2012 was a big year for Hollywood. Blockbusters, flops, ball gowns, and award shows—everything had us not-so-famous people talking. But we all know that it’s the scandals that people really like to chat about. Of course, now that the year is over, it seems only fitting that we reflect on some of the most talked-about Hollywood scandals of 2012.
Amanda Bynes’s Driving-Related Legal Troubles, April to September: Amanda Bynes made headlines in April when she was arrested for DUI in West Hollywood after she refused a Breathalyzer test. Bynes took to Twitter after charges were filed in June, asking President Obama to “Please fire the cop who arrested me.” In August, Bynes was involved in yet another driving incident when she allegedly rear-ended another driver. In September, the actress pled not guilty to two counts of hit-and-run (one from April and one from August). Bynes is next scheduled to appear in court on December 17, and could face up to a year in jail if convicted.
Justin Bieber’s Confrontation with the Paparazzi, May: The Biebs faced potential legal trouble in May when he was accused of kicking and punching a photographer in the Los Angeles area. Bieber, who was leaving a movie theater with then-girlfriend Selena Gomez, was greeted by a mass of intrusive paparazzi upon his exit from the theater, and a confrontation ensued. While the exact details of the confrontation are unclear, one photographer accused the teen of kicking and punching him. However, local police claim to have examined all photographs and video from the altercation and maintain that there is no evidence of physical violence. Thus, Bieber ultimately faced no charges.
John Travolta Accused of Sexual Assault, April and June: John Travolta was dealt a string of legal troubles in April when two male massage therapists filed sexual assault lawsuits against him. While the two accusers withdrew the lawsuits soon after, in June a male cruise ship attendant filed a federal lawsuit claiming that the actor sexually assaulted him while on a 2009 cruise in the Caribbean. Travolta publically disputed the accusations by issuing his own statement, denying the cruise worker’s allegations.
Drake and Chris Brown Brawl, June: Mayhem broke out in a NYC nightclub in mid-June when the entourages of Chris Brown and Drake allegedly became engaged in a brawl in the VIP area. While neither artist is being charged for the incident, numerous people suffered from injuries caused by flying glass bottles. The reason for the fight is unclear; however, many have speculated that the brawl may have something to do with Rihanna, the alleged former flame of both Drake and Brown.
Kristen Stewart and Rupert Sanders Affair, July: Twihards were shocked in July when Us Magazine released intimate pictures of Rupert Sanders, director of Snow White and the Huntsman, and the film’s star Kristen Stewart, engaged in an alleged love affair. Stewart, who at the time was in a long-distance relationship with Twilight co-star Robert Pattinson, immediately issued a public apology to Pattinson for her actions. The couple allegedly broke up following the incident; however, as of November, the couple had rekindled their romance.
Gabriel Aubry and Olivier Martinez Brawl, November: There’s no denying that Halle Berry is one of the most beautiful and talented actresses in Hollywood today. However, her personal life made headlines in November when Gabriel Aubry, her ex and the father of her daughter, got into a pretty nasty brawl with Berry’s fiancé, actor Olivier Martinez. Both men paid a visit to the hospital after the brawl, and Aubry was arrested. Following the incident, Berry was granted a protective order against her ex in relation to herself, Olivier, and Nahla. However, it appears that no charges will ultimately be filed against either party.
Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez Split…or Not?, November: So this one isn’t so much of a scandal, but it was still big news in the celebrity world. Tabloids across the nation reported in early November that The Biebs and his girlfriend of over a year and a half had gone their separate ways. However, just days later, the two were spotted dining together. Still, the couple appeared to be on rocky terrain, as Selena supposedly locked Justin out of her home after dinner. But there’s hope: on November 28, People reported that the pair was spotted kissing outside Selena’s hotel in NYC. So, are they, or aren’t they?