There’s something fascinating about when celebrities, who are generally composed, lose it on live television. These freakouts, performed in front of the world, couldn’t be edited out then, and they will never be forgotten today. Here’s our shocking countdown!
10. Sinéad O’Connor rips up a picture of Pope John Paul II
Although celebrities today have their fair share of viral moments caught on live TV, singer Sinéad was one of the first to shock people worldwide when she ripped the pope’s picture after performing her take on “War” by Bob Marley for “Saturday Night Live.” She also commented on the scandals that the Catholic Church has been immersed in. After this controversial move, O’Connor received an adverse reaction from the public and was banned from “SNL” for life.
9. Asia Davies vs. Cardi B
A long-lasting conflict between rapper Cardi B and her “Love & Hip-Hop: New York” cast member Asia Davies came to a head at a season reunion when Cardi threw a shoe at Davies. The moment that happened, chaos exploded on the stage, ending in crew members needing to put physical distance between the two. Although things initially calmed down, when Davies upset Cardi with another comment, the “Up” rapper attempted to lunge towards her once more, requiring security to step in.
8. Nicki Minaj challenges Miley Cyrus
At the 2015 Video Music Awards, Nicki won “Best Hip-Hop Video” and took the stage to accept it. Rather than ending her speech graciously, she took the opportunity to attack Miley Cyrus, who was hosting the show that year. According to Minaj, Cyrus had disrespected her in an interview once, and the rapper was letting her feelings be known. Her confrontational tone turned the event’s ambiance from fun and lighthearted to quietly uncomfortable.
7. Joan Rivers storming off CNN
The late and legendary Joan Rivers didn’t exactly have a friendship with interviewer Fredricka Whitfield, and this was obvious from the moment Rivers set foot in the news station. Discussing topics like her comedy and fashion opinions, Whitfield threw Rivers for a loop when she asked the “Fashion Police” star about wearing fur. Rivers felt the interview had become too negative and ultimately walked out on it.
6. Mariah Carey on New Year’s Eve
Diva Mariah Carey likes for everything to go perfectly during her performances, but things went downhill as soon as her performance for “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” began. First, technical audio problems started things off on the wrong foot. Then, she began publicly commenting on the failures throughout the concert while complaining and creating a very awkward situation for the audience.
5. Nicolas Cage loses it
In the 1980s, Nic Cage was one of the most popular (and entertaining) actors of all time, both on and off the screen, and his appearance on the “Wogan” talk show proved that. Shortly after the interview began, he decided to flaunt his martial arts and acrobatic moves. He also threw dollar bills at the audience and eventually tore his shirt off. The energy was really on another level.
4. Charlie Sheen on “Good Morning America”
Charlie Sheen has had many substance abuse issues over the years. He’s also engaged in a few public feuds, had some legal woes, and lost his cushy job on “Two and a Half Men.” When the actor went on “Good Morning America,” it was pure chaos. He answered serious questions very casually and said questionable phrases and words like “winning” that soon turned into memes and parodies.
3. Chris Rock gets slapped by Will Smith
At the 94th Academy Awards, Will Smith and his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, were seated in the front row while comedian Chris Rock hosted. When Rock made a joke about Jada’s shaved head, Will’s reaction went from laughing to angry. He got up in the middle of Chris Rock’s set and slapped the comedian. After returning to his seat, he proceeded to curse Rock out and make threats. Some people questioned whether it was fake, but the public soon learned that the moment was very, very real.
2. When Tom Cruise jumped on Oprah’s couch
While Tom Cruise was promoting “War of the Worlds,” he appeared on Oprah’s talk show to talk about the movie. However, when the subject matter changed to his love life with Katie Holmes, the eccentric actor had a surprising emotional reaction. He hopped up and down on Oprah’s couch, and ever since then, he’s been mocked for it.
1. Taylor gets snubbed by Kanye
The 2009 VMAs were a particularly memorable award show, and that was all because of Kanye West. After Taylor Swift trumped Beyoncé and won Best Female Video of the Year, Kanye went rogue and appeared on stage, stealing the microphone from the singer and protesting the win. News outlets everywhere jumped on the opportunity, and even Barack Obama, who was president at the time, issued a response.