Top 10 Celebrities Who Almost Got Canceled But Recovered

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Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re looking at stars who came dangerously close to being canceled, yet managed to keep their careers and public platforms intact.

Ansel Elgort

Thanks to films like “Baby Driver,” Ansel Elgort’s rise as a major Hollywood player looked unstoppable in the late 2010s. But, in June of 2020, that trajectory nearly collapsed when a woman accused him of indecently assaulting her years earlier - alleging she was underage at the time. Elgort denied the claim, stating the relationship had been consensual. However, he did apologize for being “insensitive” during their breakup. Though the backlash was severe, his career didn’t fall apart as some expected. His starring role in “West Side Story” moved forward and he went on to headline HBO Max’s “Tokyo Vice.” And with additional projects lined up, Elgort has become a rare example of an actor whose career survived such serious allegations.

Vanessa Hudgens

In March 2020, as the world was shutting down and events like that year’s Coachella were being axed, Vanessa Hudgens decided to go on Instagram Live. And, what did she have to say you ask? Well, just that the potential for widespread death was “inevitable.” Perhaps even worse than what she said was how she said it. It all came at the exact moment when uncertainty and grief were reaching a peak. Hudgens quickly issued public apologies and emphasized that she took the situation seriously. Rather than permanently harming her career, her swift backtracking calmed much of the online hate – allowing the “High School Musical” alum to move on to new roles and brand partnerships.

Jimmy Fallon

It turns out the king of light-hearted late-night fare isn’t immune to storm clouds. In 2023, a Rolling Stone exposé detailed accounts from current and former staffers who described “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” as a “toxic workplace.” There were allegations of belittling behavior, erratic moods, and high staff turnover. Fallon responded with an apology to his staff in a Zoom meeting, taking responsibility for anything that caused distress. That wasn’t his only scandal though. There was also a past sketch in which Jimmy Fallon wore black makeup to impersonate Chris Rock - a misstep that drew comparisons to a similar controversy involving fellow late-night host Jimmy Kimmel. However, the backlash never snowballed into a career collapse for either.

Nick Cannon

In 2020, Nick Cannon faced the most serious controversy of his career. During an episode of his podcast, he made hateful remarks that included anti-Semitic conspiracy theories. At the time, Cannon had a long-standing relationship with ViacomCBS as the creator and host of the hit series Wild ’N Out - which aired on its networks. After the comments went public, the company severed ties and halted production on the show. Cannon initially resisted issuing a straightforward apology, but soon released more direct statements of regret. He also began meeting with Jewish leaders for education and dialogue. Within months, the situation shifted enough that he returned to mainstream television, including continuing on as host of “The Masked Singer.”

Ariana Grande

Long before topping charts and starring in blockbuster musicals, Ariana Grande had her share of wild headlines. And, perhaps none was more infamous than the viral 2015 “Donutgate.” Footage from a California bakery showed Grande and friends licking donuts on display. Making the situation worse, she could be heard saying “I hate Americans,” a remark that ignited social media fury. Grande offered multiple apologies, explaining her words were taken out of context and stressed her pride in her country. Rather than ending her rise to pop superstardom then and there, Grande was able to move past the moment – turning the scandal into a minor footnote.

Kevin Hart

Kevin Hart learned firsthand just how quickly old jokes can come back to haunt you. In 2018, a series of the comedian’s past tweets containing homophobic remarks resurfaced just as he had been announced as host of that year’s Academy Awards. Rather than continue with the role (a longtime dream of his), Hart decided to withdraw from the Oscar gig. He also openly addressed the controversy, acknowledging that the jokes were hurtful and emphasized a commitment to personal growth. Kevin’s willingness to confront the issue, paired with sustained professionalism, helped rebuild his public standing and restore his place as a major force in the entertainment industry.

Liam Neeson

When Liam Neeson opened up about a dark moment from his past, the reaction was immediate and explosive. In a 2019 interview, the actor revealed that decades earlier, after a close friend was assaulted, he spent days roaming the streets with a weapon - hoping to encounter a random “Black man” to attack in retaliation. Naturally, the admission ignited backlash for its racist implications. Neeson responded with a series of follow-up interviews expressing deep regret. He insisted that he shared the story to highlight how dangerous and ignorant his mindset had been. Despite the controversy, Neeson’s long-established career and continued industry support helped the uproar fade, and he has since continued working steadily in major film projects.

Justin Bieber

Justin Bieber’s rise from teen idol to global superstar came with turbulence that nearly knocked his career off course. By the early 2010s, a string of missteps had his behavior under a harsh microscope. In 2013, German authorities seized his pet capuchin monkey after he brought it into the country without proper paperwork. That same year, he faced backlash for writing in the Anne Frank House guestbook that he hoped Anne “would have been a Belieber.” Combined with viral footage of public urination, tense paparazzi clashes, and brushes with law enforcement, his image was taking serious damage. But, as Bieber matured, he apologized for past behavior, spoke openly about mental health, and shifted focus back to his music — ultimately steadying a career that once seemed in serious jeopardy.

James Gunn

James Gunn was already one of Hollywood’s most beloved filmmakers when a storm hit that threatened everything. In July of 2018, Disney dropped Gunn from directing “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” after screenshots circulated of decade‑old tweets he had posted. The tweets contained shocking jokes about a series of taboo subjects, leading Disney to label them “indefensible and inconsistent with our values.” Gunn apologized, explaining that he had once aimed to shock and provoke, but no longer held those views. Widespread support from fans, former cast members, and fellow filmmakers helped shift the narrative. And, in a rare reversal, Disney rehired him in 2019. Since then, Gunn has continued to rebuild his reputation, notably directing “Superman” to critical acclaim.

Dave Chappelle

Let’s face it, Dave Chappelle has never been a stranger to controversy, but his 2020s Netflix specials sparked some of the most heated debates in modern comedy. Chappelle’s jokes about the transgender community didn’t only draw protests from viewers, but Netflix employees - who participated in organized walkouts. The constant criticism generated headlines and social media firestorms for weeks. However, despite the backlash, Netflix stood firmly behind Chappelle, emphasizing creative and artistic freedom. Dave continued headlining major comedy tours and even released more specials on Netflix - proving that even amid unrelenting controversy, audiences and the industry are still willing to support his work.

Do you think there’s a celebrity that was unfairly canceled? Share your takes in the comments below.