Courtney Love on Letterman
We love them, we love to hate them, or we just plain hate them, celebrities are a part of life for anyone who has ever turned on a television, gone to the movies, or picked up a magazine. Along with moving and life-changing performances, these celebs have also gone on to meltdowns of varying degrees and thanks to the paparazzi and internet, they can be seen with the click of a mouse. Below are the top ten celebrity meltdowns caught on video from the what-where-they-thinking? to the heart breaking.
Anna Nicole Smith at The American Music Awards
Ever since her days as a model for Guess jeans, she made headlines for her movies, marriage, settlement, and behavior. After a reality show on the E! Network, questions about Anna Nicole’s drug use arose. In 2004, she made this presentation at the American Music Awards that was more a cry for help than anything else. Sadly, help came too late, and a few years later, she was found dead in a hotel room at the age of 39.
The Baby on The Balcony
With the nickname of “Whacko Jacko,” Michael Jackson gave the vigilant paparazzi many bizarre moments before his tragic death in 2009. Seven years earlier, he dangled his own son over the balcony of a Berlin hotel for a few seconds, causing a massive controversy. It also brought into light the sort of “yes” environment he surrounded himself in that allowed this sort of behavior without any criticism.
Kanye West – Too Many to Count
Although his interruption of Taylor Swift’s first MTV award is the most recent, this rant backstage during the 2007 MTV awards makes one wonder why they ever had him back. It is full of inappropriate language, and his entourage can even be seen holding him back. Other notable meltdowns include going off-book during a Red Cross fundraiser for the victims of Hurricane Katrina to indulge in a personal rant, a couple of botched interviews, and even another stage crash after losing an award.
Amy Winehouse Punches Fan
With a sordid history of drugs and illicit behavior, Amy is ironically best known for her hit “Rehab.” In 2008, during a performance in Glastonbury, England she can clearly be seen punching a fan in the audience. In addition to stints in and out of rehab, she has also had several photographs taken of her not looking well and has even been caught on video snorting coke.
The Secret Life of Whitney Houston
She had it all including hit records and films. In 2002, she spent an entire hour of broadcast time speaking with Diane Sawyer for an exclusive interview. In it, she discussed her private life, why she is so thin, and the infamous “crack is whack” line that gave an eerie picture of things to come.
Courtney Love on Letterman
With a long history of antics, it is no surprise that Courtney Love made this list. In March of 2004, she made a not-so-sober appearance on “The David Letterman Show” where she slurred her words and flashed herself repeatedly. Shortly after, she was arrested on misdemeanor charges of reckless endangerment and third-degree assault for allegedly striking a man in a New York City nightclub. Her appearance on the show in its entirety can be seen on the link.
Michael Richards at The Laugh Factory
Best known for his quirky role as Kramer on the hit show “Seinfeld,” Michael spent time before and after as a stand up comedian with varying success. In November of 2006, things came to a halt when Michael lost it on stage and took poking fun at hecklers to an astounding level. He hurled several profanities, including racially themed ones, at audience members and brought the evening’s performance to a halt. Explicit language follows.
2009 U.S. Open Women’s Semi-Finals
John McEnroe may be the king of meltdowns in the tennis arena, but he had nothing on Serena Williams when she told a lines woman she would “shove the ball down her f–king throat!” During a match against Kim Clijsters, Williams was called for a foot fault, awarding her opponent two match points, and it went downhill from there. Williams would be disqualified and fined for her behavior and was even heard to say “I would kill you.”
Britney Spears Goes Ballistic
No stranger to meltdowns, she has been hospitalized several times. In 2007, she had had it with the paparazzi following her and attacked one of their vehicles with an umbrella. It also didn’t help that she had just shaven her head a short time before.
Lindsey Lohan Car Chase
Just like Britney before her, Lindsey also achieved fame, controversy, and meltdown at a young age. In July of 2007, she engaged in an illegal car chase involving a former assistant. This is the entire 911 call from the victim. Lindsey would also be arrested for DUI, possession of cocaine, and other charges.
Although the achievements of the above are admirable, the actions found in these top ten celebrity meltdowns are clearly not. In fact in most cases, they can be seen as cries for help. If you notice a friend or family member behaving in the same manner, please seek a professional’s help.