Not every celebrity is embraced by the public. Some stars face a constant wave of criticism for their behavior, comments, or personal controversies. In some cases, the backlash is linked to serious allegations, while in others, it comes from public personas or actions that have rubbed people the wrong way. Over the past year, certain names have repeatedly surfaced in conversations, headlines, and social media debates. These celebrities have become lightning rods for criticism, drawing strong reactions whether they are on screen, speaking in interviews, or making moves in their personal lives. The following list looks at ten public figures who, for a variety of reasons, have become some of the most disliked celebrities on the internet right now.
10. Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex
Prince Harry was once one of the most admired members of the British royal family. His 2018 wedding to American actress Meghan Markle at Windsor Castle attracted global attention and support. The turning point came in 2020, when Harry and Meghan announced they would step back from royal duties. The decision was followed by their Oprah Winfrey interview, where they openly discussed the challenges of royal life and made accusations about the institution. His 2023 memoir Spare further divided opinion, with detailed personal revelations about his family, including a physical altercation with his brother. Critics accuse him of oversharing and damaging the royal family’s image, while supporters argue he is telling his truth.
9. Blake Lively
Blake Lively’s appearance on this list surprised many. Known primarily for her work in Gossip Girl and several films, she was not traditionally seen as a controversial figure until recent events. During the press tour for It Ends with Us (2024), Lively faced criticism for allegedly being rude during interviews and promotional appearances.
The controversy escalated when she accused co-star and director Justin Baldoni of sexual harassment, leading to a legal battle. Baldoni counter-sued for civil extortion, defamation, and invasion of privacy. With public opinion split and both sides denying wrongdoing, the outcome remains uncertain, but the accusations have undoubtedly harmed her public image.
8. Andrew Tate
Andrew Tate is known for his outspoken and often inflammatory views, which have earned him a large online following and equally large opposition. A former kickboxer and reality TV contestant, this disliked celebrity rose to notoriety in 2016 after being removed from Big Brother when a video appeared to show him hitting a woman. Tate describes himself as a proponent of traditional masculinity, but critics accuse him of promoting misogyny and toxic male behavior. He has faced serious criminal allegations, including human trafficking and rape, with ongoing legal proceedings in multiple countries. Despite numerous social media bans, Tate maintains a dedicated fanbase, which only intensifies the online debates about his influence.
7. Amber Heard
Amber Heard remains one of the most divisive figures in Hollywood due to her highly publicized legal battles with ex-husband Johnny Depp. The 2018 Washington Post op-ed in which she described herself as a victim of domestic abuse led to Depp suing her for defamation. The trial, livestreamed in 2022, drew global attention. Depp largely emerged as the winner, receiving millions in damages, while Heard was awarded a smaller sum in her countersuit. Public sentiment leaned heavily in Depp’s favor, with many accusing Heard of dishonesty. Although she has stepped away from the spotlight in recent years, her reputation has yet to recover, and online criticism continues.
6. Rachel Zegler
Rachel Zegler, star of Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story and Disney’s upcoming Snow White remake, has found herself at the center of online culture wars. Criticism began when she made remarks about the 1937 animated Snow White, calling it outdated and questioning its romantic storyline. Many Disney fans felt her comments disrespected a beloved classic, sparking heated debates on social media. When Snow White (2025) was released to mostly negative reviews, the backlash intensified. Some critics blamed her public comments for souring audience expectations, adding to her reputation as one of the year’s most disliked stars.
5. Jada Pinkett Smith
Jada Pinkett Smith’s public image took a significant hit in 2023. As executive producer and narrator of Netflix’s Queen Cleopatra docudrama, she faced backlash over the decision to depict Cleopatra as black, which many historians argued was inaccurate given her Macedonian heritage. Shortly after, Pinkett Smith released a memoir revealing she and husband Will Smith had been separated for seven years, despite previously presenting themselves as a united couple. This revelation fueled criticism that she was exploiting her private life for publicity. While some defend her as an outspoken and honest voice in Hollywood, others see her as manipulative and self-serving.
4. Ellen DeGeneres
Ellen DeGeneres was once celebrated for her upbeat personality and “Be Kind” motto. However, her reputation suffered a major blow in 2020 after a Buzzfeed News investigation detailed accusations from former employees of a toxic workplace environment on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. Although the most serious allegations were directed at senior producers rather than DeGeneres herself, many felt she was responsible for the workplace culture. The controversy overshadowed her long career in television, making her one of the most disliked celebrities. The show ended in 2022, but for many viewers, the scandal permanently tarnished her image.
3. Kanye West
Kanye West, also known as Ye, has long been a controversial figure, but recent years have seen his public image hit new lows. Once celebrated as a musical innovator, his reputation declined sharply after a series of anti-Semitic statements in 2022 and 2023. In interviews and on social media, West repeated conspiracy theories, praised Adolf Hitler, and made comments widely condemned across political and cultural lines. His 2025 release of the song “Heil Hitler” only intensified the backlash, leading to bans from streaming services. While some fans still praise his musical talent, his public statements have alienated much of his audience.
2. Meghan Markle
Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, often receives more criticism than her husband, Prince Harry. Beyond the royal exit and Oprah interview, she faced a wave of backlash after performing an exaggerated curtsy in Netflix’s Harry & Meghan, which some saw as mocking Queen Elizabeth II. Reports also alleged that Markle had bullied palace staff, with claims that two personal assistants left due to her behavior. She has denied these allegations, but they continue to shape public perception. While many view her as a target of misogyny and racism, others see her as manipulative and insincere, making her one of the most polarizing public figures today.
1. Sean Combs – the most Disliked Celebrity of 2025
Sean Combs, also known as Diddy, tops the list as the most disliked celebrity of the moment. His downfall began in November 2023 when ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura filed a lawsuit alleging abuse, trafficking, and assault. Multiple other women came forward with similar claims, leading to a high-profile trial in New York. Although Combs was acquitted of the most severe charges, he was convicted of transporting individuals for prostitution. He is currently awaiting sentencing and has been denied bail. The severity of the allegations and the extent of the legal proceedings have left his reputation in ruins, with little chance of recovery in the near future.
A List That Portrays Public Opinion
This list shows how quickly public opinion can turn against celebrities. Some have faced serious legal allegations or made statements that sparked widespread backlash. Others have drawn criticism for interviews, public behavior, or disputes that gained media attention. While a few names here are unsurprising, others have ended up in the spotlight for reasons that seem less significant. Public perception changes fast, and for many of these celebrities, repairing their image will be a long and difficult process.
