10 celebrity scandals that rocked 2020: From ‘mean host’ Ellen DeGeneres to Kanye West’s Twitter meltdown
Despite all that the world experienced due to the novel coronavirus and the pandemic caused by it, 2020 still made a mark for being the year of controversies. Scandals surrounding some of the biggest Hollywood celebrities became the topic of discussion among people who were cooped up in their homes. Here's a look at 10 such celebrity scandals that rocked 2020, and you ought to know about.
Ellen DeGeneres backlash
The talk show host Ellen DeGeneres who was one of the most loved celebrities faced severe backlash in 2020. The comedian who held a reputation for helping and making people laugh, became a subject of troll and criticism after a few of her staff members alleged that they were being mistreated in terms of pay and working hours. Soon, Internet users started trending her on Twitter by branding the comedian as the “meanest”. More and more of her alleged employees shared similar shocking stories about her, including a few about her not letting others eat meat, or chew gum in her presence. She was accused of racism, intimidation, unjust termination, and soon.
Britney Spears’ conservatorship battle with her father
Britney Spears’ conservatorship came under fire after anonymous sources revealed that the singer was allegedly held against her will in the facility since January 2019. . Her father was appointed as her conservator following her 2008 meltdown. Soon, everybody started questioning the length of her conservatorship, which eventually gave rise to the #FreeBritney movement that garnered the support of millions of fans and fellow celebrities including, Cher, Miley Cyrus, Mario Lopez, and Heidi Montag. Media began discussing the alleged violation of human rights Britney had endured under the conservatorship of her father. A few speculations suggested that Jamie was allegedly stealing from his daughter. However, he denied the allegations.
Prince Andrew’s ties to Jeffrey Epstein
The alleged relationship between the Queen’s son and late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein was one of the biggest scandals of 2020. While Prince Andrews claimed that he and Epstein were “not that close”, a few of Epstein's alleged flight logs implied otherwise. Reports suggested that Andrew’s private holidays were sponsored by Epstein. Subsequent reports discovered that Andrew and Epstein allegedly met on multiple occasions. Daily Mail released a few pictures of him partying with Epstein’s procurer Ghislaine Maxwell, which further added fuel to the speculations.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry stepping down from Royal duties
Earlier this year, it was announced that Meghan Markle and Prince Harry had decided to step down their Royal duties. This was officially done on March 31 and the couple gave up their titles as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and moved to a different part of the world to lead a different life. Queen Elizabeth II showed the couple complete support through a statement that was issued later. They are currently living in the US.
NASCAR Bubba Wallace noose incident
NASCAR’s only Black driver Bubba Wallace made headlines after a noose was allegedly spotted in the garage stall of the 43 teams. It was dubbed as a “hate crime” against the racer and it was also during the time when Black Lives Matters was at its peak following George Floyd’s death. According to ESPN, Wallace never saw the noose. It was first seen by a member of Wallace's team, who immediately brought it to the attention of NASCAR. In a statement issued by him addressing the incident, he called it a “despicable act of racism”.
Jimmy Fallon canceled for wearing Blackface
The late-night show host Jimmy Fallon was one of the celebrities who got canceled on Twitter in 2020 after a few started circulating one of his videos for SNL from years ago, where he was seen wearing a Blackface imitating Chris Rock. He was called out by commoners and a few celebrities for his insensitive jokes surrounding one’s race. Fallon later issued an apology statement.
Mel Gibson antisemitic rant
American actor, director, and producer Mel Gibson was severely criticized over a few alleged anti-Semitic remarks. 'Stranger Things' actress Winona Ryder said, "Mel Gibson said to my friend, who's gay, 'Oh wait, am I gonna get AIDS?’ And then something came up about Jews, and he said, 'You're not an oven dodger, are you?'" Gibson was soon canceled on Twitter as people made #melgibsonisoverparty go viral. A user commented: "I don’t know. I’ve been unable to enjoy Mel Gibson’s work ever since I heard his racist, antisemitic rant. It’s the specifics, not the party affiliation." Another commented: "Mel Gibson is possessed by delusional fantasies of Jews controlling the world. That a bigot like him can continue to have a career in Hollywood thoroughly disproves his own antisemitic canards."
However, one of his representatives denied the allegations against the Academy Award-winning actor as “100% untrue”.
I don’t know. I’ve been unable to enjoy Mel Gibson’s work ever since I heard his racist, antisemitic rant. It’s the specifics, not the party affiliation.
— :classical_building:A Broad Abroad:statue_of_liberty: (@EllenRabiner) October 23, 2020
Mel Gibson is possessed by delusional fantasies of Jews controlling the world. That a bigot like him can continue to have a career in Hollywood thoroughly disproves his own antisemitic canards.
— Willie J. Boyd (@BWilliewisdom) October 9, 2020
Jeffree Star’s racist comments and bigoted statements
The 34-year-old YouTube fame and beauty mogul Jeffree Star has been involved in a row of controversies which we aren’t new to. On July 18, he shared a video addressing his “mistakes from the past”, where he is seen explaining that everyone should take accountability for their own actions, referring to the drama that unfolded between him and fellow YouTuber James Charles. Star publicly apologized to Charles before dwelling deeper into the issues pertaining to the beauty community. Only a few days before this makeup brand Morphe Cosmetics canceled the deal with Star after some of his old video resurfaced, in which he was seen making bigoted statements and racist language.
Megan Thee Stallion shooting
The ‘Savage’ singer Megan Thee Stallion shocked her fans when she revealed through a live video on Instagram that she allegedly got shot on both her feet by the American rapper Tory Lanez. She further stated in her video that she wasn’t “protecting” anyone, but trying to process the shocking incident reportedly that occurred weeks ago. Her fans even started a petition demanding Lanez to be sent back to Canada and ban from for coming to America “forever”. Lanez was charged with her shooting and is facing two felony charges, one count of assault with a semiautomatic firearm and carrying a loaded, unregistered firearm in a vehicle.
Kanye West Twitter meltdown
Kanye West’s Twitter meltdown was one of the highlights of 2020. The rapper who was briefly a part of the presidential race made shocking revelations about his relationship with Kim Kardashian at his presidential campaign in South Carolina, rumors were rife that the celebrity couple's relationship was on the rocks. Even though he later announced that he was backing out of the elections, thus ending his political journey, he continued to remain in the spotlight for his endless Twitter rant, in which he called out one too many known faces. People were quick to notice that the singer would share certain and delete them immediately. A few even suggested that Kanye’s meltdown will be most definitely used in the next season of KUWTK.