Top 10 Hated Celebs Who Became Loved

#10: Rebecca Black

When her 2011 music video for “Friday” went viral, life changed for Black, and not in a fun way. Instead, her music was ridiculed by viewers and the media as parodies of it swept across the internet. While Black admirably dealt with the mockery, even releasing a follow-up “Saturday” in 2013, the abuse and hatred she received took its toll as she had therapy, especially as she was a teenager at the time. After coming out as queer in 2020, to celebrate the 10th anniversary of “Friday,” Black released a hyperpop remix the year after. With nostalgia and a catchy tune, the single took off, launching Black into the music stardom she was meant to be in.

#9: Paris Hilton

The heiress of the Hilton Hotels empire, Hilton was launched from socialite to celebrity in 2003 when her intimate tape went online. She soon became a reality star with “The Simple Life.” Portrayed as a stereotype of a materialistic blonde with a high-pitched voice, Hilton quickly annoyed people who believed her success was undeserved due to her nepotistic status. In 2020, Hilton released the documentary “This Is Paris.” This changed public perception of her as she spoke about the hatred she sustained over the years and childhood abuse. Showcasing her business acumen, Hilton shocked many by speaking in her normal voice and admitting the reality version of her was a character. Now, she has respect for playing the fame game so well.

#8: Kristen Stewart

From 2008 to 2012, Stewart was the undisputed queen of actors who were despised. If she wasn’t mocked for her apparent wooden acting in the "Twilight" franchise, she was hated for cheating on Robert Pattinson with her “Snow White and the Huntsman” director, Rupert Sanders. However, Stewart had a point to prove. She moved away from high-budget work, instead focusing on juicy independent films that proved she was a good actor. Now, with an Oscar nomination for her work in 2021’s “Spencer,” Stewart has completely turned it around. Since we mentioned Pattinson, he was hated for his “Twilight” work, too, and was expected to vanish from the public eye. However, a focus on acclaimed indie work leading to becoming Batman changed that believed trajectory.

#7: Pete Davidson

For years, many people seemingly didn’t know that Davidson was a comedian. Instead, they focused on his relationships with famous women, which included Ariana Grande, Margaret Qualley, and Kim Kardashian. These stories far outshone his work on “Saturday Night Live” and in the 2020 film, “The King of Staten Island.” Yet quietly, he began going public with his mental health struggles and substance issues. In 2024, the comedian went into a wellness facility to get help with his mental health. Later, Davidson stated to W Magazine that he took a step back from celebrity and rebranded himself with a focus on his work and businesses, as he didn’t want to be known as a “loser who just dates people.”

#6: David Beckham

In 1998, going into the World Cup, Beckham was one of the most recognizable and popular footballers on the planet. However, when he was sent off against Argentina, he was blamed for causing England’s elimination. The UK press targeted him as fans sent Beckham death threats and spat at him. Understandably, this saga wore the midfielder down as it seemed there was no end to the hate. It took years, but eventually, with his consistent high performances on the pitch and increasing football’s profile, fans began to welcome Beckham back. One major part in turning doubters of Beckham into supporters was his scoring a last-minute free kick against Greece in 2001, which sent England to the 2002 World Cup, solidifying him as a national treasure.

#5: Ingrid Bergman

After multiple Oscar nominations and one win, Bergman’s professional life was going great in Hollywood. However, after she was cast in 1950’s “Stromboli,” it all came apart. At the time, the Swedish star was married to Petter Lindström. However, she had an affair with director Roberto Rossellini, whom she later married. As such, Bergman became the most hated figure in the US, so much so that Senator Edwin C. Johnson called her “evil” in the Senate. Bergman was essentially exiled from Hollywood, forcing her to continue acting in Europe. It wasn’t until 1956, when she separated from Rossellini, that Bergman returned to Hollywood. She revitalized her career, she collected two more Oscars and one nomination, turning her back into the icon she once was.

#4: Miley Cyrus

After being an incredibly popular Disney star for years, Cyrus wanted to break free of that image. However, upon doing so, she drew the ire of the media. In 2013, the “Hannah Montana” legend performed at the MTV Video Music Awards, where she twerked against Robin Thicke. With that, the press began accusing Cyrus of using illegal substances and criticizing her for expressing her sexuality, severely turning support against her. Cyrus spoke about the backlash causing her to be isolated. The hate also extended towards her siblings, who were harassed at school. This seemingly affected her professional life as it wasn’t until 2023’s “Flowers” when Cyrus secured a number one hit single after ten years, returning to her rightful place as a music icon.

#3: Sean Penn

As talented as Penn was on screen, when he broke into the industry in the ‘80s, the public had a problem supporting his work. Often coming across as arrogant, he didn’t help himself with multiple legal issues after allegations that he’d attacked people, including journalists and an extra. Penn’s tumultuous marriage to Madonna also didn’t make him look great. Yet after carving out his acting legacy, it was Penn’s focus on activism that began to change the public’s perception of him. The multi-time Oscar winner was one of the first big names to criticize the US’s hostilities towards Iraq in 2002. He also supported same-sex marriage and helped raise awareness and finances for disasters, earning the public’s respect.

#2: Jane Fonda

In 1972, the same year she won an Oscar, Fonda went to Hanoi, Vietnam, to oppose the Vietnam War. Soon after, she became one of the most hated figures of the war, earning her the nickname “Hanoi Jane.” Fonda, on top of backing and publicly supporting North Vietnam, which the US was against, was photographed with an anti-aircraft weapon. As a result, some believed the actor was a traitor to the States and despised her. Fonda has spoken about her regrets in posing for the anti-aircraft photo. With time and her stellar work in activism and acting over the years, Fonda’s reputation was reversed, and she became beloved once again.

#1: Justin Bieber

For years, Bieber was the figurative punching bag for comedians, the media, and the internet. If they wanted to ridicule a celebrity, he was the low-hanging fruit they chose. Thrust into incredible fame at a young age, the Canadian musician was heavily publicized with every mistake he made, bringing more mockery. However, in recent years, Bieber began changing the perception of his image. He’s spoken about the trauma he’d experienced in the music industry and called for more support for emerging talent and to make it safer for them. Bieber has also become a prominent supporter of mental health and substance issue treatments following his own struggles with them. As such, he’s earned a great deal of respect from people who'd previously hated him.

Are there any other celebrities who went from being universally hated to beloved heroes that we missed from our list? Let us know below!