13 Teen Idols of the ’90s Whose Behavior Wouldn’t Fly in the #MeToo Era
The ’90s threw up a lot of teen idols, with young stars from television, film, and music captivating audiences worldwide. However, today, many of their behaviors, mainly how they treat women, would be seen as problematic. Here are 13 such stars whose behavior wouldn’t fly in the #MeToo era:
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Justin Timberlake
Justin Timberlake, known for his role in *N Sync and subsequent solo career, faced criticism for his treatment of Janet Jackson after the 2004 Super Bowl halftime show incident. His failure to publicly support Jackson in the aftermath raised questions about gender equality and accountability in the entertainment industry.
Chris Brown
Rising to fame as a talented R&B artist, Chris Brown’s career has been overshadowed by allegations of domestic violence and legal troubles. His battering of Rhianna would have seen him being canceled immediately! In today’s era of heightened awareness around gender-based violence and the #MeToo movement, Brown’s past actions wouldn’t fly.
Mark Wahlberg
Mark Wahlberg, initially known for his rap career as Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch, has since transitioned into a successful acting career. However, his past involvement in racially motivated violence and hate crimes has cast a shadow over his legacy. While Wahlberg has publicly expressed remorse for his actions and worked to rebuild his reputation, his past behavior reminds him of the importance of acknowledging and atoning for past mistakes.
R. Kelly
R. Kelly, a prolific R&B artist, has faced numerous allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse throughout his career. Kelly was convicted of abusing young fans, some underage. The charges included racketeering (using a business for illegal acts) and sex trafficking (controlling someone for sex). He was also found guilty of child pornography and enticing minors for sex. These charges stemmed from accusations dating back to the 1990s.
Eminem
Eminem, a controversial figure in the music industry, is known for his provocative lyrics and public persona. While his music has garnered both critical acclaim and controversy, his portrayal of violence and misogyny has drawn criticism from feminist groups and advocacy organizations. His music wouldn’t fly in today’s era of heightened sensitivity towards issues of gender equality and representation.
Jared Leto
Jared Leto, known for his versatile acting roles and frontman position in the band Thirty Seconds to Mars, has faced allegations of inappropriate behavior and misconduct throughout his career. Jared Leto has faced allegations of sexual misconduct, not formal charges. These go back to 2005, with reports of him texting underage girls and inviting them to shows. In 2013, anonymous accounts accused him of assault.
Nick Carter
Nick Carter, a member of the internationally renowned boy band Backstreet Boys, has faced allegations of sexual assault and misconduct from multiple women. While Carter has denied these allegations, they have raised questions about power dynamics and consent within the entertainment industry.
Danny Masterson
He played Hyde in That 70s Show. Masterson was found guilty of raping two women in 2003. Both victims were Scientologists, as was Masterson at the time. The assaults allegedly happened at his home. He is currently serving a 30-year prison sentence.
Scott Baio
Scott Baio faced accusations of sexual assault from his former co-star Nicole Eggert, who claimed he molested her when she was a minor on their 1980s sitcom. He denied the allegations and said their relationship was consensual when she was of legal age.
Casey Affleck
In 2010, two women who worked on his film sued him for sexual harassment, alleging unwanted advances and inappropriate behavior. He denied the claims but settled the lawsuits out of court for undisclosed amounts. The details are confidential, and Affleck hasn’t spoken openly about them.
James Franco
Five women, including former students, accused James Franco of using his acting school to pressure them into sexual activity for roles. He denied all wrongdoing but settled a lawsuit with a payout in 2021. Later, he admitted to sleeping with students, though he called it consensual.
Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson faced accusations of child sexual abuse twice. In 1993, a settlement ended a lawsuit claiming he inappropriately touched a 13-year-old boy. No charges were filed. In 2005, he was acquitted of charges involving another child, including alleged intoxication for sexual abuse.
Rob Lowe
In 1988, a video surfaced of Rob Lowe having sex with a 16-year-old (legal age then, but not for filming). Though never charged, it damaged his career. In 2008, his nanny accused him of sexual harassment, which he denied. Both lawsuits were eventually dismissed.