10 Famous People You Didn’t Know Had Arrest Records

10 Famous People You Didn’t Know Had Arrest Records

You might be shocked to learn that these household names—people who’ve won Oscars, topped music charts, and charmed audiences—also have arrest records. Whether it was a youthful mistake, an unfortunate run-in with the law, or a moment of poor judgment, these incidents remind us that fame doesn’t come with immunity. Here are 10 famous people whose brushes with the law may surprise you.

1. Matthew McConaughey

Long before he was known for his Oscar-winning roles and catchphrase-worthy charm, Matthew McConaughey found himself at the center of an unusual scandal. In 1999, police showed up at his Austin, Texas, home after neighbors complained about noise.

What they discovered was the actor, completely naked, enthusiastically playing the bongo drums. McConaughey was arrested for disturbing the peace and possession of marijuana, though the drug charges were later dropped.

The incident became late-night comedy gold, but it also added to his reputation as a carefree, laid-back Texan. Instead of derailing his career, the bongo story became part of his quirky Hollywood legend. Today, McConaughey laughs about the incident—though it’s safe to say he keeps his drum sessions more private now.

2. Reese Witherspoon

America’s sweetheart shocked fans in 2013 when she ended up on the wrong side of the law. Reese Witherspoon was in Atlanta while her husband, Jim Toth, was pulled over on suspicion of driving under the influence. Instead of staying quiet, she confronted the police officer during the stop.

The actress reportedly told the officer, “Do you know my name?”—a moment she has since admitted was a huge embarrassment. Witherspoon was arrested for disorderly conduct, while her husband faced DUI charges.

The incident briefly tarnished her wholesome image, but Witherspoon handled the aftermath with honesty. She publicly apologized, admitting she had one too many drinks and made poor decisions. Fans forgave her quickly, proving even America’s sweetheart can have a not-so-sweet moment.

3. Hugh Grant

Back in the mid-1990s, Hugh Grant was one of Hollywood’s most sought-after leading men, known for his charming smile and romantic comedies. But in 1995, his clean-cut image was suddenly shaken when he was arrested in Los Angeles for lewd conduct with a sex worker.

The arrest quickly became international news and put his relationship with actress Elizabeth Hurley under the spotlight. Instead of hiding from the scandal, Grant did something unexpected: he owned up to it. He went on a late-night talk show just days later, offering an awkward but sincere apology.

The transparency helped save his career. While the incident remains a surprising footnote in his biography, Grant managed to bounce back and continues to enjoy a respected career in film.

4. Shia LaBeouf

It seems like trouble has followed Shia LaBeouf for much of his career. The former Disney star, who gained fame in Even Stevens and later Transformers, has faced several arrests over the years. These ranged from disorderly conduct and public intoxication to confrontations with police.

One notable incident happened in 2014, when LaBeouf was arrested during a Broadway performance of Cabaret. He disrupted the show, shouted at actors, and resisted arrest. The event was both bizarre and headline-grabbing, adding to his reputation as Hollywood’s unpredictable rebel.

In recent years, LaBeouf has been open about his struggles with addiction and personal demons. While his rap sheet is long, fans continue to root for his redemption story—and his undeniable talent still keeps him in the spotlight.

5. Jane Fonda

Few people have arrest records as eclectic as Jane Fonda’s. In 1970, she was detained at an airport after customs officers discovered pills in her luggage. Authorities accused her of smuggling drugs, though she insisted they were vitamins—and she was later proven right.

That wasn’t her only brush with the law. Decades later, Fonda once again made headlines for being arrested—this time for something she proudly stood behind. In 2019, at age 81, she was taken into custody multiple times while protesting climate change on the steps of the U.S. Capitol.

Her willingness to face arrest for a cause only solidified her status as both an activist and a Hollywood legend. Whether intentional or not, Fonda’s arrests tell the story of a woman unafraid to stand up for what she believes in.

6. Winona Ryder

In 2001, Winona Ryder shocked Hollywood when she was caught shoplifting at Saks Fifth Avenue in Beverly Hills. Security guards discovered she had stolen thousands of dollars’ worth of clothes and accessories. The incident quickly turned into one of the biggest celebrity scandals of the early 2000s.

Ryder faced felony charges and was sentenced to probation, community service, and fines. For years, the arrest overshadowed her career, leaving many wondering if her days as a Hollywood star were over.

But Ryder eventually made a comeback. With her role in Netflix’s Stranger Things, she reminded the world of her talent and staying power. The shoplifting scandal remains a surprising chapter in her story, but it also shows that even the biggest setbacks don’t have to be permanent.

7. Robert Downey Jr.

Before he became Iron Man and one of the most bankable stars in Hollywood, Robert Downey Jr. had a well-documented battle with addiction. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, he was arrested multiple times for drug possession, DUI, and probation violations.

Downey spent time in jail and rehab, and his career nearly collapsed. Producers labeled him unreliable, and opportunities dried up. But his eventual comeback became one of the greatest redemption stories in Hollywood.

When Marvel cast him as Tony Stark in 2008, fans weren’t sure if he could stay on track. Not only did he succeed, but he also turned the role into a cultural phenomenon. Downey’s arrest record is now just a reminder of how far he’s come.

8. Justin Bieber

Pop sensation Justin Bieber wasn’t always the polished star he appears to be today. In 2014, at the height of his fame, he was arrested in Miami for DUI, resisting arrest, and drag racing a Lamborghini. The incident fed into the “bad boy” image that was beginning to overshadow his music career.

Police reported that Bieber admitted to drinking alcohol, smoking marijuana, and taking prescription medication before getting behind the wheel. The arrest was widely covered and criticized, sparking debates about whether fame at such a young age had gone to his head.

Over time, Bieber worked to turn his image around. He’s since opened up about his struggles with mental health and substance use, and fans have largely embraced his redemption arc.

9. Lindsay Lohan

Few celebrities have had as many high-profile run-ins with the law as Lindsay Lohan. Starting in 2007, she was arrested for DUI and cocaine possession. Over the next several years, she faced multiple arrests, probation violations, and even jail time.

Her legal troubles became tabloid staples, and her once-promising career seemed to spiral out of control. Despite her undeniable talent, she became better known for her courtroom appearances than her acting roles.

In recent years, however, Lohan has made efforts to reclaim her life and career. With acting projects, a podcast, and a renewed public image, she’s proving that even the most public fall from grace can lead to reinvention. Still, her string of arrests remains a big part of her Hollywood story.

10. Mel Gibson

The 2006 arrest of Mel Gibson became infamous, not just for the DUI charge but also for his shocking behavior during the incident. Stopped by police in Malibu, Gibson was found to be intoxicated and went on a rant that included anti-Semitic remarks, which sparked widespread outrage.

The fallout was immediate. Hollywood distanced itself from the actor, and his once untouchable career was suddenly in jeopardy. It took years for Gibson to slowly reestablish himself in the industry.

Despite the scandal, Gibson has since directed and starred in films that earned critical acclaim, showing that while controversy can tarnish a reputation, talent often finds its way back to the surface. His arrest remains one of the most notorious celebrity scandals of the 2000s.