Social media has an unparalleled ability to amplify drama. Whether it’s a celebrity misstep, a viral trend going sideways, or a brand blunder, these moments remind us of the internet's power to judge, meme, and keep receipts. From Twitter wars to TikTok disasters, here are ten unforgettable scandals that dominated headlines and online feeds.
1. Fyre Festival (2017)
The Fyre Festival fiasco is legendary for all the wrong reasons. Marketed as an ultra-luxurious music festival in the Bahamas, it turned into a nightmare after attendees arrived to find makeshift shelters, food consisting of soggy cheese sandwiches, and zero actual music performances.
The scandal unfolded in real time on social media as festivalgoers shared photos of the chaos. Influencers who promoted the event, like Kendall Jenner, faced backlash for their involvement. Netflix and Hulu documentaries later immortalized the disaster, ensuring the world learned from this debacle.
Why it resonated: It exposed the dangers of influencer marketing and unchecked hype.
2. Elon Musk Smoking on Joe Rogan’s Podcast (2018)
When Tesla CEO Elon Musk lit up a joint on Joe Rogan’s podcast, the internet exploded. The live-streamed moment spread like wildfire, with memes and debates popping up instantly. Stockholders weren’t laughing, though, as Tesla’s stock reportedly dipped after the incident.
This controversy became a broader conversation about corporate responsibility, Musk’s eccentric persona, and the intersection of business and personal life.
Why it resonated: It blurred the line between tech genius and unpredictable figure, fueling Musk's polarizing public image.
3. James Charles vs. Tati Westbrook Feud (2019)
Few online scandals have divided internet communities like the drama between beauty influencers James Charles and Tati Westbrook. It all started when Tati accused James of betrayal in a 43-minute video titled "Bye Sister," claiming he supported a competing brand. This led to a series of accusations about James’s behavior and motives.
The feud ignited a cancel culture frenzy, with both camps losing millions of followers at one point. Memes, reaction videos, and intense fan war raged before eventual apologies were exchanged.
Why it resonated: It brought beauty influencer culture into the mainstream spotlight.
4. Kendall Jenner’s Pepsi Ad Controversy (2017)
Pepsi’s ill-conceived ad featuring Kendall Jenner attempting to solve social injustice by handing a soda to a police officer sparked instant outrage. Critics accused the commercial of trivializing the Black Lives Matter movement, leading to widespread backlash online.
The company pulled the ad within 24 hours, but not before it became the subject of thousands of memes and sparked important conversations about corporate missteps in addressing social issues.
Why it resonated: It demonstrated how tone-deaf marketing can quickly backfire in today’s social climate.
5. The Egg That Broke Instagram (2019)
What started as a simple photo of an egg posted on Instagram turned into a hilarious internet phenomenon. The goal? To surpass Kylie Jenner’s record for the most-liked photo on Instagram.
The seemingly random campaign gained traction fast, fueled by memes and a collective sense of humor about social media metrics. By the end, the egg amassed over 55 million likes and even launched a mental health awareness campaign.
Why it resonated: It proved the internet’s sense of humor and ability to unite over the simplest things.
6. Will Smith Slapping Chris Rock (2022)
No one could have predicted the chaos that would ensue on social media after Will Smith slapped Chris Rock live during the Oscars. What began as a joke by Chris about Jada Pinkett Smith’s shaved head spiraled into one of the most viral moments in awards show history.
Twitter exploded, memes were churned out in real time, and the phrase "Keep my wife's name out your mouth" became instantly iconic. The incident sparked discussions about boundaries, respect, and professionalism on global stages.
Why it resonated: It was a shocking, unscripted moment that no one saw coming.
7. Pope Francis and the Instagram Model Incident (2020)
When Pope Francis’s official Instagram account appeared to 'like' a provocative photo of a Brazilian model, the internet lost its collective mind. Although Vatican officials claimed it was an error by a team member, the memes and reactions were unstoppable.
The incident highlighted just how careful public figures (and their staff) need to be when navigating social media.
Why it resonated: The unlikely combination of the Pope and risqué internet content was too good for users to ignore.
8. The Harry and Meghan Oprah Interview (2021)
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s tell-all interview with Oprah Winfrey created one of the biggest global social media storms. The couple’s revelations about life within the royal family—including claims about racism and mental health struggles—caused shockwaves across platforms.
Clips like Meghan’s “Were you silent, or were you silenced?” quote were shared endlessly, sparking debates, memes, and trending hashtags for days.
Why it resonated: It brought royal intrigue into the digital age, sparking worldwide conversations about modern monarchy and injustice.
9. TikTok’s Pink Sauce Debacle (2022)
The rise of Pink Sauce, a homemade condiment created by a TikToker, sparked excitement and uproar in equal measures. After going viral, it became clear that shipping conditions and product labels didn’t meet safety or industry standards, resulting in fans receiving spoiled bottles.
The creator faced backlash for skipping critical food safety protocols, and the entire saga became a cautionary tale for entrepreneurs jumping into the e-commerce world unprepared.
Why it resonated: It reminded us why regulations and quality control exist, even for viral trends.
10. The Try Guys Cheating Scandal (2022)
When one of The Try Guys, a beloved YouTube group, cheated on his wife with an employee, the story quickly spiraled into a full-blown scandal. Fans were stunned as the remaining members released a detailed explainer video addressing the issue and severed ties with their former collaborator.
The internet was ablaze with memes, reaction videos, and heated discussions about workplace relationships and accountability.
Why it resonated: It shattered the wholesome public persona of an internet favorite, proving no brand is immune to scrutiny.
