30 Musicians Everyone Lost Respect For

30 Musicians Everyone Lost Respect For

Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re looking at thirty musicians who, through their own actions, managed to do irreversible harm to their public reputation.

Adam Levine

Over the last two decades, Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine has enjoyed the type of consistent success that most budding songwriters could kill for. Through his music and his growing reputation as a TV personality, Levine has been an A-list presence for quite some time now. However, his stock took a pretty meaningful hit when allegations emerged of him sending inappropriate messages to women while married. The specific nature of these messages ended up earning Levine quite a lot of mockery to go along with the obvious criticism. Levine admitted that he crossed some lines by flirting with other women, but denied any physical follow-up. Needless to say, people weren’t convinced by his half-apology.

Jennifer Lopez

Nothing can earn you the scorn of the masses quite like not crediting vocalists who end up doing some major heavy lifting on your songs. Jennifer Lopez was accused of using backing vocalists, and even some big names like Ashanti, Christina Milian, and Natasha Ramos, to sing the hooks on her studio tracks. Claims were made that J Lo was relying heavily on other singers due to her own shortcomings in the vocal booth. The question of the authenticity of her output left many fans with real trust issues when it came to her subsequent releases. No one's saying she needs to be Aretha Franklin, but a lack of transparency over the most basic things has been quite damaging.

Lizzo

Although critically and commercially adored during her rise, it seemed like Lizzo could barely put a foot wrong during her early years of public exposure. Unfortunately, all was not quite what it seemed. In 2023, a trio of former backing dancers filed a lawsuit against Lizzo and her team, accusing them of a wide range of workplace issues. These ranged from sexual, religious, and racial harassment, to disability discrimination, assault, false imprisonment, creating a hostile work environment, and weight-shaming. All in all, the controversy has introduced some well-deserved scepticism around her brand and messaging, which had previously been central to her appeal. No matter what happens next, this will be a hard one to fully shake off for Lizzo.

Nicki Minaj

Although she was always a brash and outspoken character, many of Nicki Minaj’s biggest fans have jumped ship due to her increasingly aggressive and outlandish behaviour. When the public feud gets pettier, that’s one thing. When the quality of music drops off, that’s another. However, Minaj’s pivot into the full-on support of right-wing political figures, such as Donald Trump, has alienated a large portion of her audience. She also has been a major defender of her husband, Kenneth Petty, who is a registered sexual offender, another decision that has not earned her any praise. Minaj was once on top of the world, and now, it seems like she has gone down a very different path.

Anthony Kiedis

The Red Hot Chili Peppers burst onto the scene in the 1980s as the fun-loving party boys who performed with socks on their… well, you know the rest. Over the years, they evolved into an arena-rock staple, bringing us some of the biggest anthems of the last 30 years. As time has gone on, though, and the world has changed, people have started to look at the behaviour of lead singer Anthony Kiedis through a different lens. In his autobiography “Scar Tissue”, he makes some claims about his relationships with underage girls that have earned him some major criticism. When you factor in his tendency to date women well over half his age, despite him being in his 60s, it’s easy to understand why.

Drake

If the song of the summer accuses you of heinous acts and otherwise insults you and your character, it’s safe to say that your reputation has taken a hit. Watching Drake’s rise was genuinely thrilling, as his best work demonstrated both his ear for great hooks and his ability to navigate complex topics. But quantity soon overtook quality, and his heartsick musical persona started to feel less endearing and more grating. In 2024, a feud between the rapper and Kendrick Lamar broke out, and in case you somehow haven’t heard, Drake did not win. While Drake hasn’t fallen out of favor commercially, it’s hard to imagine him garnering the respect he did in the era of “Take Care” and “Nothing Was the Same.”

Katy Perry

Katy Perry’s music may have never been highbrow. But at her peak, she made songs so catchy, you could hear them once and they’d be stuck in your head forever. Over time, though, the music got worse, as did her public image. Excitement about a comeback in 2024 was quickly deflated when it was revealed she was re-teaming with controversial producer Dr. Luke. Then, new single “Woman’s World” had everyone talking, and not about how much they loved it. After her album flopped, Perry made news for her mystifying live choreography and her participation in Blue Origin’s all-female spaceflight, which spawned backlash over being tone-deaf. The days of Katy Perry as an artist we adore are feeling more and more like a teenage dream.

Ted Nugent

There isn’t an ounce of apology in Ted Nugent for being the way he is. His tendency to make inflammatory statements about a range of issues is just about as well-known as his music these days. From calling Barack Obama a “subhuman mongrel”, to writing songs about illicit activities with teenage girls, it’s not hard to see how Nugent remains a controversial figure. Overall, his confrontational media presence has alienated portions of his audience, shifting focus away from his more meaningful musical contributions. He is a respected and talented musician at his core, but most people just can’t stomach him.

Trey Songz

When you market yourself as a singer who delivers music about love, passion, and flirtation, as Trey Songz did, that entire image will not survive if the allegations start piling up. For him, a series of high profile legal problems ended up derailing the momentum he built in the 2010s. Several women came forth with claims of his predatory behavior, which, when coupled with several other instances of public aggression, left people with a new perspective on the singer. These all contrasted sharply with his earlier image as a mainstream R&B star known for his romantic themes and super polished and slick presentation.

Gene Simmons

It’s hard to pinpoint exactly when Gene Simmons started to be known as one of the most detested figures in rock music. However, as far as we can tell, he’s always been a divisive character. These days, he is almost universally seen as the archetype for egotistical rock stars. His fabled conquests with women made him an almost mythical presence at first, but over the years, it led many to see him as a bit degenerate. He has also faced sexual misconduct allegations, which he has denied, but which nonetheless contributed to a negative public perception. Gene Simmons remains a prickly character within the world of celebrity, a relic from a bygone era.

Tekashi 6ix9ine

Daniel Hernandez stands out from a generation of rappers who made their stage name on SoundCloud. Unfortunately, it's not so much because of Tekashi 6ix9ine’s work with big names in the industry. In 2015, he pled guilty to criminally sexualizing a minor in a music video. Over the next few years, he would be implicated in or admit to a number of violent offenses. He also softened racketeering and firearm convictions in 2018 by ratting on gang associates. Hernandez left prison two years later, but was labeled a snitch in his community and an overall scumbag in the mainstream. He dug himself even deeper with several high-profile feuds. Otherwise, 6ix9ine’s music is as low-profile as ever.

Rolf Harris

The once-acclaimed television personality and singer Rolf Harris fell just about as far as a performer can fall when his depraved crimes came to light in 2014. A conviction for multiple counts of assault against minors left this family-friendly entertainer with the type of label that was reserved for the likes of Jimmy Savile. Turns out the two were friends. Harris’ own exposure as a predator came to light after Savile’s own monstrous deeds were made public after his death. He was convicted in 2014 on twelve counts of indecent assault on four female victims. Following his release, he died of neck cancer at 93 years old.

Kris Wu

Chinese-Canadian rapper and singer Kris Wu first found success as a member of the boy band Exo before embarking on a solo career. Both a music and movie star in China, Wu seemed poised to be recognized around the world. In a way, that happened. But not for good reasons. In 2021, Wu was arrested on sexual assault charges and was convicted and sentenced to 13 years in prison. Upon his eventual release, he is set to be deported from China. Like so many others on this list, it seems Wu used his fame and power to take advantage of others.

Tim Lambesis

Tim Lambesis found fame as the frontman of metalcore band As I Lay Dying. But no amount of vocal prowess or stage presence could undo hearing about the news that broke in 2013. Lambesis was arrested for trying to hire a hitman to kill his estranged wife. He was convicted and sentenced to six years in prison. He was released in 2016 and has since revived As I Lay Dying, though he’s now the only remaining member. He's also remarried and divorced multiple times, with videos of him being abusive towards his third wife,​ Danielle Norris, leaked online. What's more, after this, a video leaked of Lambesis mistreating a dog, sparking a petition to have him investigated for animal cruelty.

DaBaby

Some artists have their images ruined because of things they said in private that were later leaked. DaBaby, meanwhile, sabotaged his career in a very public fashion. At the 2021 Rolling Loud festival in Florida, the rapper made remarks that were widely condemned for being homophobic. Performances at numerous festivals were subsequently cancelled, and numerous other artists condemned his comments. Multiple apologies weren’t enough to turn the tide back in his favor, nor was the music released afterward. If ever there was a perfect example of someone needing to think twice before speaking, it’s DaBaby.

Robin Thicke

If you only know Robin Thicke from “Blurred Lines,” it may genuinely shock you to learn there was a time when genuinely respected as a musical talent. While he might not have been a household name, he had carved out a solid niche for himself in R&B. While his big pop crossover was certainly successful, it also spawned much criticism for its questionable lyrics and crass video. Thicke’s appearance at the 2013 VMAs didn’t help, nor did the release of “Paula,” an album written for and about his estranged wife, Paula Patton, that flopped spectacularly upon release. During their subsequent divorce proceedings, Patton accused Thicke of domestic violence, infidelity, and abuse against a minor.

Chuck Berry

There’s arguably no artist on this list who has changed music as we know it quite like Chuck Berry has. So, while Berry's legacy as a musical pioneer is secure, it's significantly complicated by his personal life. Amidst his initial stardom, Berry was arrested and charged with violating the Mann Act. He was sentenced to five years in prison. Other controversies followed his release, including being charged with physical assault of a woman and being sued by multiple women regarding a camera in his restaurant's bathroom. While Berry kept performing even in the years leading up to his death in 2017, his image was still decidedly tarnished by these revelations.

Morrissey

As frontman of the Smiths and throughout his solo career, Morrissey was renowned for his sensitive, witty lyrics and achingly beautiful voice. Over time, however, he became better known for the words he’s spoken than for the ones he’s sung. These include insensitive comments on topics such as race, immigration, and sexual assault. While he's long had a reputation as being outspoken, for many, he's since veered into indefensible territory. He also expressed his support for the far-right For Britain Movement. While this doesn’t completely undo the quality of his best work, it does make it more difficult to want to revisit them.

Chris Brown

Having your debut single be a number-one hit is no small feat. After the success of "Run It!" and further radio hits, Brown’s reputation was forever altered in 2009 when he was arrested for domestic violence against his girlfriend at the time, Rihanna. More legal troubles and controversies followed over the years. In May 2025, he was arrested in Manchester on a warrant regarding an alleged 2023 assault incident at a nightclub. Though he’s been able to maintain a successful recording and performing career despite all these scandals, Brown’s bad behavior has eclipsed his music considerably.

Jerry Lee Lewis

Jerry Lee Lewis always caused commotion as an early rock n’ roll rebel. Incidentally, the wild child went too far by settling down with Myra Gale Brown in 1957. The 22-year-old Lewis publicly lied about his third wife’s real age - who was a teenager. She was also his first cousin once removed! Just like that, Lewis publicly went from bad boy to total creep. The subsequent concert cancellations and boycotts devastated his popular appeal. He remained an active musician for the rest of his life, whose influential work is still celebrated. The man himself would never recover from his union with Brown, or its disillusion on grounds of infidelity and abuse. This wasn’t Lewis’s last scandalous marriage.

Ryan Adams

Prolific singer-songwriter Ryan Adams has enjoyed great acclaim and clout in the music industry. Many fellow musicians counted on him in their own careers. In 2019, seven women told The New York Times that this came with strings attached. They claimed that Adams used promises of professional support to sexually and romantically coerce them. If they resisted, he would use social media to sully their public image. Adams initially denied these allegations, but later took responsibility for his history of abuse. Many didn't buy this formulaic apology and promise of growth. Some say the material he’s produced since has also suffered from a tone-deaf tone of self-pity. Whether Ryan is truly remorseful, that music industry clout has dried up.

Ike Turner

In the early days of rock ‘n’ roll, Ike Turner was a visionary. He really got his big break by helping his wife Tina get hers. The couple revolutionized pop music, but no longer share the same esteem. After filing for divorce in 1976, Tina revealed that her marriage was plagued by physical and psychological abuse. Ike’s public image, as well as his finances, were further tarnished by substance use and legal issues. All of this was cemented in pop culture by the biopic “What’s Love Got to Do with It.” The Turners both stated that the film embellished their dysfunctional relationship. Still, while Tina is immortalized as the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll, the queenmaker’s legacy is overshadowed by cruelty.

Phil Spector

The music that Phil Spector had a hand in creating is still played and enjoyed by many to this day. However, it is impossible to overlook the shadow that was cast over his legacy in 2009, when he was convicted for the 2003 murder of actress Lana Clarkson. Known as an erratic and reclusive character in the years that followed the 1970s, Spector shot back into our consciousness in the 2000s for the worst possible reason. To some, his work with artists like The Beatles, Ike & Tina Turner, and Leonard Cohen retains its impact. For others, it’s impossible to separate the murderer from the art he once created. He passed away in prison in 2021 at the age of 81.

CeeLo Green

In both hip-hop groups and solo soul, CeeLo Green was a titan of his industry. His reputation first started to bend in the early 2010s, over hostile responses to critics online. It broke after he was accused of sexual battery and charged with assaulting an intoxicated woman. Green maintained his innocence by posting that victims “remember” the experience. He made so many disturbingly ignorant comments that his account was temporarily shut down. A lackluster apology was insufficient to save one of music's most prolific stars. The scandal cost him gigs and nearly destroyed his career on the screen. Record sales have also suffered. CeeLo manages to stay busy, but now largely outside of public view.

Ian Watkins

Fans were devastated when the Welsh rockers Lostprophets broke up in 2013. The reason why was the most devastating part. The previous year, lead singer Ian Watkins was arrested for possession of drugs and highly obscene materials. He eventually pleaded guilty to 10 counts of sexual activity with minors. Watkins’ abuses had been reported to police as early as 2008. The horrific scandal has even besmirched his bandmates' legacies. Lostprophets' music and merchandise have been basically blacklisted from the public. In the wake of their split, its past members have found success with the band No Devotion and other beloved projects. Watkins, meanwhile, was serving a 29-year prison sentence before he was murdered by a pair of inmates in October of 2025.

Marilyn Manson

Industrial metal pioneer Brian Warner made a career out of shocking the public as Marilyn Manson. His subversive brand would gradually be hidden from the mainstream over several high-profile murders committed by fans. He was a key subject and proponent of discourse following the Columbine High School massacre. In 2021, Manson finally lost his niche group of supporters. Multiple people, including ex-fiancée Evan Rachel Wood, alleged years of abuse and sexual assault. He’s been embroiled in legal battles with his accusers, which have raised concerning testimony against all parties. While there was apparently disturbing evidence suggesting that Manson’s horror isn’t just for show, and his defenders may since have dwindled, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department ultimately quitted him following a criminal investigation in 2025.

Gary Glitter

Paul Gadd helped broaden glam rock’s pop appeal with the flamboyant anthems and live performances of Gary Glitter. He’d still be an icon of the genre if it weren’t for his shocking criminal history. In 1999, Gadd was convicted of possessing obscene content and registered as a sex offender. His career died on the spot. After prison, Gadd tried starting anew outside of England, only to be deported and banned from several countries for continuing to fraternize. A conviction in Vietnam resulted in deportation to his homeland, where he was convicted of multiple sex crimes in 2015. The Gary Glitter brand has now faded into obscurity, and all that’s left is a criminal rejected by the whole world.

Kanye West

Even more astonishing than Kanye West’s renown was his downfall. He first lost mainstream credibility with baffling statements throughout the 2000s. This included poorly phrasing racial concerns after Hurricane Katrina, and hijacking an award acceptance speech by Taylor Swift. West then polarized the Black community by downplaying racism and aligning with right-wing politics through the 2010s. This culminated in a representation of white supremacist culture in the 2020s, especially antisemitic conspiracy theories. That dealt a destructive blow to West’s music career, business brand, and social media presence. Still, he always finds a platform for his outrageous views. Many link the rapper’s antics to mental illness or mere attention-seeking. But as West continues to dig himself into scandal, he can't even count on public pity.

Sean Combs

He's been known by many names: Puff Daddy, P. Diddy, and simply Diddy. But while the man born Sean John Combs was once seen as an aspirational figure for his multi-layered success, he's now viewed as a total villain. Though Combs had faced legal troubles and accusations of unsavoury behaviour over the years, it was never enough for him to be truly "cancelled”. However, in 2023, Comb's ex, singer Cassie Ventura, sued him for abuse and other horrific acts. This was followed by the release of surveillance footage of Combs brutally attacking Ventura. More lawsuits followed with an increasingly large stack of evidence and accusations. In October of 2025, Combs was incarcerated at the Federal Correctional Institution, Fort Dix, on a 50-month sentence.

R. Kelly

The one-time “King of R&B” has gone from one of music’s biggest stars to one of its worst pariahs. R. Kelly’s glamorous image first cracked in 1994, when the 27-year-old briefly married underage singer Aaliyah. His indiscretions were further suggested throughout the 2000s by allegations and a hard-won legal battle. The public was completely divided until the subsequent decades ended their debate. Accusations of sex cults and horrendous abuse led to widespread boycotts before the hit docuseries “Surviving R. Kelly” killed public sympathy. This inspired a series of trials, leading to convictions on racketeering, trafficking and other crimes. Kelly began his 31-year prison sentence in 2023. Though there’s no salvaging the musician’s once-celebrated art, his victims have finally received justice.

But which musician do you think managed to do the most damage to their reputation? Let us know in the comments below.