Unfortunately for these celebrities, one viral moment was all it took to derail their once-thriving paths in the spotlight. Whether it was an offhand comment, a scandalous behavior, or simply a major misstep, these stars learned the hard way that the internet never forgets. Here are the celebrities who ruined their careers with one infamous video:
1. Michael Richards (Kramer from Seinfeld) Michael Richards, best known for his role as Kramer on Seinfeld, saw his career collapse after a stand-up routine in 2006 went horribly wrong. During a set at the Laugh Factory, Richards launched into a racist tirade in response to hecklers. The video quickly spread across the internet, and his reputation was irreparably damaged. Apologies followed, but his career never recovered.
2. Logan Paul Logan Paul was one of YouTube’s biggest stars until a single video led to his near downfall. In 2018, Paul filmed a vlog in Japan’s Aokigahara Forest, also known as the “Suicide Forest,” where he came across the body of a suicide victim. The video, in which Paul is seen laughing and making light of the situation, sparked global outrage. Although he has since apologized and made efforts to rehabilitate his image, the scandal severely tarnished his reputation and led to major losses in partnerships and endorsements.
3. Paula Deen Celebrity chef Paula Deen’s career took a major hit after a video deposition from a lawsuit in 2013 revealed her use of racial slurs and comments about hosting a “plantation-style” wedding. The scandal led to the cancellation of her TV show and multiple sponsorship deals. While Deen attempted a comeback, she never fully regained her former status as a culinary icon.
4. Mel Gibson Although Mel Gibson had already faced controversy prior to this incident, a 2006 video of his drunken, anti-Semitic rant during a DUI arrest was the final nail in the coffin for his once-glowing career. The video circulated widely, and Gibson’s reputation was shattered. Although he has returned to acting and directing in recent years, the damage done by the video was immense, leading to years of public and industry backlash.
5. R. Kelly While R. Kelly had long faced accusations of sexual misconduct, it was the release of a disturbing video in the early 2000s that first led to his downfall. The tape allegedly showed Kelly engaging in sexual acts with a minor, leading to his trial and a years-long legal battle. Though Kelly was initially acquitted, the video and continued allegations severely harmed his music career. Years later, the Surviving R. Kelly documentary reignited public outrage, and Kelly is now facing multiple charges and has been convicted on several counts related to sexual abuse.
6. Jason Derulo Jason Derulo faced a massive backlash after a viral TikTok video where he appeared to break one of the platform’s most controversial rules. Although Derulo had been riding high on the TikTok wave, with millions of followers, the backlash over this clip caused his popularity to take a hit. While he remains a star, this incident certainly tarnished his brand.