Nick Cannon found huge success as a host and producer with shows like Wild N Out and The Masked Singer. That success was abruptly interrupted in 2020 after he made anti-Semitic comments during a discussion on his podcast. The controversy led ViacomCBS to fire him from his long-running network, though he was eventually rehired after issuing apologies. | © The Diary Of A CEO / YouTube
Faizon Love is known for comedic roles in films like Elf, but he has stirred controversy with his staunch public support for Bill Cosby during Cosby's sexual assault trials. His legal troubles extend beyond just opinions, as he has also faced his own serious criminal charges. Most notably, Love was arrested on a felony assault charge in 2025, further complicating his public image. | © New Line Cinema
LaKeith Stanfield earned critical acclaim for his roles in films like Get Out and Judas and the Black Messiah. His judgment came under fire in 2021 when he was found to have participated in an online clubhouse chat that contained antisemitic rhetoric. Stanfield apologized, stating he was trying to understand the conversation, but the incident damaged his standing as a thoughtful and rising star. | © Cinedigm
Terry Crews is widely recognized as a charismatic actor and former host of America's Got Talent. His reputation faced a significant challenge in 2020, however, following controversial tweets about the Black Lives Matter movement. Many felt his comments, which warned the movement could become divisive, undermined the fight for racial justice and represented a tone-deaf moment during a critical national conversation. | © Sony Pictures Releasing
Will Smith built a decades-long career as a beloved actor and blockbuster star, famously known for his charm and professionalism. That image shattered in front of a global audience at the 2022 Oscars when he walked on stage and slapped comedian Chris Rock over a joke. The violent outburst resulted in his resignation from the Academy and a ten-year ban from all Oscars events, permanently altering his legacy. | © Sony Pictures Releasing
Martin Lawrence rose to stardom in the '90s with his hit sitcom Martin and the Bad Boys film series. His career, however, has been marred by serious off-screen incidents, including a sexual harassment lawsuit from a co-star alleging a hostile work environment. Lawrence also faced intense public scrutiny after a notorious 1996 breakdown where he brandished a gun on a street, shouting at traffic. | © Sony Pictures Releasing
Kevin Hart's rise from stand-up clubs to Hollywood leading man hit a major snag in 2018. Years-old tweets containing homophobic jokes resurfaced just as he was set to host the Oscars. The controversy forced him to step down from the prestigious hosting gig, casting a lasting shadow over his otherwise successful career. | © Sony Pictures Releasing
Tracy Morgan built his career on outrageous humor from Saturday Night Live and 30 Rock. That edgy persona backfired in 2011 when he faced major backlash for making homophobic comments during a stand-up routine. While he later apologized and met with advocacy groups, the incident remains a significant stain on his public record. | © NBC
Tyrese Gibson is best known for his role as Roman Pearce in the blockbuster Fast & Furious franchise. His career has been consistently overshadowed by public controversy, including bitter online feuds with former co-stars. Gibson has also drawn criticism for posting erratic, emotionally charged videos about his personal custody and financial struggles. | © Universal Pictures
Kanye West, known globally as a groundbreaking musician and designer, has increasingly drawn condemnation for his public statements. In 2018, he controversially called slavery a choice, and in 2022, he made a series of explicitly antisemitic remarks online. These incidents led to widespread backlash and the severing of major corporate partnerships, reframing his public image. | © Paramount Pictures
Wesley Snipes is celebrated for his iconic roles as a charismatic drug lord in New Jack City and the vampire hunter Blade. His legacy, however, was severely tarnished by a highly publicized legal battle. Snipes was convicted of willful tax evasion in 2008 and served a three-year federal prison sentence for failing to file returns. | © Warner Bros. Pictures
Jonathan Majors saw his star rise rapidly with acclaimed roles in independent film and as the new major villain in the Marvel universe. However, his ascent was halted in 2023 when he was arrested and later convicted of reckless assault and harassment against a former girlfriend. This conviction abruptly dismantled his promising career and led to his dismissal from all major studio projects. | © A24
Chris Brown is a successful singer and actor, but his career is permanently shadowed by his 2009 assault on fellow musician Rihanna. The violent attack, which occurred just before the Grammys, led to a felony assault conviction. This brutal incident continues to define his public persona for many, overshadowing his artistic work. | © Sony Pictures Entertainment
Jussie Smollett gained fame on the hit series Empire, but his career took a drastic turn in 2019. He was convicted of orchestrating a fake hate crime against himself and then lying to Chicago police about the incident. This scandal transformed his public image from a sympathetic figure into a symbol of fraudulent victimhood. | © 20th Century Fox
Once beloved for his Emmy-winning role in I Spy and his iconic portrayal of Dr. Cliff Huxtable, Cosby's legacy was shattered. He was convicted in 2018 after dozens of women accused him of sexual assault. Although his conviction was later overturned, the public's profound sense of betrayal remains. | © NBC
This article examines Black actors whose legacies are marred by controversy. Their careers have been defined not just by their roles, but by public scandals and personal misconduct. These actions have led to widespread criticism and a damaged public image
