaked in 2007. The incident led to a public scandal and scrutiny of Kardashian’s personal life, but she remains one of the most followed celebrities in the world due to her hit reality TV show.

#11 Chris Brown

Chris Brown in the Press Room of the American Music Awards 2008 at the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles, CANovember 23, 2008 ©2008 Kathy Hutchins / Hutchins Photo
Image Credit: Jean_Nelson /Depositphotos.com.

Chris Brown’s career was nearly destroyed in 2009 after he physically assaulted his then-girlfriend, Rihanna. The incident led to public backlash and several canceled concerts and endorsement deals. He avoided jail time, pleading guilty to a felony and serving five years’ probation with community service. Since then, his probation has been revoked and he has been in and out of rehab, with more assault charges continuing in recent years.

#12 Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart arrives at Federal Court in Manhattan for sentencing July 16, 2004 in New York City. (Photo by Katy Winn/Everett Collection)
Image Credit: everett225 /Depositphotos.com.

Martha Stewart’s career was convicted of insider trading in 2004. Stewart served five months in prison and remains a much-loved celebrity.

#13 Bill Clinton

Former U.S. President Bill Clinton speaks at a finance forum at the Taipei International Convention Center in Taipei, Taiwan, Novmeber 14, 2010.Former U.S. President Bill Clinton arrived in Taipei Sunday (November 14, 2010) afternoon and embarked on a whirlwind visit with less than 24 hours to spare.
Image Credit: ChinaImages /Depositphotos.com.

Bill Clinton’s presidency was nearly ruined by the Monica Lewinsky scandal. The incident led to public scrutiny, impeachment proceedings, and damaged Clinton’s political legacy.

#14 Mike Tyson

Mike Tyson holding his fist up smiling
Image Credit: zhukovsky /Depositphotos.com.

Mike Tyson’s was convicted of rape in 1992. Tyson served three years in prison and reclaimed his heavyweight championship after release.

#15 Michael Jackson

Yateley, UK - June 27, 2015: Navi, a professional MIchael Jackson tribute artist and impersonator performing at the GOTG festival in Yateley, UK
Image Credit: nelsonart /Depositphotos.com.

Michael Jackson’s personal life was filled with controversy, including several allegations of child molestation. The allegations led to public backlash and several lawsuits, which took a toll on Jackson’s career and personal life.

Learn From Mistakes

Tabloid magazine laid out, top view.
Image Credit: thinglass /Depositphotos.com.

In conclusion, these 15 celebrities are just a few examples of how public mistakes can have a significant impact on one’s life, no matter how famous or successful they are.

From personal scandals to legal issues, these celebrities faced public scrutiny, backlash, and even lost endorsements or acting roles. However, many of them were able to make a comeback and move on from their mistakes, proving that it is possible to learn from one’s mistakes and grow from them.

Featured Image Credit: thinglass /Depositphotos.com.

This article was originally published on Ash & Pri.

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Pri Kingston

Ash & Pri are the Founders of AshandPri.com and have spent the last decade building their way towards financial freedom and a lifetime of memories. Having successfully achieved their early retirement goal in under 10 years, they look forward to sharing their financial sense with like-minded people. Read more about Ash & Pri in the 'About Us' section.