Posted 4 minutes ago23 Celeb Scandals That Only Made Them Even More FamousFame is a gun and we point it blind.by Pernell QuilonBuzzFeed ContributorFacebookPinterestLink Celebrity scandals are usually framed as career-ending disasters, but pop culture has a funny way of rewarding chaos and making stars even more famous (for better or worse). Of course, not all scandals are the same - some were reckless or highly problematic behavior, while others were speaking out against normally taboo things in Hollywood or simply relationship drama. Penske Media / Getty Images So, here are 23 celebrity scandals that didn't tank careers, and weirdly boosted them instead: 1. The "mama drama" resulting from Ashley Tisdale's now-viral essay has caused a spike in Ashley Tisdale conversations the collective consciousness hasn't seen in years. Before this, she lived as a relic of bizarrely iconic looks of 2000s red carpet fashion and a criminally-underrated music career. Now, we're waiting for her comeback announcement. Mega / Getty Images 2. Jennette McCurdy reentered public consciousness when she released her memoir I'm Glad My Mom Died in 2022. The book, which detailed the abuse she endured as a child actor, became a New York Times Bestseller and a career turning point for the retired actor. When it dropped, McCurdy got some heat for the divisive title and stood by her choice. Previously, McCurdy's "peak" was traced back to her work in iCarly and Sam & Cat. Now, the actor-turned-author's anticipated debut novel Half Her Age is dropping later this month. The Washington Post / Getty Images 3. Shane Gillis was fired from Saturday Night Live after racist remarks resurfaced that he'd made on his podcast. Instead of ending his career, he pivoted to focusing on stand-up comedy and self-released his debut special to a massive viewership. The whole saga boosted him as an "Anti-Cancel Culture" icon, and he went on to gain an even bigger fanbase, a deal with Netflix, and ultimately returned to SNL as a host in 2025. NBC 4. Actor Charlie Sheen's fame hit a chaotic high in 2011 during his infamous "Winning" era, when the public relentlessly egged him on after he was fired from Two and a Half Men for his extremely erratic behavior on set and in the public eye. His viral interviews of him boasting about his drug use, "tiger blood" catchphrases, and bizarre live tour turned a career meltdown into an internet spectacle that eclipsed his acting work. The recent documentary, aka Charlie Sheen, reframed this era as a deeply dangerous period in his life, revealing that his apex in popularity was fueled by a life-threatening drug addiction and strained relationships with his loved ones. Charley Gallay / Getty Images 5. Lindsay Lohan was the 2000s' it girl after a run of box-office hits like Mean Girls, Freaky Friday, and Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen. But invasive paparazzi coverage, multiple arrests, rehab stays, and tabloids' terrible treatment towards her took away from her impressive acting. In recent years, Lohan has experienced a renaissance with Netflix rom-coms, a successful return to acting, and a softer, nostalgia-fueled reintroduction to the spotlight. Turns out, our culture loves a redemption arc almost as much as it loves a downfall. Hanna Lassen / Getty Images 6. Britney Spears' 2007 breakdown, marked by relentless paparazzi coverage, public struggles, and a highly scrutinized conservatorship, became one of the most disturbing media spectacles of the 2000s. The period initially damaged her career, but it'd also later inspire a cultural reckoning through the #FreeBritney movement. The highly publicized battle between Britney and her conservatorship reignited public support, reframed her legacy, and ultimately helped restore her autonomy, cementing her status as both a pop icon and a symbol of survival. Carlos Alvarez / Getty Images 7. Kesha's career was thrown into turmoil after she publicly accused producer Dr. Luke of abuse in 2014, sparking a lengthy and highly publicized legal battle that sidelined her music for years. The case exposed the power imbalances within the music industry and reframed Kesha's public image - she went from party-pop punchline to survivor and artist reclaiming her voice. Her 2017 album Rainbow marked a powerful comeback, earning critical acclaim, Grammy nominations, and renewed respect that reshaped how audiences understood both her past and her resilience. Matt Winkelmeyer / Getty Images 8. Martha Stewart's 2004 conviction for obstruction of justice could have ended her lifestyle empire. Instead, her time in prison helped transform her into an unexpected pop culture figure, complete with self-aware humor and a fun friendship with Snoop Dogg. After her release, Stewart rebuilt her brand with a refreshed image that blended authority, irony, and resilience, proving that even a scandal can be rebranded with the right confidence. Nbc / Getty Images 9. Before Robert Downey Jr. was Marvel's muse, he was an