The world of stardom and fame clashing with legal concerns can wreak havoc, causing controversies. Here are ten of the most famous courtroom battles that garnered much attention.
1. Britney Spears’s Conservatorship Battle
For 13 years, Britney fought an uphill legal battle to end her conservatorship. Losing custody of her sons forced the star into behaving erratically, causing her to meet the conservatorship criteria, which includes those with dementia or debilitating mental disorders. The conservatorship was placed in 2008, giving her father complete control of her life until 2021.
2. O.J. Simpson Murder Trial
In 1994, a former NFL star was put on trial for the murder of his former wife, Nicole Brown, and her friend, Ron Goldman. Much of the evidence indicated Simpson’s involvement, but the jury acquitted him in 1995. Later, the Brown and Goldman families filed a wrongful death civil suit, which found Simpson liable.
3. Rose McGowan’s Lawsuit Against Harvey Weinstein
The series of countless assault allegations against Harvey Weinstein sparked what many came to know as the #MeToo movement. Among the first women to come forward was Rose McGowan, who accused Weinstein of sexual assault. These allegations forever changed the face of Hollywood as the dark realities of power came to the surface.
4. Kesha vs. Dr. Luke
In 2014, Kesha filed a lawsuit against Dr. Luke, her former producer, for battery, assault, and harassment. Luke countered by filing a defamation case. In 2016, the “TiK ToK” singer was denied her release from the contract with Sony and Dr. Luke, sparking the #FreeKesha movement. The back-and-forth fiasco continued until 2021, when both parties put matters to rest.
5. Meghan Markle vs. Associated Press Limited
In 2021, Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, went up against the Associated Press for misuse of private information. It all started when a personal letter she wrote to her father three months after her marriage was made public. As many expected, the court ruled in favor of Meghan Markle.
6. Sam Sheppard Murder Case
In 1954, Dr. Sam Sheppard was alleged to have murdered Marilyn Sheppard. His plea was dismissed in light of his inconsistent account of a possible intruder. The jury found him guilty, with a sentence of life imprisonment. However, Shepherd was eventually released in 1966 due to immense media attention.
7. Michael Jackson vs. The State of California
Michael Jackson is known to have changed pop music forever. However, in 1993, the crowned “King of Pop” was accused of child abuse. Despite denying such allegations, Jackson faced another lawsuit in 2005 over similar grounds. Although the court ruled in his favor on all levels, many still wonder if the verdict is truly accurate.
8. Travis Scott’s Astroworld Tragedy
In 2021, Travis Scott’s music festival Astroworld came to a close, with ten attendees passing away and many suffering injuries during the event due to compression asphyxia. Afterward, Scott faced 200 lawsuits on account of his neglect of the situation during the performance. However, claims surfaced that the star wasn’t aware until hours after the incident.
9. Lindsay Lohan vs. E-Trade
Here’s a lighthearted case from 2010 where Lindsay Lohan sued E-Trade for using her name in an ad without her consent. The commercial featured a “milkaholic” baby named Lindsay, shaming the star for her substance abuse issues. Understandably, E-Trade responded by telling the Mean Girls star that she wasn’t the only Lindsay, leading the case to be withdrawn.
10. Kendall Jenner’s False Promotion
Jenner was sued by Gregory Messer, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court trustee, for falsely promoting a 2017 festival that didn’t happen. Jenner wasn’t transparent about being paid $275,000 for the endorsement while misleading her followers into thinking the event would occur on an exotic island with lavish services. The case came to a close when Jenner agreed to pay $90,000.
10 Movies That Were Deemed Horrible When They Released, But People Love Now
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10 Movies That Had a 3/10 Concept But a 10/10 Execution
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10 Celebrities That Have Suspiciously Clean Reputations
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Celebrities often find themselves amid scandals and controversies that capture public attention. However, a select few stars seem to have remarkably pristine reputations, leaving many wondering if there might be more than meets the eye. These individuals have managed to maintain a squeaky-clean image despite the constant scrutiny of the public eye.
    This article was first published and syndicated by The Cents of Money.