You know what they say about the stars, they’re just like us. The one difference, besides money, power, prestige, and fame, is all of their dirty laundry aired on the world stage. It’s not pretty either, be it cheating, domestic abuse, or something weirder, it always looks more lurid splashed across a screen or a glossy magazine cover. Let’s learn about the seven biggest celebrity scandals of 2023. (Discover the biggest scandals in Hollywood history.)
To compile a list of the biggest scandals of 2023, 24/7 Tempo consulted a variety of tabloids including Teen Vogue and People Magazine. We also consulted more news-oriented sites like the Associated Press. From there, we selected the scandal stories that had the widest audience and impact.
Homewrecker Ariana Grande
One of the biggest celebrity scandals this year involves the circumstances surrounding Ariana Grande and her new man, Ethan Slater. Grande, best known for her appearances on the Disney channel and her successful singing career, appears to have wormed her way into the life of stage actor and co-star Ethan Slater.
According to unnamed sources, Grande and her ex went on a double date with Slater and his wife. Then, sources spotted Grande at rehearsals and performances of “Spamalot,” a production in which Slater currently stars. Sometime after that, Grande and Slater began quietly dating, while Slater’s wife filed for divorce, taking their kid along with her.
While we may never know the true story behind Slater and Grande’s blossoming relationship, rumors of gaslighting, infidelity, and homewrecking abound.
Lizzo, the Boss from Hell
Wildly successful musician and media darling Lizzo felt the wrath of public opinion recently after two dozen of her backup dancers sued the star for creating a hostile work environment. According to the suit, dancers allege Lizzo created an environment of verbal altercations, weight shaming, and forced participation in sex shows.
Lizzo immediately went on the public defensive, claiming the allegations to be a sham. She did, however, settle the explosive lawsuit in late August. Lizzo also reported that she plans to countersue her backup dancers for their specious claims and malicious allegations.
Nevertheless, there are reports of other former employees planning to speak out or even sue Lizzo for the reportedly toxic work environment she cultivated. It’s been relatively quiet on the Lizzo front since.
New Details in Angelina Jolie/Brad Pitt Divorce
Though the historic rise and fall of one of Hollywood’s biggest power couples occurred nearly a decade ago, shocking new details about their relationship keep coming to the surface. According to various news outlets, the Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie divorce is a toxic mess that keeps on giving, with reports of domestic abuse, and drug and alcohol addiction continuing to hit the wire.
As for this year’s update to the stars’ glamorous disaster, court documents obtained by Entertainment Tonight in June 2023 show Pitt accusing Jolie of selling her share of their co-owned Chateau Miraval Winery from right under his nose. Pitt’s lawyers claim that Jolie vindictively sold his shares in the Winery “to seize profits she had not earned and returns on an investment she did not make.”
While Jolie’s lawyers have not responded to the claim, secrets, no doubt, still lurk. Given the slow but steady drip of the pair’s scandalous divorce details, chances are, even more juicy claims will see the light of day next year. (Discover the most infamous white-collar scandals in history.)
Armie Hammer Excuses Cannibalism Fantasies
2021 was quite a year for rising star Armie Hammer. That year, multiple women came forward accusing Hammer of sexual assault and abuse. What’s more, the internet exploded after various messages leaked showing Hammer engaging in some type of cannibalism fantasy with a woman.
In response, Hammer took to ground as various publications reported extensively on his unsavory activities. During this time, a documentary was released called “House of Hammer.” In this program on Discovery+, the allegations against Hammer, as well as his family’s dark history were explored in further detail.
Only in 2023 did Hammer respond publicly to the claims. While he did not fully admit to the allegations, Hammer did say there were definite power balances in the relationships that came to light. For his part, Hammer claimed to have entered rehab for drug, alcohol, and sex addiction in the wake of these claims. (Discover the celebrities arrested in 2022 and why.)
Gwyneth Paltrow Scores a Win
In recent years, famous actress Gwyneth Paltrow has taken a break from acting to focus on her wellness and lifestyle company Goop. The public hasn’t been kind about the transition. Paltrow and her oddly-named company faced an onslaught of jabs, with many calling her out of touch, or worse, a snake oil salesman.
Paltrow, however, scored a win earlier this year in a lawsuit brought against her. The suit, brought by Terry Anderson, accused the actress of crashing into him at a ski resort in 2016. For bodily harm, Anderson demanded $300,000 in damages. In response, Paltrow countersued requesting just one dollar in damages and reimbursement for her legal expenses.
Jonah Hill Accused of Abuse by Ex-Girlfriend
Kevin Costner’s Divorce Gets Ugly
While breakups happen all the time, what makes this one of the biggest scandals of 2023 is the timeline of events surrounding their breakup. First, they fought a months-long legal battle over the custody of their three children. Then, Baumgartner was forced to move out of the family’s Santa Barbara home.
Though the pair have reportedly settled, trouble still brews. That’s because Baumgartner is asking for $248,000 a month in child support payments. The terms of the marriage prenup entitle Baumgartner to at least $1.4 million, but Costner is saying a quarter of a million dollars a month is far too much.
What’s more, Costner’s legal team accuses Baumgartner of using their children to account for at least 60% of her personal expenses including shopping, fitness training, and extensive cosmetic surgery procedures. The couple have yet to reach any binding agreement, so expect more juicy details to leak as time goes on. (Discover the biggest scandals in Oscar history.)