When we go to a theater or concert, we are happy to see our favorite artist entertaining us. Most of us love these celebrities so much that we even wear shirts with their faces on them and follow them on social media. But despite being role models for millions of people, celebrities are still people, just like us, who make mistakes they may never forget. Next, let's take stock of the 10 celebrities in the world with criminal records.
<h1 class="pgc-h-arrow-right" data-track="16" >10 Bruno Mars</h1>
Bruno Mars is one of the most fascinating artists in the world, and when he's not using lyrical tenor to attract fans, he's fascinated by classic jazz dance moves. In 2010, the "confined paradise" star nearly found herself in custody for a felony of drug possession.
All celebrities love to party, and in the famous "Sin City" of Las Vegas, the rich are known for their revelry. In 2010, Bruno Mars found more than 2.5 grams of cocaine in the bathroom of the Hard Rock Hotel, which interrupted his fun. As evidence piled up against him, Bruno Mars continued to plead guilty to drug possession charges, resulting in an early conviction.
The "Brother Mars" singer was fined $2,000 and immediately completed 200 hours of mandatory community service. In 2012, the court dropped the felony charges, ending Mars' plight. In a later interview, Bruno Mars said the incident told him that "fame could be taken away at any time." In a sense, the incident gave him a valuable lesson, and since then, his career has been on the rise. Perhaps, when bad things happen, it's the universe that tells us to change the way we do!
<h1 class="pgc-h-arrow-right" data-track="17" >9 Kohler Kardashian</h1>
Kohler Kardashian is popular among her fans, and as one of the famous Kardashian sisters, her reputation as a reality TV star is unquestionable. However, for stars who "walked with the Kardashian sisters," becoming celebrities was also subject to fair scrutiny. In 2007, Kohler Kardashian clashed with the law and ended with notorious driving on influence charges.
Kohler Kardashian, affectionately nicknamed "KoKo" by her family, found herself on the wrong side of the law, and after drunk driving, she was sentenced to 3 years of probation. Probation was tough, and after violating the probation provisions, Kohler was sentenced to 30 days in prison and enrolled in an alcohol treatment program in 2008.
But because she's a reality TV star, Kohler's family never shy away from making fun of her brief experiences in prison. Kim Kardashian and Chris Jenner, who found her arrest amusing, showed a framed copy of her headshot at home. At least her family found something to joke about at the Christmas dinner table.
<h1 class="pgc-h-arrow-right" data-track="25" >8 Felicity Hoffman</h1>
Felicity Hoffman is no stranger to spotlights, and as an actress she has received dozens of nominations and awards. Hoffman's work in Desperate Housewives, American Crime, and Sports Night made her a compelling figure, but no role prepared her for a criminal record. In 2019, Felicity Hoffman was charged with exam cheating scandals, email fraud, and conspiracy to commit mail fraud.
Felicity Hoffman is a loving mom who got into trouble in 2019 by paying $15,000 to invigilators so that her daughter's incorrect SAT problems could pass. Hoffman was found guilty of what is now known as the largest college admissions cheating case in the United States for paying for her children's college attendance.
In the well-publicized case, Hoffman was eventually sentenced to 14 days in prison, in addition to being fined $30,000 for 250 hours of community service.
<h1 class="pgc-h-arrow-right" data-track="29" >7 Stephanie Pratt</h1>
Stephanie Pratt became a household name with her role in The Hill, a reality show that made her a famous TV celebrity. But like most celebrities on this list, Pratt's past is interesting because she knows what it's like to be on the wrong side of the law. At the age of 20, Pratt was arrested for second-degree theft.
All the girls love shopping, and they get a little too brazen when Stephanie Pratt and her friends walk into a clothing store. They were arrested on the spot for stealing $1,300 worth of clothing. Further searches revealed that Pratt had drugs in her wallet, which was also added to her records.
Pratt avoided controversy for years, but in 2009 she was also arrested on suspicion of drunk driving after a birthday party. Stephanie Pratt is known for saying her arrest was "a blessing," a reminder that she shouldn't "crash." Stay positive in all situations.
<h1 class="pgc-h-arrow-right" data-track="33" >6 steal the sling</h1>
Larry King is as famous as a celebrity journalist, and while he was a respected figure in his heyday, his past is also interesting. In 1971, Larry King, then 38, was arrested and charged with major theft.
In the midst of a scandal unfolding in the media circles, King was accused of stealing money from friend and business partner Louis Wolfson. The case was dropped a year later, but the controversy it sparked prevented Kim from getting a job in the media for a while. Four years later, King regained his footing as a South Florida radio host, as the host of the "Sports-a-la-King" talk show.
Larry King is best known for his longtime show "Larry King Live," which airs on CNN, which proves that bad stories can happen to anyone.
<h1 class="pgc-h-arrow-right" data-track="37" >5 Bill Gates: Speed Demon</h1>
In the case of wealthy celebrities, Bill Gates has been described as one of the most humble celebrities of all time, and he is exceptionally docile even with his huge wealth. Still, behind the nasty exterior is an ordinary man who is a rebel who loved fast cars when he was young. In 1975, Gates was arrested for speeding, driving without a license, and ignoring stop signs!
In this arrest, the first of three from the Albuquerque Police Department, the forever happy Microsoft founder, found himself taken a headshot. True to his brand, Gates smiles in what is now famous in his facials. In 1979 and 1989, Gates was again indicted for speeding and drunk driving, and the charges were later reduced.
The best news is that in all the incidents, Bill Gates was not involved in any accidents and no one, including him, was injured. Gates has been committed to philanthropy since the '70s and '80s, and his collaboration with the Melinda Gates Foundation speaks for itself. If you think about it, no hero is a true saint.
<h1 class="pgc-h-arrow-right" data-track="41" >4 Put on your pants, McConaughey! </h1>
Matthew McConaughey is a real charismatic figure on screen, and for those who love him, he can play any role and win awards for it. In Guy Ritchie's 2019 film The Gentlemen, McConaughey plays a wealthy marijuana mogul whose brilliant performance reminds us of a real-life event he did decades ago. In 1999, McConaughey was arrested and charged with possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.
On that fateful night, neighbors launched a noise complaint, and when police arrived, they searched McConaughey's texas home. After they discovered that McConaughey was more than just playing bongo and dancing loudly, routine police calls quickly became dramatic. They also found the actor taking drugs inside the residence. On top of that, McConaughey also allegedly ignored requests to wear pants and even pushed officers when he resisted arrest.
As expected, McConaughey was booked, and after spending nine hours in jail, he was released on $1,000 bail. Fortunately, the drug charges were later dropped as the "Beach Tramp" actor pleaded guilty to the noise complaint. In the end, McConaughey paid a $50 fine for noise crimes.
<h1 class="pgc-h-arrow-right" data-track="45" >3 Wesley Snipes</h1>
Wesley Snipes is one of the strongest screen actors, with a 5-degree black belt in Matsutokan Karate, Aikido, Capoeira and Kung Fu. In a technical sense, Snipes is a walking lethal weapon that can boast that what he does on the screen is not fictional. Sadly, although Aynipes was a fighter, he lost a well-known battle with the IRS when he was convicted of three misdemeanors.
In this case, Snaps was found guilty of tax evasion on income earned between 1999 and 2004, during which time he earned nearly $40 million but paid $0 in taxes. According to the IRS, Snaps avoided $7 million in tax arrears, a huge sum. As the case unfolded, the actor blamed his plight on his accountant and tax lawyer, who were both convicted at sentencing.
After serving 2 years in prison and a year in detention at home, Snaps returned to court to fight the IRS, a battle he once again lost. Since the crash, Snaps has starred in such famous films as Daredevil 3 and the star-studded America Upcoming 2 that promise to help him settle his debt problems more amicably.
<h1 class="pgc-h-arrow-right" data-track="49" >2 Who slept in my bed? Robert Downey Jr</h1>
Robert Downey Jr. is one of the highest-paid actors of all time and on screen, and his charming personality always keeps moviegoers glued to the screen. In the '90s, however, the "Iron Man" actor was completely different, as he had been arrested on drug and weapons charges.
In the 1990s, Downey lived a fast-paced life, and as a drug addict, he often did some very adventurous things. In 1996, Downey was stopped on Sunset Boulevard after speeding, and after a police search, he could not avoid being arrested. The "Born Killer" actor was found to be in possession of heroin, cocaine and an unloaded 0.357 pistol.
A month after the incident, Downey was arrested again, this time for breaking into a neighbor's house under the influence of a substance. The actor was found sleeping in a bed at home! After his arrest, Downey was sentenced to three years in prison at the California Drug Abuse Treatment Center.
Since then, through hard work, determination and help, the actor has overcome his addiction and become a widely acclaimed actor again. In Marvel's Avengers: Endgame movie, Downey saves the world by defeating Thanos. The iconic scene is as powerful as Downey's fight against drugs and drug abuse.
<h1 class="pgc-h-arrow-right" data-track="54" >1 Prince Bel Air freshly baked Will Smith</h1>
Will Smith is a versatile man, and as an actor, rapper, and filmmaker, he's easily one of the most popular people on the planet. But, while he was charming on television, Will Smith had a dark past from a young age, where he was arrested for criminal intrigue and severe beatings.
In 1989, the star found himself on the wrong side of the law after participating in the attack. The fateful day, the "Men in Black" star had just won a Grammy Award, and things went fast after an argument with the record's promoter. The victim was seriously injured and almost blind.
Smith, then 20, was charged with conspiracy because he allegedly asked his bodyguards to beat up the producer. Fortunately, Smith quickly dropped the charges, exempting him from serving his sentence.
We all have regrets that "The Fresh Prince of Bel Air" can look back on this like a skeleton in a closet. Well, with what he has achieved today, he can only blame the record on the innocence of youth.