Celeb Interviews That Went Terribly Wrong
Published -
- June 16, 2018
- 1:00 am
Celebrity interviews are generally light, fun, and informative, but every so often there are conversations so cringe-worthy they’ll leave you squirming in your seat.
Whether the interviewer is purposely trying to push buttons, or the star is just over it, it’s hard to look away when the cameras record these awkward interactions. From walkouts to verbal sparring matches, here are some celebrity interviews that cover the full gamut of cringe…
Kanye West | 0:23
Joan Rivers | 1:11
Steve-O | 1:57
Tommy Lee Jones | 2:40
Billy Bob Thornton | 3:29
Dr. D | 4:42
What are some challenges celebrities face during interviews?
In the world of entertainment and media, the art of the celebrity interview has long been a staple. Whether it be for a magazine spread or a TV appearance, celebrities often offer their time and energy to give fans an inside look into their lives and careers. However, as with any public appearance, things can go awry. From tense exchanges to outright disasters, here are some notable celebrity interviews that went terribly wrong.
One of the most infamous interviews in recent memory came when actor/comedian Jim Carrey appeared on the red carpet for New York Fashion Week in 2017. As he explained to reporter Catt Sadler, Carrey had decided to “just find the most meaningless thing I could come to and join.” With wild gestures and off-beat attempts at humor, Carrey’s interview quickly spiraled into a bizarre and uncomfortable encounter that left Sadler struggling to keep the conversation on track.
Meanwhile, in 2013, Robert Downey Jr. found himself at odds with journalist Krishnan Guru-Murthy during an interview to promote his film “Iron Man 3.” After the reporter brought up Downey Jr.’s past struggles with addiction and legal troubles, the actor became visibly agitated, responding with terse and sarcastic comments. “I’m sorry,” he retorted at one point, “I really don’t … what are we doing?” Ultimately, what could have been a simple promotional appearance turned into a combative exchange that left both parties appearing frustrated and disenchanted.
Of course, some celebrity interviews go beyond just being uncomfortable and instead end up truly disastrous. Who could forget the infamous 2004 interview with Tom Cruise on “The Oprah Winfrey Show”? During a particularly manic appearance, Cruise leaped onto the couch, proclaimed his love for then-girlfriend Katie Holmes, and launched into a crusade against psychiatric medication. With Oprah attempting to keep the interview on track, Cruise appeared to be on a different wavelength entirely, leaving the audience bewildered and the talk show host exasperated.
While these interviews may be difficult and even painful to watch, they do serve as important reminders of the challenges that come with being in the public eye. Celebrities, like everyone else, are only human, and they often have to navigate complicated or sensitive topics when in the spotlight. Despite the risks, interviews remain one of the most valuable tools for engaging with fans and promoting new work. And sometimes, the occasional misstep can make for an unforgettable moment of authenticity and unguarded truth.
