Top 10 Woke Celebs Who Turned Out to be TERRIBLE People

#10: Shia LaBeouf

If you grew up with “Even Stevens,” “Holes,” or the “Transformers” movies, you likely know this versatile actor well – which makes some of his adult choices harder to stomach. LaBeouf has been outspoken in political activism, using his eccentric performance art to express his views. Notably, he co-launched the “He Will Not Divide Us” project in 2017 to protest Donald Trump’s inauguration. However, his personal life has been riddled with controversy, including arrests for disorderly conduct and intoxication. More seriously, two former partners have accused him of inappropriate behavior. While LaBeouf has had efforts to turn his life around after embracing Christianity, the industry is understandably skeptical about his values.

#9: Asia Argento

This Italian actress and director was a major voice in the #MeToo movement after accusing Harvey Weinstein of sexual assault. In 2018, she took the stage at Cannes with a fiery speech calling out industry predators. But just months later, things took a messy turn when actor Jimmy Bennett accused Argento of assaulting him when he was 17. Argento denied any wrongdoing, but was linked to a $380,000 settlement meant to keep things quiet. Then, leaked photos and texts suggested something did happen, and Argento was ultimately dropped from “X Factor Italy.” Needless to say, it was a shocking turn of events for someone who had been at the forefront of such a major movement.
#8: Aziz Ansari

Acclaimed for his roles in “Parks and Recreation” and “Master of None,” Ansari has been a vocal advocate for various causes, including feminism and modern relationships. He’s also explored topics like gender dynamics in his work. So, when an anonymous woman accused him of inappropriate behavior during a date, many were shocked, especially considering his past support for the “Time’s Up” organization and the book he had written on romantic relationships. Ansari responded by stating that he believed the interaction was consensual, but nonetheless apologized upon learning of the woman’s discomfort. Still, his purported actions were considered by some to be at odds with points he’s professed.

#7: James Franco

Celebrated for his roles in films like “127 Hours” and “The Disaster Artist,” Franco has aligned himself with progressive causes. He was a 2013 recipient of the Ally Award for his outspoken support for the LGBTQIA+ community, and expressed support for the sentiments behind the #MeToo movement. In 2018, however, Franco faced scrutiny when multiple women accused him of misconduct, alleging that he behaved inappropriately with them in several settings – including acting classes where he had served as the instructor. The controversy led to a major career fallout, with Franco stepping away from the spotlight for several years.

#6: Chrissy Teigen

Political activism is a major part of this model and television personality’s reputation. Teigen has frequently used her platform to raise her voice about a variety of sensitive topics. What’s more, she’s been the first to criticize certain individuals and call out what she sees as problematic behavior. That is, until Teigen’s “unproblematic queen” status was dramatically soured in 2021. Model Courtney Stodden revealed that Teigen had sent them abusive messages in 2011. Others would come to accuse Teigen of similar online harassment. This, of course, starkly contrasts with Teigen's persona as a proponent of kindness and peace.

#5: Lena Dunham

Although some have hailed the creator of the TV series “Girls” and the newsletter Lenny Letter as a feminist icon, Dunham has also faced some major criticism throughout her career. In her 2014 memoir, she detailed childhood experiences with her younger sibling that many perceived as reprehensible. Furthermore, in 2017, Dunham defended “Girls” writer Murray Miller against sexual assault allegations from actress Aurora Perrineau, suggesting such accusations are often misreported. She would later issue an apology for this statement. Additionally, her 2016 comment that she wished she had terminated a pregnancy, to empathize with others, drew sharp rebukes for its insensitivity. These instances highlight a disparity between Dunham's advocacy and personal actions.

#4: Armie Hammer

In his early years, Hammer cultivated an image as a progressive and socially conscious individual. The actor has expressed support for various social justice movements, aligning himself with causes advocating for equality and ethical treatment. But this all came to a halt in 2021, when multiple women accused Hammer of violent, manipulative, and coercive actions. Although he denied these claims and no criminal charges were pressed, Hammer found himself up against a public relations crisis. Not only do the allegations against Hammer challenge the authenticity of his previously championed values, but they also included a creepy cannibal rumor.

#3: Jussie Smollett

Although he had previously enjoyed moderate success as an actor and activist, Smollett’s career was largely overshadowed by a certain incident. You know which one we mean. In 2019, Smollett claimed to be the victim of a racist and homophobic attack in Chicago, drawing national attention and support from various figures. But it wasn’t long before investigations determined that he had staged the attack. This led to criminal charges, and he was convicted of disorderly conduct for filing a false police report. The controversy surrounding this case has become the defining moment of Smollett’s public life.

#2: Ellen DeGeneres

Oh, Ellen. What happened? As a rising star in the ‘80s and ‘90s, DeGeneres’ entire image was one of kindness, acceptance, and lighthearted fun. She broke barriers as an openly gay celebrity and built her brand around the motto “Be kind.” But behind the scenes, things weren’t so wholesome. In 2020, reports emerged that “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” fostered a toxic workplace. Former employees accused Ellen of allowing – and even contributing to – a culture of fear. For someone who lived by the phrase “Be kind,” these revelations were a shocking contradiction. While DeGeneres issued an apology, the damage was done, and the once-beloved talk show host saw her reputation take a major hit.

#1: Kanye West

This famously self-assured rapper has long positioned himself as a fighter of progress, once famously declaring that “George Bush doesn’t care about Black people” in response to Hurricane Katrina. Over the years, he aligned himself with various causes and spoke out against systemic oppression. However, his later actions painted a very different picture. From publicly harassing his ex-wife Kim Kardashian to making repeated antisemitic remarks, West’s behavior became increasingly erratic and troubling. Despite once advocating for marginalized communities, he’s also alienated many with hateful rhetoric and conspiracy theories. How could someone who once called out injustice become an apologist for it?

Who are some other stars who fell short of their stated values? Discuss it in the comments!