Hollywood's Forgotten Scandals: Diets, Abortions & Taboo Relationships

Michael Jackson's Berlin Balcony Incident (2002): Michael Jackson's eccentric behavior reached a peak in 2002 when he dangled his 9-month-old son, Prince Michael II (known as "Blanket"), over a Berlin hotel balcony. Despite his prior allegations and charity work, this incident marked a turning point in Jackson's public perception.

Mandated Abortions in Old Hollywood: Hollywood's dark past included the shocking practice of mandated abortions. Studios decided when it was "convenient" for actresses to have children, often leading to secret hospital stays under false pretenses. Stars like Joan Crawford, Jeanette MacDonald, and Bette Davis all underwent abortions to protect their careers, highlighting the industry's callous control over their personal lives.

Russell Crowe's Phone Throwing Incident (2005): Renowned for his unpredictable temper, Russell Crowe made headlines in 2005 when he threw a phone at a hotel clerk in NYC out of frustration. This impulsive act led to his arrest by the NYPD, though he ultimately avoided prison time by pleading guilty to a misdemeanor.

Rob Lowe's Sex Tape Scandal: In a scandal that predates the era of celebrity sex tapes, Rob Lowe faced controversy in 1988 when a videotape surfaced featuring him engaging in sexual acts with two women, one of whom was underage. Lowe, unaware of the younger woman's age, described the scandal as a turning point that led to his sobriety.

Judy Garland's MGM Ordeal: At just 17, Judy Garland became a Hollywood darling after 'The Wizard of Oz' catapulted her to stardom. However, her path to fame was fraught with hardship. Signed by MGM at 13, she was subjected to intense pressure to maintain a specific image. To achieve this, the studio enforced grueling schedules, strict diets, and provided Garland with amphetamines and barbiturates. Her struggles with addiction persisted throughout her life, ultimately leading to her tragic death at the age of 47.

Brittany Murphy's Tragic End (2009): Actress Brittany Murphy's untimely death in 2009 shocked the world. She was found unresponsive in her bathroom, with the official cause listed as pneumonia and anemia, exacerbated by prescription drug intoxication. Her husband, Simon Monjack, passed away under similar circumstances just five months later.

Milli Vanilli's Lip-Sync Scandal: The '80s pop duo Milli Vanilli's rise to fame was as meteoric as their fall. Caught lip-synching during a live MTV performance, the duo faced public outrage, leading to album refunds and the revocation of their Best New Artist Grammy. It was later revealed that they hadn't even sung their own hits, further damaging their careers.

Kristen Stewart's Affair with Rupert Sanders (2012): Kristen Stewart's affair with director Rupert Sanders, who was married at the time, rocked the public during the twilight of the 'Twilight' film craze. Both Stewart and Robert Pattinson, her co-star and boyfriend at the time, have since moved on to successful careers, leaving the scandal in the past.

Roman Polanski's Scandalous Past: Roman Polanski's attraction to underage girls was an open secret in the film industry. In 1977, he faced criminal charges for his involvement with a 13-year-old girl but fled to France before sentencing. Despite this, he continued to work in the industry and even won awards, sparking controversy.

Hugh Grant's Scandal (1995): Actor Hugh Grant's arrest in 1995 for "lewd conduct" with a sex worker named Divine Brown shocked fans, especially as he was in a relationship with Elizabeth Hurley at the time. Despite the scandal, Grant's career rebounded, and he continued to be a beloved romantic leading man.