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Published -
- January 12, 2022
- 10:45 pm
Social media has done wonders for celebrities who want to connect with their fans.
Platforms like Instagram and Twitter have made it easy for stars to communicate directly with the people who love and admire them, but social media comes with pitfalls, too.
Yes, celebrities “like,” post, and retweet things they shouldn’t, just like the rest of us. But unlike the rest of us, millions of people bear witness to their explicit trolling or secret illegal fetishes. From Vanessa Hudgens’ insensitive COVID-19 comments on Instagram Live to Armie Hammer’s BDSM Twitter likes, here are the actors who ruined their careers on social media.
What lessons can actors learn from the experiences of James Gunn, Roseanne Barr, and Kevin Hart when it comes to social media use?
Actors are public figures, and therefore they are expected to be careful about their behavior, both on and off-screen. The rise of social media platforms has given them the opportunity to interact with fans and establish a personal brand, but it has also exposed them to scrutiny and criticism if they make a misstep.
Unfortunately, some actors have taken their social media presence for granted and have used it carelessly, resulting in harm to their careers. Here are some examples of actors who ruined their careers on social media.
James Gunn
James Gunn was a rising star in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, having directed the highly successful “Guardians of the Galaxy” films. However, in 2018, he was fired from directing the third installment of the franchise after old Twitter posts resurfaced, in which he made offensive jokes about rape and pedophilia.
Despite Gunn’s apologies and efforts to distance himself from the offensive statements, Disney decided to cut ties with him, citing his “indefensible” behavior. Gunn eventually landed a new job at DC Comics, directing “The Suicide Squad,” but the controversy certainly tarnished his reputation and cost him a high-profile gig.
Roseanne Barr
Roseanne Barr was one of the most successful TV stars of the 90s, with her sitcom “Roseanne” being a huge hit. However, in 2018, her career came crashing down after she sent a racist tweet about a former advisor to President Obama.
The tweet, which referred to the advisor as the result of a union between the Muslim Brotherhood and “Planet of the Apes,” was widely condemned and led to the cancellation of her show by ABC. Despite attempts at damage control, Barr’s reputation was irreparably damaged, and her future in the entertainment industry remains uncertain.
Kevin Hart
Kevin Hart was one of the most popular comedians and actors, known for his energetic stand-up performances and box office hits like “Jumanji” and “Central Intelligence.” However, in 2018, he faced backlash after old tweets containing homophobic slurs resurfaced.
Hart initially refused to apologize for the tweets, arguing that he had already addressed them in the past. However, the controversy escalated, and he was eventually forced to step down from hosting the Academy Awards, a coveted gig for any comedian. Hart issued an apology but acknowledged that his social media behavior had hurt his career.
Conclusion
Social media can be a double-edged sword for actors, providing them with a platform to connect with fans but also exposing them to scrutiny and backlash if they make mistakes. The examples of James Gunn, Roseanne Barr, and Kevin Hart demonstrate the high stakes involved in being a public figure on social media and the importance of being mindful of one’s behavior. For actors, social media can be a career-making or career-breaking tool, and it is up to them to wield it responsibly.
