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While we often look up to celebrities and admire them for their talents and accomplishments, the truth is that not all famous people are as kind and gracious as their carefully crafted public images might suggest. There have been many instances of celebrities being rude, dismissive, or downright mean to their fans and others they encounter. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at some well-known celebs who have developed a reputation for bad behavior towards their admirers.

Justin Bieber

Teen heartthrob turned pop superstar Justin Bieber has had his share of unflattering fan encounters over the years:

• In 2014, Bieber was caught on video telling a young female fan, “You make me sick,” when she asked for a photo at a meet-and-greet event that her family had paid $2000 to attend.
• He’s pushed fans’ phones away and told them to put their cameras down on numerous occasions when they tried to take his picture.
• At a concert in 2016, he scolded the audience for clapping along to his music at the wrong time, saying, “Stop, stop, stop,” and adding, “If you’re going to clap, at least clap on beat.”

While Bieber later apologized for some of these incidents, he has continued to have prickly interactions with fans, paparazzi, and interviewers that make him seem self-centered and short-tempered. However, his die-hard “Beliebers” seem to take it all in stride.

Ariana Grande

Pop princess Ariana Grande puts on a sweet and innocent act, but she’s had multiple incidents of diva-like behavior toward fans and service workers:

• In 2015, Grande licked a donut on a store counter and said, “I hate America,” when an employee brought out a fresh tray, apparently miffed that the high-calorie treats were in front of her.
• She was overheard saying, “I hope they all f*cking die,” about her fans waiting outside a radio station while she visited.
• Stories abound online of Grande rudely brushing off fans who ask for autographs or photos.

While Grande apologized for the donut-licking incident, she’s developed a reputation as a demanding and high-maintenance star who lacks patience for interacting with little people.

Tobey Maguire

Actor Tobey Maguire played the friendly neighborhood Spider-Man on the big screen, but in real life, he’s said to be a bit of a grump:

• Reports from fans and restaurant staff paint him as very unfriendly. He rarely looks people in the eye or says thank you.
• He’s known to be a very big tipper but extremely demanding. He sends food back multiple times and does not let waitstaff speak to him directly.
• Maguire was once overheard at a premiere snapping at a young fan’s mother, “Get that f*cking kid out of my face.”

While he’s not the most approachable celebrity, Maguire is said to be a generous person who supports many charities. But his icy demeanor doesn’t precisely follow Spidey’s motto: “With great power comes great responsibility.”

Jared Leto

Actor and musician Jared Leto takes his artistic craft very seriously, but he also has a severe ego problem, according to those who’ve encountered him:

• Known for his intense “method acting,” Leto often refuses to break character even when the cameras stop rolling, leading to him acting rudely to co-stars and crew.
• He’s said to be very abrupt with fans, rarely stopping to sign autographs or take photos. At one event, he yelled, “No!” and stormed off when a fan asked for a picture.
• A journalist who interviewed Leto said he was harsh and condescending towards her, criticizing her questions and acting exasperated throughout their chat.

While Leto’s antics are often explained away as part of his “eccentric artist” persona, many find him overly pretentious and self-important. Playing The Joker went to his head a bit.

Christian Bale

Known as a talented but intense actor, Christian Bale has a bit of a temper that he’s unleashed on unsuspecting crew members and fans alike:

• While filming Terminator: Salvation in 2008, Bale went on a profanity-laden tirade against a director of photography who made the mistake of walking into his eye line, screaming, “I want you off the fcking set, you pick!”
• He was arrested for allegedly assaulting his sister and mother shortly before The Dark Knight’s London premiere, although charges were later dropped.
• Fans have said Bale can be very dismissive when approached, often walking away without eye contact.

Bale later apologized for his on-set outburst, saying he “acted like a punk.” But his intense and brooding persona doesn’t permanently shut off when the director yells cut.

Lea Michele

Actress and singer Lea Michele shot to fame on the hit show Glee, but her difficult reputation has dogged her throughout her career:

• Many of her co-stars and crew have called her a “nightmare” and a “diva.” She is described as very demanding and competitive on set.
• Samantha Ware, a black actress who appeared on Glee, accused Michele of making her life “a living hell” through microaggressions and cruel treatment.
• Fans often report Michele is rude and impatient at meet-and-greets, signings, and promotional events.

While Michele has denied claims of outright racism or bullying, she’s admitted that her perfectionism and intensity can come across badly at times. However, her behavior goes beyond having high standards into full-blown diva territory.

Ellen DeGeneres

Beloved comedian and talk show host Ellen DeGeneres has crafted a public image of niceness and goofy dancing. But behind the scenes, many say it’s a different story:

• Current and former Ellen Show employees have reported a toxic work environment rife with bullying, sexual misconduct, and a “culture of fear.” They say Ellen herself could be very cold and mean.
• Fans have often said Ellen seems irritated when they try to interact with her in public, with one Twitter user describing her as “one of the most unpleasant people I’ve ever met.”
• When Mariah Carey appeared on her show while going through personal difficulties, Ellen peppered her with probing questions until Mariah uncomfortably told her, “You’re making me cry.”

When some of these allegations came to light, Ellen apologized and vowed to make changes. But many were unsurprised to hear that the “be kind” queen was more of a mean girl behind closed doors.

Charlize Theron

South African actress Charlize Theron is undeniably talented, but she’s picked up a bit of an ice queen reputation on film sets and in public:

• While making The Road, Theron clashed with the film’s director, who later said, “She is a force of nature . . . There are parts I like about her and parts I don’t.”
• TV presenter Piers Morgan said Theron was “rude” and “unpleasant” when he interviewed her and that she made little effort to hide her disdain for him.
• Fans often say Theron is chilly and aloof at red-carpet events and film premieres, rarely cracking a smile.

Theron’s reserved nature may get misinterpreted as rudeness. Or maybe the stunning star believes she doesn’t have to turn on the charm for anyone.

Zack Braff

Actor and director Zack Braff found fame on the medical comedy Scrubs, but in real life, his bedside manner leaves a lot to be desired:

• A fan shared that she once spotted Braff at Disneyland and approached him to say she loved Scrubs. He curtly replied, “Thanks,” and immediately walked away from her.
• Other fans have said Braff acts very put out and irritated when recognized in public, often avoiding eye contact or conversation.
• He’s well known to hate having his picture taken and will sometimes lecture fans about respecting his privacy.

While celebrities are entitled to their personal space, many of Braff’s fans say he takes it too far and could be more gracious. Someone needs to replay his role as the goofy and kindhearted J.D.

Demi Lovato

Singer and former Disney star Demi Lovato has had a tumultuous journey with fame and has often taken out her frustrations on her fans and followers:

• She once attacked a small frozen yogurt shop on Instagram for offering sugar-free options, accusing them of promoting diet culture. Fans called the outburst unnecessary bullying of a small business.
• When fans criticized her new haircut online, Lovato raged, “If you don’t like it, fine. Don’t follow me.” She also said, “If you don’t like me, bye f*cking haters!”
• She’s quit social media and gone on angry rants against her followers multiple times over perceived slights or lack of support.

While Lovato has struggled with addiction, an eating disorder, and other mental health issues that may fuel her volatility, many fans wish she would be more appreciative of their support instead of lashing out.

Shailene Woodley

Actress Shailene Woodley is passionate about environmental activism and natural living, but she can be a bit judgy towards those who don’t share her crunchy lifestyle:

• She’s slammed people who eat processed food, use cell phones, and wear makeup, once saying that face powder can cause “osteoporosis of the skin.”
• Woodley said she didn’t relate to her character in the Divergent films because “I’m not a big fan of young adult novels, and I’m also not a very big fan of the screen.”
• She dissed a red carpet reporter who complimented her on being an inspiration to her fans, sarcastically replying, “Thanks, honey, but I’m not anyone’s idol.”

Woodley later said she never intended to be a role model and wanted to be honest and accurate. But many find her attitude rather ungrateful and holier-than-thou.

James Corden

Late-night host James Corden always seems cheerful and up for anything on his show, but off-camera, he’s said to be rather grumpy and rude:

• He was banned from a popular NYC restaurant in 2022 after berating staff over an omelet and hair in his food. He allegedly yelled at a server, “You can’t do your job! Maybe I should go into the kitchen and cook the omelet myself!”
• When fans asked for photos at a market, Corden told them, “Not while I’m buying a salad. I’m on my own time, you know?”
• At a Writers Guild event, he silenced the woman introducing him so he could change the angle of a teleprompter, causing the audience to boo.

After the omelet incident went viral, Corden apologized on air, saying, “I made a rude comment, and it was wrong. It was an unnecessary comment, and it was ungracious to the server.” But clearly, there’s a sour side to the carpool karaoke king.

Jenna Marbles

YouTube star Jenna Marbles was one of the most popular content creators on the platform for over a decade, racking up billions of views for her quirky comedy videos. But a few years ago, some skeletons emerged from her closet:

• Several of Marbles’ old videos resurfaced featuring her in blackface, mocking Asian men, and slut-shaming women. Fans were horrified to see this offensive content from their favorite “unproblematic” creator.
• She was also called out for monetizing a video about a murdered teen while barely mentioning the victim.
• After these controversies, Marbles posted an apology video and announced quitting YouTube. But some felt she was “canceling” herself in a bid for sympathy rather than genuinely apologizing.

While Marbles had a squeaky-clean reputation for years, her past racist and misogynistic “jokes” showed that she wasn’t always the wholesome role model her young fans thought she was. Sometimes, our faves are problematic.

Bottom line: While it may be disillusioning to learn that a beloved celebrity is rude or unkind to their fans and others, it’s a good reminder that famous people are just human, with all the same flaws and bad days as everyone else. However, that doesn’t make it less hurtful or disappointing when they lash out, get bratty, or put on a false front. Celebrities have a platform and influence, especially over young and impressionable fans, and most people believe they are responsible for at least trying to be role models. But clearly, the pressures of fame, wealth, and constant attention can sometimes bring out the worst in people. Hopefully, some of these stars will learn from their mistakes and choose kindness in the future.