An artist can be on top of the world, selling out shows and enjoying a number-one hit on the radio, only to wake up one day with no more success. From controversial statements to problems with the law, many artists have ruined their careers in the past few years, and it’s shocking to see how things can change.
Let’s look at some of the most unexpected situations.
CeeLo Green
In 2014, CeeLo Green faced a serious accusation of sexual assault. A woman claimed she woke up naked next to him with no memory of the events leading up to it. Despite the lack of evidence leading to the filing of sexual assault charges, Green admitted to providing her with ecstasy.
He worsened the situation by posting controversial comments on Twitter, implying that sexual assault doesn’t count if the victim can’t remember.
Ryan Adams
Ryan Adams enjoyed years of success until multiple women, including his ex-wife, Mandy Moore, accused him of sexual harassment and manipulative behavior. In response to the allegations, Adams canceled his tour of Britain and Ireland.
DaBaby
Rapper DaBaby faced widespread criticism in 2021 for his homophobic and HIV/AIDS stigma-filled rant during a concert. The backlash from celebrities and activists led to an apology, but his career took a significant hit.
Robin Thicke
Robin Thicke’s career took a nosedive after his raunchy performance with Miley Cyrus at the 2013 VMAs, as well as a scandalous photo showing him with his hand on a fan’s behind. Additionally, the nonconsensual lyrics of his hit song “Blurred Lines” drew criticism, leading to a plagiarism lawsuit against him and Pharrell Williams.
Tory Lanez
Tory Lanez faced three felony charges in 2022 for shooting Megan Thee Stallion in 2020. In 2023, a 10-year prison sentence severely damaged his career.
T-Pain
T-Pain’s career steadily declined throughout the last decade, culminating in the cancellation of his tour in 2019 due to poor ticket sales.
LMFAO
Despite their massive success with “Sexy and I Know It” in 2012, LMFAO couldn’t sustain their momentum in the following years, leading to their career decline.
Tekashi 6ix9ine
Tekashi 6ix9ine has had multiple run-ins with the law, including charges of attempted murder and armed robbery. In 2019, he pleaded guilty to nine charges, including conspiracy to commit murder. August 2020 saw his release, but his reputation suffered greatly.
Iggy Azalea
Iggy Azalea’s debut album “The New Classic” peaked in 2014, but she went on hiatus and never fully regained her mainstream popularity.
Miguel
Miguel’s career took a hit in 2013 after he misjudged a jump during a performance at the Billboard Music Awards, accidentally injuring a fan who later sued him.
Kris Wu
Canadian-Chinese singer Kris Wu faced accusations of sexual assault against a 17-year-old in 2021. Beijing police arrested him and sentenced him to 13 years in prison, despite his denial of the allegations.
Trey Songz
Trey Songz has a history of sexual assault and domestic violence accusations. The allegations escalated in 2022 with three more accusations, severely impacting his career.
Nelly
Nelly, once a top hip-hop artist, saw his fame decline over the decade. He faced multiple sexual assault accusations in the latter half of the decade, further damaging his reputation.
Sonic Youth
Sonic Youth, the iconic band, split up in 2011 after Kim Gordon and Thurston Moore divorced. Moore’s affair with editor Eva Prinz led to the band’s breakup, disappointing many fans.
R. Kelly
R. Kelly’s long history of sexual abuse allegations caught up with him in 2017. The 2019 miniseries “Surviving R. Kelly” documented the investigation into these allegations, and in 2022, he received a 31-year prison sentence.
The Orwells
In 2018, a Reddit post accused several members of The Orwells of sexual misconduct. Although the band denied the allegations, they officially split shortly after. They reunited in 2023 without guitarist Matt O’Keefe.
Mary J. Blige
In 2012, Mary J. Blige faced backlash after footage from a Burger King advertisement showed her singing passionately about fried chicken, perpetuating offensive stereotypes. Blige apologized, but the incident hurt her reputation.
B.o.B.
In 2016, rapper B.o.B. controversially claimed that the earth was flat, leading to widespread criticism and a decline in his popularity.
Jesse Lacey
Brand New’s Jesse Lacey faced multiple sexual misconduct accusations in 2007. They canceled the band’s tour, and their comeback was short-lived.
Nick Carter
Nick Carter faced a lawsuit in 2023 for allegedly sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl in 2003. Additionally, a separate 2001 incident led to a lawsuit against him for sexual battery, severely harming his career.
Chris Brown
Multiple legal issues and assault accusations have marred Chris Brown’s career since his domestic violence incident with Rihanna in 2009.
Ameer Vann
In 2018, Brockhampton expelled Ameer Vann due to allegations of sexual misconduct. In 2019, his solo album received a poor reception.
Marilyn Manson
Marilyn Manson faced multiple sexual assault and abuse allegations in 2021, starting with his ex-fiancée, Evan Rachel Wood. His label and agency dropped him, causing a significant career downturn.
Kodak Black
Legal issues have plagued Kodak Black’s career. In 2019, Kodak Black faced imprisonment for fabricating his criminal history. Former President Donald Trump commuted his sentence in 2021, but his reputation remains tarnished.
Orri Páll Dýrason
A fan accused Sigur Rós drummer Orri Páll D’rason of sexual assault in 2018. He denied the allegations but left the band soon after.
Boyd Tinsley
Boyd Tinsley left Dave Matthews Band in 2018 following accusations of sexual assault, harassment, and grooming, severely impacting his career.
Sticky Fingers
Sticky Fingers’ vocalist Dylan Frost faced accusations of racial harassment in 2013, leading to the band’s hiatus. Although they returned in 2018, their reputation never fully recovered.
These musicians’ careers have faced significant setbacks due to their actions, showing how quickly success can turn into a downfall.
