Top 10 Most Scandalous Hollywood Affairs That Shook Celebrity News
Over the decades, numerous scandalous Hollywood affairs have captivated the public, dramatically reshaped careers, and permanently altered the reputations of celebrities. From Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt's relationship that disrupted a marriage to Kristen Stewart and Rupert Sanders sparking global controversy, these illicit love stories rarely remain private, dominating headlines and fueling endless media speculation.
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie
The relationship between Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie began in 2004 on the set of Mr. & Mrs. Smith, while Pitt was married to Jennifer Aniston and Jolie was single. Their connection ignited intense media scrutiny, with widespread speculation about Pitt's split from Aniston. They quickly became one of Hollywood's most talked-about couples, frequently appearing at major red-carpet events and humanitarian initiatives before marrying in 2014. During their relationship, they adopted three children and welcomed three biological children. The couple separated in 2016 and finalized their divorce in 2024 after a prolonged eight-year legal battle, marking a significant chapter in celebrity scandals.
Kristen Stewart and Rupert Sanders
The affair between Kristen Stewart and Rupert Sanders became public in 2012 when photographs surfaced during the production of Snow White and the Huntsman. At the time, Stewart was in a high-profile relationship with actor Robert Pattinson, and Sanders was married to Frankie Rayder. After the photos were published, both issued public apologies, with Sanders expressing regret for the pain caused to his family and Stewart apologizing to Pattinson and her fans. The incident strained Stewart's relationship with Pattinson, leading to a separation and eventual breakup, while Sanders and Rayder divorced, highlighting the personal fallout from such scandals.
Tiger Woods and Multiple Women
In late 2009, professional golfer Tiger Woods became the center of one of history's most famous extramarital affairs when reports revealed he had engaged in affairs with multiple women while married to Elin Nordegren. The scandal emerged after a highly publicized car accident outside his Florida home, prompting intense media investigation. Woods publicly admitted to infidelity, describing his behavior as inexcusable and taking responsibility for the damage. This led to a temporary hiatus from golf, loss of sponsorships, and widespread criticism. His marriage to Nordegren ended in 2010, and though he later returned to competitive golf, the affair remained a defining moment in his career.
Arnold Schwarzenegger and Mildred Baena
In 2011, it was revealed that actor and former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger had fathered a child with Mildred "Patty" Baena, a household employee for his family. This shocking revelation occurred while Schwarzenegger was married to Maria Shriver, a member of the Kennedy family, and the affair had been kept secret for over a decade. Schwarzenegger publicly acknowledged the affair, expressing regret for the pain caused. The scandal ended his 25-year marriage to Shriver, finalized in 2017, but he maintained his career in acting and politics, while Baena continued to care for the child, making it one of Hollywood's most scandalous affairs.
LeAnn Rimes and Eddie Cibrian
The affair between singer LeAnn Rimes and actor Eddie Cibrian became public in 2009 while both were married to other people—Rimes to musician Dean Sheremet and Cibrian to reality TV star Brandi Glanville. They met while filming the TV movie Northern Lights, and their close friendship turned romantic, sparking intense media coverage. The revelation led both to leave their marriages, and they married each other in 2011. However, the affair continued to attract public scrutiny for years, affecting their personal lives and public images, though they have emphasized their commitment to rebuilding together.
Jude Law and Daisy Wright
In 2005, British actor Jude Law publicly apologized after reports emerged of an affair with his children's nanny, Daisy Wright, during his engagement to actress Sienna Miller. The story gained widespread media attention due to Law's high-profile status and the timing of the affair. Law acknowledged it as a mistake and expressed regret for the pain caused. Miller ended their engagement, but both have since moved on personally and professionally, illustrating how such scandals can disrupt relationships in the celebrity world.
Meg Ryan and Russell Crowe
Rumors of a romantic involvement between actress Meg Ryan and actor Russell Crowe surfaced in 2000, during Ryan's separation from her then-husband, actor Dennis Quaid. They reportedly spent time together while filming Proof of Life, leading to speculation in entertainment media. Neither publicly confirmed a formal affair, describing their interactions as friendly and professional, but rumors persisted due to public interest. Despite the controversy, both continued successful careers in Hollywood, making this one of the more talked-about celebrity relationship rumors of the early 2000s.
Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton
The relationship between Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton is considered one of Hollywood's most legendary and scandalous romances. They met on the set of Cleopatra in 1962 while both were married to others—Taylor to singer Eddie Fisher and Burton to actress Sybil Williams. Their intense on-set chemistry led to both divorces so they could be together, marrying in 1964. Their relationship was famously turbulent, marked by passion and lavish lifestyles, and they divorced in 1974, remarried in 1975, and divorced again in 1976, cementing their love story as an iconic Hollywood affair.
Tori Spelling and Dean McDermott
The relationship between actress Tori Spelling and actor Dean McDermott became public in 2005 when they met on the set of the TV movie Mindstorm. At the time, McDermott had recently separated from his first wife, and their connection drew media attention due to their celebrity statuses. They married in 2006, and their relationship has been highly publicized over the years, including reports of infidelity and financial challenges. Despite these controversies, the couple has maintained their relationship and raised a family together, showing resilience amid scandal.
Shania Twain and Frédéric Thiébaud
The personal scandal involving singer Shania Twain centered around her marriage to music producer Robert John "Mutt" Lange. In 2008, it was revealed that Lange had engaged in an extramarital affair with Frédéric Thiébaud, who was married to Twain's close friend and assistant, Maureen McTeer. This led to the breakdown of Twain's 14-year marriage to Lange, and she publicly confirmed the affair, citing infidelity as a key reason for the divorce. Years later, Twain and Thiébaud developed a romantic relationship after both their previous marriages ended, marrying in 2011 and turning a scandalous beginning into a long-term partnership.
What Defines a Scandalous Hollywood Affair?
A scandalous Hollywood affair is typically a secret or controversial romantic relationship involving celebrities, often overlapping with existing marriages or committed partnerships. These affairs attract intense media attention due to the fame of those involved, the potential betrayal, and the public's curiosity about celebrities' private lives, making them a staple of entertainment news.
Impact of Scandals on Celebrities
The effects of these scandals vary widely among celebrities. Some faced divorces, public backlash, or career setbacks—for instance, Tiger Woods lost sponsorships, Arnold Schwarzenegger's political image was tarnished, and Jude Law faced intense criticism. Others, like Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, continued successful careers despite the controversy, demonstrating that life in Hollywood is never short of drama and that professional resilience can coexist with personal turmoil.
