Celebs With Embarrassing Drinking Stories

Like most people, celebrities just want to have a good time and cut loose after a hard day's work. It's part of the human experience. However, when the average person has a few too many drinks, their antics may be big news within their social circle, but it’s probably not going to make national headlines. That’s definitely not the case when you’re famous. Celebrities are often under constant scrutiny, and when they misstep, their actions can quickly become fodder for the tabloids. This has led to some unfortunate pop culture moments that have sidelined the careers of even Hollywood's biggest stars.

Have you heard the one about J-Law and the stripper pole? How about The Hoff versus the cheeseburger? From Reese Witherspoon's "Do you know my name" moment to Kiefer Sutherland and a hapless Christmas tree, the following celebs may forever be linked to these embarrassing drinking stories. Each of these incidents not only highlights the celebrities' struggles with alcohol but also the public's fascination with their misadventures.

Shia LaBeouf

By the time Shia LaBeouf was arrested in July 2017 for drunkenly threatening police officers in Atlanta, he already had a history of drunken run-ins with the law. This included a DUI and bar fights, along with an arrest in 2014 for causing a scene during a performance of Cabaret. After that particular incident, LaBeouf voluntarily started treatment for alcohol addiction, but it didn’t seem to work, as he was arrested again for public intoxication just a year later.

His 2017 arrest took a turn for the worse after footage surfaced showing LaBeouf yelling racial slurs and threatening police officers. Acknowledging the gravity of his actions, he later apologized on Twitter, expressing deep shame and admitting to a lack of respect for authority.

Mel Gibson

Mel Gibson's 2006 DUI arrest is still notorious in the realm of celebrity drunkenness. During that incident, he made several anti-Semitic remarks and threatened officers, which severely impacted his career. Despite his efforts to apologize publicly, the fallout from that incident lingers, affecting his public perception for years.

Gibson has since expressed regret for his actions, stating that he felt fortunate to have been apprehended without causing further harm. He acknowledged the need for personal change and growth following his public outbursts.

Reese Witherspoon

Reese Witherspoon, known for her strong and inspiring presence in Hollywood, had an embarrassing moment in April 2013. After her husband was arrested for DUI, Witherspoon attempted to play the celebrity card with police, leading to her own arrest for disorderly conduct. This incident quickly went viral, showcasing a less-than-charming side of the actress.

Witherspoon later admitted her behavior was unacceptable, stating in a public apology that she had "one drink too many." This moment serves as a reminder that even the most composed figures can falter under pressure.

David Hasselhoff

David Hasselhoff became an unexpected sensation in 2007 when his daughter filmed him in a drunken state, struggling to eat a cheeseburger on the floor of a hotel room. The video painted a troubling picture of his battle with alcoholism, and while it was initially a source of embarrassment, it eventually led to a turning point in his life.

Hasselhoff has since expressed gratitude for the wake-up call that the video provided, acknowledging that it was time to stop drinking. His journey emphasizes the importance of confronting personal challenges, even when they are played out in public.

Johnny Depp

Johnny Depp's reputation took a hit during the 2014 Hollywood Film Awards when he appeared to be drunk while presenting. What seemed like a minor incident escalated into a more serious issue during his tumultuous divorce from actress Amber Heard, where allegations of alcohol-fueled abuse arose.

Footage of Depp's erratic behavior surfaced, leading to significant media scrutiny. This incident serves as a cautionary tale about the potential consequences of substance abuse, particularly for those in the public eye.

Christina Aguilera

In 2011, Christina Aguilera's arrest for public intoxication shocked fans, as she was not known for wild partying. This incident, alongside a few others, illustrated that even pop stars can struggle with personal challenges, especially after significant life changes like divorce.

Aguilera's ability to poke fun at herself following these incidents shows resilience and a willingness to address her past mistakes. Her story highlights how celebrities can learn and grow from embarrassing moments.

Charlie Sheen

Charlie Sheen's journey from a respected actor to a tabloid fixture is marked by wild behavior, including notorious incidents of public intoxication. After a series of alarming outbursts, including a Taco Bell encounter where he openly admitted to being "hammered," Sheen's struggles with addiction became public knowledge.

Despite the chaos, Sheen has found a way to speak candidly about his experiences, particularly after revealing his HIV status. His ongoing journey emphasizes the importance of accountability and personal growth.

Josh Brolin

Josh Brolin's tumultuous 2013 included a New Year's Day arrest for public intoxication and subsequent rehab. Recognizing the impact of his choices, Brolin has since committed to sobriety, viewing his past struggles as pivotal moments that led to personal growth.

His story showcases how public figures can emerge stronger from their trials, serving as an example for others facing similar battles.

Lindsay Lohan

Lindsay Lohan's career has been riddled with ups and downs, heavily influenced by her partying lifestyle and legal troubles. Following her participation in a reality show meant to document her path to sobriety, she faced public scrutiny after reportedly showing up drunk to a viewing party.

Despite the setbacks, Lohan continues to navigate her career with resilience, reminding us that recovery is a journey filled with challenges.

Kiefer Sutherland

Kiefer Sutherland's infamous 2005 incident, where he drunkenly tackled a Christmas tree in a hotel lobby, highlights the risks of excessive drinking. With multiple DUIs under his belt, Sutherland's journey serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of addiction.

His candid acknowledgment of his drinking habits shows a level of self-awareness that can inspire others to seek help and make healthier choices.

Jennifer Lawrence

Jennifer Lawrence has gained a reputation for falling down at awards shows, including a notable incident at the 2014 Oscars after having too many drinks. Her humorous take on these moments illustrates her ability to laugh at herself, even when faced with public embarrassment.

Lawrence's lighthearted approach to her mistakes reminds us that everyone makes errors, and it's how we respond to them that truly matters.