Some of the most beloved celebrities aren’t as kind as they appear. While their public image may be charming, behind the scenes, their behavior tells a different story.
Fans often assume their favorite stars are just as likable in real life as they are on screen or social media. But time and again, stories surface about rude encounters, bad attitudes, and shocking scandals that reveal a different side.
By looking at these celebrities, we can better understand the gap between public perception and reality and how to separate a star’s image from who they truly are.
1. Oprah Winfrey
Oprah built a solid following through her illustrious career in entertainment and won the trust of millions of Americans across generations. However, it’s uncertain whether she has the best interests of her fans at heart.
According to some, the talk show host spent decades profiting off of her likable facade on camera and reportedly using it to “sell pseudoscientific health products.”
2. Bill Cosby
Someone in the discussion claimed to have known about Bill Cosby’s problematic attitude even before the abuse allegations permanently tarnished his public image. They narrated, “My coworker, who used to be a security guard, once met Cosby and introduced himself to the celebrity. Cosby just looked at him with disgust and said he was not allowed to talk to him. He then tried to treat my coworker like a servant.”
3. Ellen DeGeneres
Many expressed their disdain for Ellen’s mean-spirited personality in real life, which was in stark contrast to her “wholesome scripted self.” Somebody added that her “fall from grace was well-deserved and overdue.”
4. Steve Harvey
Many commenters mentioned having their suspicions about Steve Harvey’s character, pointing to the fact that he authored a book about marriage despite getting divorced twice. Others said that his rude behavior towards Asian men (calling them “undesirable”) and his tendency to spout generally sexist and homophobic remarks were more than enough to paint him in a negative light.
5. Maya Angelou
In the post, a user claimed that Maya Angelou once visited their university as a resource speaker. Apparently, when an audience member asked the writer about how she stays motivated throughout discouraging moments, Angelou berated them in response, saying, “Look at my body of work. Where would you get the idea that I’m ever discouraged?”
6. Dr. Phil
Dr. Phil’s television program infamously “takes advantage of mentally ill people for money,” according to users. A few said this exploitative practice made them “lose all respect for him.”
7. Jimmy Saville
English radio DJ Jimmy Saville was accused of being a child predator at the height of his fame, but the rumors were never brought to light until his passing in 2011. One commenter reported that the accusations were “kept under wraps because Saville brought them loads of money.”
8. Steve Jobs
Many of the modern conveniences we enjoy today wouldn’t have existed without this man’s innovations, but that doesn’t mean he’s an honorable person deep inside.
One person in the thread said that Steve Jobs was emotionally abusive towards his daughter, who later wrote a memoir exposing his disturbing inner nature.
9. Michael Jordan
You probably associate Michael Jordan with his athletic excellence and cultural impact, which helped transform Nike into one of the most recognizable sportswear brands in history. I used to think highly of him as well until I came across claims about Jordan’s stained character.
According to many, Jordan publicly humiliated new recruits by lashing out at them in front of their team. Even after his retirement, multiple accounts surfaced about the basketball player’s arrogant and condescending antics.
10. Rachel Ray
Rachel Ray may seem pleasant and innocuous on the surface, but it turns out that she was “despised by her production crew” for being hard to work with, according to commenters.
11. John Lennon
The world-famous singer was celebrated for his charming voice and songwriting prowess and attracted droves of fans everywhere he went. Today, the Beatles’ biographies serve as testaments to the artist’s legacy.
I actually grew up listening to The Beatles, so I was appalled to learn just how horrible of a father he was to his children.
12. Gary Burghoff
Gary Burghoff, who played the role of “Radar” on the sitcom M*A*S*H, was known for being inconsiderate towards the cast and crew on set.
13. Steven Tyler
“I Don’t Want To Miss a Thing” by Aerosmith may be one of the best love songs of the 90s, but uncovering details about the lead singer’s personal life gave me the creeps.
I read online that Steven Tyler dated underage women and even went as far as to isolate these young girls from their parents. One source claims that Tyler persuaded one of his ex-girlfriends (who was a minor at the time) to have an abortion.
14. Martha Stewart
Martha Stewart grew a huge following through her famous cookbooks, catering businesses, and TV appearances, making her well-loved among home cooks everywhere—but did you know that she’s notorious for her poor treatment of staff and service workers?
One commenter shared that they once witnessed Martha Stewart calling her assistant “worthless,” while another commenter who used to work for an airline recalled how the celebrity left a terrible mess on the plane floor.
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Marga is a freelance content writer. She creates informative and engaging blog articles about entertainment, travel, and simple living.
Aside from writing, Marga’s background in psychology fuels her work in education and training, where she nurtures her love for lifelong learning.
Find all her published work on Muck Rack.