2024 was no stranger to drama, with celebrities across the globe making headlines for all the wrong reasons. From shocking arrests to fiery feuds, breakups and legal cases, these controversies dominated social media and sparked endless debates. Here's a closer look at the year's biggest scandals:
Allu Arjun’s Arrest
Just as Pushpa 2: The Rule dominated box offices, Allu Arjun found himself in legal trouble. The star’s arrest, shrouded in mystery, sent shockwaves through the industry. Fans speculated endlessly on social media, with theories ranging from contract disputes to political vendettas, as the real reason remained undisclosed.
Nayanthara vs. Dhanush: The Netflix Feud
A Bollywood drama unfolded off-screen as Nayanthara accused Dhanush of blocking her Netflix documentary. The clash led to a high-profile legal battle and a war of words on social media, highlighting the challenges of creative control in the Indian entertainment industry. Fans were divided, with many calling for transparency from both stars.
Diljit Dosanjh vs. AP Dhillon: Punjabi Pop’s Power Struggle
Two giants of the Punjabi music scene, Diljit Dosanjh and AP Dhillon, engaged in a public spat after Dhillon accused Diljit of blocking him on Instagram. The feud escalated with pointed social media posts and public statements, drawing responses from fellow musicians like Badshah, who urged unity. The controversy sparked conversations about professionalism in the music industry.
Sean "Diddy" Combs' Legal Troubles
The music mogul faced significant backlash after a resurfaced video showed him assaulting ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura. Accusations of sex trafficking and racketeering followed, tarnishing his reputation. The unfolding legal case highlighted the long-standing issue of abuse within the music industry.
Blake Lively Smear Campaign
Blake Lively’s legal battle with It Ends With Us director Justin Baldoni exposed an alleged Hollywood smear campaign. After accusing Baldoni of misconduct, including boundary violations, documents revealed efforts to tarnish Lively’s reputation through social media manipulation while shielding Baldoni. The fallout hurt her career and ventures, with her hair-care line losing 78% in sales. Her complaint highlights systemic retaliation in Hollywood, igniting calls for accountability.
Kangana Ranaut’s Slapgate
Actor-turned-politician Kangana Ranaut made waves when she was slapped by a CISF constable at Chandigarh airport. The altercation reportedly stemmed from her controversial remarks on the farmers' protests, which have made her a polarising figure in Indian politics. The incident reignited discussions on freedom of speech, the role of public figures, and the accountability of security personnel.
Drake vs. Kendrick Lamar: The Year’s Biggest Rap Feud
The long-standing tension between rap titans Drake and Kendrick Lamar reached a boiling point in 2024. Subtle jabs in their lyrics escalated into pointed interviews, with both artists publicly questioning each other’s authenticity and dominance in the music scene. Drake’s For All the Dogs featured tracks that many believed were direct shots at Kendrick, while Kendrick responded with razor-sharp verses on surprise collaborations.
Fans took sides, reigniting debates about the greatest rapper of the generation. The feud spilled onto social media, where memes and hot takes dominated timelines. Despite the drama, both artists capitalised on the publicity, boosting album streams and concert ticket sales.
Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck’s Divorce
Hollywood’s golden couple, Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck, called it quits in 2024. The divorce marked the end of their decades-spanning on-again, off-again romance. Fans were heartbroken as details emerged about their struggles to balance family and careers, proving that even star-studded relationships face real-world challenges.
Kanye West Lawsuits
Kanye West’s controversies continued as a former assistant accused him of turning his office into a "sexual playground." The allegations added to his already tumultuous year, with many calling out the blurred lines between personal and professional boundaries in celebrity circles—from running 'abusive' work environments to hate speech and physical abuse.
Katy Perry’s Controversial Comeback
Katy Perry’s much-anticipated return to the spotlight with her single “Woman’s World” sparked more backlash than celebration. Critics called out her collaboration with producer Lukasz Gottwald—better known as Dr. Luke—whose contentious history with Kesha clashed with the song’s feminist message. Adding fuel to the fire, Perry’s music video shoot on the ecologically sensitive Balearic Islands drew the attention of Spanish authorities, prompting an investigation into environmental violations. Social media erupted with criticism, with many fans questioning her choices and some even suggesting it might be time for Perry to step away from the music industry.
Poonam Pandey’s Death Stunt
In a bizarre move, model Poonam Pandey falsely announced her death on Instagram to raise awareness about cervical cancer. While her intentions were noble, her approach was widely criticised for being misleading and insensitive, leaving many fans confused and distressed. Critics argued that such a stunt trivialised serious health campaigns and overshadowed her message—though it definitely caught the attention of millions of Indians.
