Actors Involved (Accused) With The #MeToo Movement
The #MeToo movement sparked a significant shift in the entertainment industry as numerous public figures faced allegations of sexual misconduct and harassment. This cultural reckoning brought to light systemic issues and encouraged survivors to share their stories after years of silence. Many actors experienced significant career changes or legal challenges as a direct result of these public disclosures. This list examines the performers who were prominently named during this era and the outcomes of their respective cases. These events continue to influence how studios and audiences approach accountability in Hollywood.
Ansel Elgort
The actor faced allegations of sexual assault in 2020 after a social media post detailed an encounter from several years prior. Elgort denied the claims and stated that the relationship was entirely consensual. He continued his career by appearing in the 2021 remake of ‘West Side Story’ and the television series ‘Tokyo Vice’ on Max. No formal legal charges were filed against him in connection with the specific public accusation. The situation sparked significant debate among fans regarding the future of his career in major film productions.
Armie Hammer
The performer was accused of sexual assault and abusive behavior by several women through social media and police reports in early 2021. These allegations led to his departure from several high profile projects including the film ‘Shotgun Wedding’ and the series ‘The Offer’. Hammer denied all allegations and asserted that his interactions were consensual. Following an investigation the Los Angeles District Attorney decided not to file criminal charges due to insufficient evidence. He has largely remained out of the public eye while participating in rehabilitation programs.
Aziz Ansari
An anonymous woman published an account describing an uncomfortable sexual encounter with the comedian and actor in early 2018. The report prompted a national conversation about the differences between sexual assault and bad dates. Ansari responded by stating he believed the encounter was consensual but took the feedback to heart. He stepped away from the spotlight for a period of time before returning with the comedy special ‘Right Now’. The actor also continued his work on the series ‘Master of None’ for a third season.
Ben Affleck
He faced criticism during the peak of the movement after a video from 2003 resurfaced showing an inappropriate interaction with a host on ‘Total Request Live’. Affleck issued an apology for his past behavior and expressed support for women speaking out against harassment. Other allegations regarding his conduct on film sets were also discussed in media reports. The actor continued to work in major productions such as ‘The Last Duel’ and ‘The Flash’. He has remained active in both directing and acting roles within the industry.
Bill Cosby
The veteran actor and comedian was the subject of numerous allegations from women spanning several decades. He was convicted of aggravated indecent assault in 2018 and served several years in state prison. The conviction was later vacated by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court in 2021 due to a previous agreement with a prosecutor. This case was widely seen as one of the most high profile examples of the legal system addressing historical allegations. Cosby has since faced additional civil lawsuits regarding his past conduct.
Bryan Callen
The actor and comedian was accused of sexual assault and misconduct by several women in a 2020 report. Callen denied all of the allegations and filed a lawsuit against the husband of one of his accusers. He took a leave of absence from his popular podcast and saw some professional opportunities rescinded. Despite the controversy he has continued to perform stand up comedy and release digital content. He is best known for his roles in the series ‘The Goldbergs’ and ‘Schooled’.
Casey Affleck
Allegations against the actor resurfaced during the 2017 awards season related to civil lawsuits filed years earlier by crew members. These suits were settled out of court and the actor has denied the claims made against him. Affleck chose not to present the Best Actress award at the 2018 Oscars to avoid being a distraction from the movement. He has continued to work in the industry with roles in films like ‘The Old Man and the Gun’ and ‘Oppenheimer’. His career remains active despite the earlier public scrutiny.
Chris DElia
The comedian and actor was accused of sexual misconduct and grooming in 2020 through various social media accounts. These allegations led to his removal from the film ‘Army of the Dead’ where his role was digitally replaced. DElia denied any illegal activity but admitted to having struggled with sex addiction. He eventually returned to public life with his podcast and various comedy tours. No criminal charges have been filed against him since the initial public outcry.
Chris Noth
Multiple women came forward with allegations of sexual assault against the actor shortly after the premiere of ‘And Just Like That’ in 2021. Noth denied the accusations and described the encounters as consensual interactions. His character was subsequently removed from the season finale and he was dropped from the series ‘The Equalizer’. Several talent agencies and brand partnerships also severed ties with the actor following the reports. He has mostly stayed away from major acting projects since the allegations emerged.
Cuba Gooding Jr.
The Oscar winning actor faced several accusations of forcible touching and sexual misconduct beginning in 2019. He eventually pleaded guilty to one count of harassment in a criminal case involving a woman at a New York nightclub. This plea allowed him to avoid jail time provided he continued behavior modification counseling. Gooding Jr. also settled a separate civil lawsuit involving more serious allegations of sexual assault. His professional output has significantly decreased during the period of his legal battles.
Danny Masterson
The actor was accused of sexual assault by several women regarding incidents that occurred in the early 2000s. He was written out of the Netflix series ‘The Ranch’ as a result of the ongoing investigation. Masterson was eventually charged and found guilty on two counts of forcible rape in 2023. He was sentenced to thirty years to life in prison for his crimes. This case drew significant attention due to the actors ties to the Church of Scientology.
Drake Bell
The former child star faced allegations of inappropriate conduct with a minor that led to legal proceedings in 2021. He pleaded guilty to a felony charge of attempting to endanger a child and a misdemeanor charge of disseminating matter harmful to juveniles. Bell received a sentence of two years of probation and community service for these offenses. He later discussed his own experiences as a survivor of abuse in the documentary series ‘Quiet on Set’. The actor has focused primarily on his music career following the resolution of his case.
Dustin Hoffman
Multiple women accused the legendary actor of sexual harassment and inappropriate behavior spanning several decades of his career. One of the allegations involved a minor on the set of the film ‘Death of a Salesman’. Hoffman issued a general apology stating his behavior did not reflect his character but he did not admit to specific instances. He continued to appear in films like ‘The Meyerowitz Stories’ while the industry debated his past actions. The actor has maintained a lower public profile in recent years.
Ed Westwick
The ‘Gossip Girl’ star was accused of sexual assault by three women in late 2017. He strongly denied all of the allegations and cooperated with the subsequent police investigation. Prosecutors ultimately decided not to file charges against the actor due to insufficient evidence to prove the claims beyond a reasonable doubt. Westwick was temporarily replaced in some projects while the investigation was active. He eventually returned to acting in the series ‘White Gold’ and various independent films.
Emile Hirsch
The actor faced significant backlash after a 2015 incident where he was charged with assaulting a female executive at the Sundance Film Festival. He pleaded guilty to the charges and served a brief sentence in jail followed by community service. The incident was frequently cited during the movement as an example of toxic behavior in the industry. Hirsch has continued to work regularly in films like ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’. He has publicly expressed remorse for his past actions in subsequent interviews.
F. Murray Abraham
The veteran actor was reportedly fired from the series ‘Mythic Quest’ following complaints of sexual misconduct on set. Reports indicated that he had been warned about his behavior toward female colleagues before being let go from the show. Abraham later issued a public apology for any behavior that caused discomfort or offense. He emphasized that he never intended to act inappropriately and expressed regret over the situation. Despite the controversy he appeared in the second season of ‘The White Lotus’ which received critical acclaim.
Frank Langella
The actor was fired from the Netflix production ‘The Fall of the House of Usher’ following an investigation into misconduct on set. He was accused of making inappropriate comments and engaging in unwanted touching with a female costar. Langella wrote an editorial defending his actions as part of the creative process and criticized the investigation. He was replaced in the series by Bruce Greenwood before the project was completed. The veteran performer has not appeared in a major television or film project since the dismissal.
Gary Busey
The actor was charged with multiple counts of sexual contact and harassment following an appearance at a fan convention in 2022. Witnesses alleged that Busey touched several people inappropriately during the public event. Police in New Jersey conducted an investigation that led to the formal charges being filed against him. Busey denied any wrongdoing and his representatives stated the claims were false. The case added to a history of public legal issues for the long time character actor.
Geoffrey Rush
The actor faced allegations of inappropriate behavior from a colleague during a production of the play ‘King Lear’. He denied the claims and filed a high profile defamation lawsuit against a major news outlet in Australia. Rush ultimately won the lawsuit and was awarded a significant financial settlement for the damage to his reputation. The judge ruled that the reporting was reckless and lacked credible evidence. The actor largely stepped away from the film industry during the prolonged legal battle.
Horatio Sanz
The former cast member of ‘Saturday Night Live’ was named in a 2021 lawsuit alleging sexual assault of a minor. The plaintiff claimed that Sanz groomed and assaulted her during her teenage years while attending show events. Sanz denied the allegations and moved to have the lawsuit dismissed in court. The parties eventually reached a settlement to resolve the civil case in late 2022. The actor has maintained a very low public profile since the legal proceedings began.
James Franco
The actor was accused of sexual misconduct by several students at his former acting school in 2018. These allegations focused on his behavior during film shoots and classes that were part of his educational program. Franco settled a lawsuit with the accusers for a multi million dollar sum in 2021. He later admitted in an interview that he had struggled with sex addiction and behaved inappropriately with students. His once prolific career slowed down significantly following the public controversy.
James Toback
The writer and director who also appeared as an actor was accused by hundreds of women of sexual harassment and assault. The reports described a pattern of behavior where he would approach women in public and promise them film roles in exchange for sexual favors. Toback denied all of the allegations and claimed he did not know the women who came forward. Because many of the claims dated back decades some were outside the statute of limitations for criminal prosecution. His career in Hollywood effectively ended after the reports were published in 2017.
Jared Leto
The actor has faced various public accusations and rumors regarding his conduct with fans and younger women over many years. While no formal legal charges have been filed against him the claims often resurface during discussions of the movement. Leto has not directly addressed the majority of these specific allegations in public forums. He has continued to lead a high profile career with major roles in films like ‘Morbius’ and ‘House of Gucci’. His reputation remains a subject of debate among online communities and industry observers.
Jeffrey Tambor
The actor was accused of sexual harassment by two of his colleagues on the set of the series ‘Transparent’. These allegations led to an internal investigation by Amazon and his eventual removal from the show. Tambor denied the accusations but apologized for being a difficult person to work with on set. He later appeared in the fifth season of ‘Arrested Development’ where his conduct was also a point of discussion. The actor has taken on fewer roles in the years following the investigation.
Jeremy Piven
Multiple women accused the actor of sexual misconduct and assault in late 2017 during the initial wave of the movement. Piven denied all the allegations and even took a lie detector test to prove his innocence to the public. The series ‘Wisdom of the Crowd’ was canceled by CBS shortly after the reports were made public. He has mostly transitioned to performing stand up comedy and appearing in independent film projects. No criminal charges were ever brought against him in relation to these specific claims.
John Travolta
The veteran actor has been the subject of several lawsuits and public accusations regarding inappropriate sexual conduct over the years. These claims were often discussed alongside the movement as examples of long standing issues in the industry. Travolta has consistently denied all allegations of misconduct and many of the lawsuits were eventually dismissed or settled. He has maintained a consistent career in the film industry with roles in various action and drama films. His public image remains largely tied to his iconic film history.
Jonathan Majors
The actor was arrested in early 2023 following an incident involving an alleged domestic dispute with his then girlfriend. He was later found guilty of misdemeanor assault and harassment in a New York court. Following the verdict Marvel Studios announced that they would no longer be working with him on future projects. Majors had been positioned as a major figure in the franchise after his roles in ‘Loki’ and ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp Quantumania’. His future in major studio productions remains uncertain as he deals with the legal fallout.
Kevin Clash
The puppeteer and actor best known for his work on ‘Sesame Street’ faced multiple allegations of sexual misconduct involving minors. He resigned from his long time role after the claims became public in late 2012 and 2013. The lawsuits against him were eventually dismissed because the statute of limitations had expired for the alleged incidents. Clash has since worked on various independent puppet productions and film projects away from the mainstream spotlight. The controversy had a lasting impact on his legacy within childrens television.
Kevin Spacey
The actor faced numerous allegations of sexual misconduct starting in late 2017 when several men came forward with accounts from the previous decades. These claims led to his immediate removal from the final season of ‘House of Cards’ and the film ‘All the Money in the World’. Spacey underwent multiple legal trials in both the United States and the United Kingdom regarding these various accusations. He was ultimately found not liable in a 2022 civil lawsuit and acquitted of all charges in a 2023 criminal trial in London. The performer has since attempted to return to the film industry through smaller projects.
Kirk Douglas
The legendary actor was accused posthumously of a historical sexual assault by actress Natalie Wood. The allegation was published in a memoir by her sister many years after both individuals were prominent in Hollywood. Because the accused was deceased at the time the report surfaced there were no legal avenues for investigation or defense. This claim sparked a wider conversation about the history of abuse in the golden age of cinema. Douglas remains one of the most famous figures in film history despite the late allegations.
Morgan Freeman
An investigative report in 2018 included allegations from several women who accused the actor of inappropriate behavior and harassment on sets. Freeman issued an apology to anyone who felt uncomfortable or disrespected while clarifying that he did not intend to create an unsafe environment. Some of the women later retracted or clarified parts of their stories which led to a complex media narrative. The actor continued to receive lifetime achievement awards and work on major film projects like ‘Angel Has Fallen’. He remains one of the most respected voices in the film industry.
Paul Haggis
The Oscar winning writer and actor was accused of sexual assault by several women including an incident that led to his arrest in Italy. He was held under house arrest while Italian authorities investigated the claims before being released. A New York jury later found him liable in a separate civil lawsuit for sexual assault and ordered him to pay millions in damages. Haggis has maintained his innocence and claimed that the allegations were a retaliation for his criticism of the Church of Scientology. His career in Hollywood has been at a standstill since the legal verdicts.
Percy Hynes White
The young actor was the subject of social media allegations regarding sexual misconduct and inappropriate behavior at parties. These claims surfaced while he was gaining popularity for his role in the hit series ‘Wednesday’ on Netflix. White denied the allegations and called them a campaign of misinformation designed to hurt his reputation. Despite his denials reports emerged that he would not be returning for the second season of the show. He has continued to work on smaller film projects while the controversy remains a topic of discussion among fans.
Richard Dreyfuss
The actor was accused of sexual harassment by a writer who worked with him on a television pilot in the 1980s. She alleged that Dreyfuss exposed himself to her in a dressing room during the production. The actor denied the specific allegation but admitted to being an open book about his past struggles with drugs and behavior. He stated that he had lived a life of excess but never intended to hurt anyone. Dreyfuss has continued to act in films and television while participating in political activism.
Roman Polanski
The director and actor has a long history of legal issues related to a 1977 sexual assault case involving a minor. The movement brought renewed attention to his past and led to his expulsion from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. New allegations from other women also emerged during this period describing similar misconduct in earlier decades. Polanski has lived in Europe as a fugitive from the United States justice system for many years. He continues to make films in France though they often face protests and boycotts.
Ryan Seacrest
The television host and actor was accused of sexual harassment by a former stylist who worked for him for several years. Seacrest denied the allegations and an internal investigation by the network found insufficient evidence to support the claims. He remained in his prominent roles on ‘American Idol’ and ‘Live with Kelly and Ryan’ throughout the controversy. The stylist later published her account in detail leading to further public debate about the investigation process. Seacrest has maintained his status as a major media personality.
Shia LaBeouf
The actor was sued by his former girlfriend for sexual battery and emotional distress in late 2020. The lawsuit detailed a pattern of abusive behavior and physical violence during their relationship. LaBeouf responded by acknowledging his history of alcoholism and aggression while stating many of the allegations were not true. He subsequently sought long term inpatient treatment and stepped away from several film projects. He has since returned to acting with a role in the film ‘Padre Pio’ and other upcoming works.
Stephen Collins
The ‘7th Heaven’ actor faced a career ending scandal after recordings emerged where he admitted to inappropriate conduct with minors. These admissions were made during a therapy session and became public in 2014. Collins was fired from his roles and his existing shows were pulled from syndication by many networks. He later issued a statement apologizing for his past actions and confirming the details of the recordings. He has not worked in the entertainment industry since the scandal came to light.
Steven Seagal
The action star has been accused of sexual harassment and assault by multiple women including several actresses who worked on his films. Some of the allegations described inappropriate auditions held in his private hotel rooms. Seagal has denied all the claims and has not faced criminal charges in connection with these reports. He has largely moved his career and personal life to Russia where he has been granted citizenship. He continues to appear in direct to video action films produced outside of the major studio system.
Sylvester Stallone
A report was filed with police in 2017 regarding an alleged sexual assault involving the actor that took place in the 1990s. Stallone and his legal team strongly denied the claim and provided evidence to suggest the story was fabricated. Prosecutors eventually declined to file charges because the allegation was not supported by sufficient corroborating evidence. The actor has continued his successful career with the ‘Creed’ and ‘Expendables’ franchises. He also launched a reality television show featuring his family on Paramount Plus.
Terrence Howard
The actor has faced multiple allegations of domestic violence and harassment from his former wives over several decades. These incidents were frequently cited by critics during the movement as part of a larger conversation about accountability. Howard has addressed some of the incidents in interviews by discussing his personal growth and past mistakes. He starred in the hit series ‘Empire’ for several seasons while these discussions were ongoing. The actor has since announced his retirement from acting on multiple occasions.
Tom Sizemore
The actor had a history of legal issues and allegations of domestic violence and sexual misconduct that spanned many years. He was named in several reports during the movement involving his past behavior on film sets and in private relationships. Sizemore often spoke openly about his struggles with substance abuse and how it contributed to his legal troubles. He continued to work in low budget films until his death in 2023. His career served as a cautionary tale within the industry for many years.
Woody Allen
The filmmaker and actor has faced long standing allegations regarding the sexual abuse of his daughter in the early 1990s. The movement brought these claims back into the spotlight through renewed media coverage and a documentary series. Many actors who previously worked with him expressed regret and stated they would not do so again. Allen has consistently denied the allegations and pointed to the results of past investigations that did not lead to charges. He continues to write and direct films in Europe while his distribution in the United States remains limited.
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