So 2023 was quite the year. It felt like every week we were dealing with a sexual assault lawsuit, a shocking breakup, or an unexpected medical scare. While this probably wasn’t crazier than any other year, it sure felt like we were overwhelmed with celebrity scandals and surprises. Just in case you need a refresher, here’s a roundup of some of the biggest headline-grabbing celebrity moments of the year.
Dual strikes by the WGA and SAG-AFTRA brought Hollywood to a stand still as the unions set up star-studded picket lines in front of major studios. Productions were shut down for six months, delaying the start of the fall TV season and forcing films to push back release dates. Now that the work stoppages are over, it will be interesting to see how long it takes for business to bounce back.
Just as he was about to level up in Hollywood, “Creed III” star Jonathan Majors was arrested for assaulting his ex-girlfriend. After a revealing two week trial, the Kang actor was found guilty of reckless assault in the third degree and harassment, leading Marvel Studios to finally fire him. He’s currently scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 6.
Lizzo’s fans were shocked when the Grammy-winning singer, who’s all about body positivity, was sued by three former dancers alleging “sexual, religious and racial harassment, disability discrimination, assault and false imprisonment, among other things.” The “Juice” artist has called the accusations “false” and filed a motion to dismiss.
The promotional tour for Jada Pinkett Smith’s memoir, “Worthy” revealed more than we ever wanted to know about her and husband, Will Smith’s, marriage. Though they’ve been separated for years, they remain committed to their marriage, with Jada saying “the slap” actually made them stronger.
Rapper/producer Sean “Diddy” Combs’ ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura filed a bombshell lawsuit accusing the Bad Boy founder of sexual assault, rape and physical abuse. They settled the suit the day after it was filed, but in the aftermath of Cassie’s allegations, three more women have filed sexual assault lawsuits against the “Last Night” rapper.
The “Creed III” actor/director may find himself starting 2024 in hot water. His Hollywood car accident, where he crashed his Ferrari into a parked car, is now under investigation by the LAPD.
Fans were deeply worried for the Oscar winner when news broke in April that he was rushed to an Atlanta hospital with a “medical complication.” His inner circle kept the details of his illness very quiet, which led conspiracy theories to run rampant. Jamie ended the year by making his first major appearance since the incident and telling the world that he wasn’t “a clone.”
In the months leading up to the 2023 Academy Awards it seemed like Angela Bassett was a lock to finally win her long overdue Oscar. However, Academy voters decided to honor Jamie Lee Curtis for “Everything Everywhere All at Once” instead. As if that disrespect wasn’t enough, viewers thought our queen wasn’t humble enough in defeat. Nope, we’re not having it. She’s set to receive an honorary Oscar, but it feels like a weird consolation prize.
This scandal actually started in December 2022 and has somehow stretched all the way into December 2023. TJ Holmes and Amy Robach started the year by being officially let go from “GMA 3” after their affair led to controversial headlines. As if that wasn’t messy enough, rumors have recently circulated that their exes are now dating, something Amy is reportedly “livid” about.
In case you needed more proof that Instagram is not real life, rapper Jeezy stunned fans in September when he filed for divorce from wife Jeannie Mai. Their split has gotten incresingly contentious with Jeannie accusing Jeezy of cheating and him alleging that she’s “gatekeeping” their daughter. This is going to get messier before it’s over.
The actor’s former assistant filed a sexual battery lawsuit against the “Fast & Furious” star. She accused him of sexually assaulting her while she worked for him when he was shooting “Fast Five.” A statement from his attorney says in part, “Vin Diesel categorically denies this claim in its entirety.”
Harry Styles is a very talented artist, but we’re not going to pretend that “Harry’s House” had the impact of “Renaissance.” We’re not playing The Recording Academy’s game anymore. You keep nominating Black artists, then passing them over for the major awards, so it’s clear what you think of our icons.
Following Darius Jackson’s public criticism of Keke Palmer’s outfit, the internet spent months speculating about the state of their relationship. The “Nope” star surprised us all in November when she filed a restraining order against her son’s father, accusing him of domestic abuse. They were planning to settle things through mediation, but now Jackson is making abuse claims against Palmer. This is a devastating situation for the entire family.
After multiple motions and delays, rapper Tory Lanez was finally sentenced to 10 years in prison for shooting Megan Thee Stallion. He now finds himself in supermax prison, while Megan is set to perform in Time Square on New Year’s Eve.
