20 celebrities who made massive comebacks after controversy

After a highly publicized battle with drug addiction that included multiple arrests and prison time, Robert Downey Jr.'s career was considered over. After time away, he got sober and launched one of the greatest comebacks in history, becoming the face of the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Iron Man.

The homemaking mogul’s empire nearly crumbled when she was convicted of felony charges and served five months in federal prison. She returned from prison with even greater wealth and pop-culture relevance, including a hit show with her friend Snoop Dogg.

A 2009 infidelity scandal, followed by a DUI and multiple back surgeries, led many to believe his career was finished. After an 11-year major championship drought, Tiger Woods completed one of the most incredible sports comebacks ever by winning the 2019 Masters.

She was a beloved child star who became a cautionary tale with drug and alcohol abuse before she was 15. After pursuing sobriety, Drew Barrymore fought her way back and became one of the most successful stars of the 90s, producing and starring in hits like Charlie's Angels.

Her very public mental health crisis in 2007 was exploited by tabloids, leading to a restrictive 13-year conservatorship. Just one year later, she defied expectations by returning with the No. 1 album Circus and a sold-out world tour, proving her star power was unstoppable. Years later, the pop star released a New York Times Bestseller, detailing behind-the-scenes tea about her time in the spotlight. 

Matthew McConaughey was famously arrested in 1999 for "resisting transport" while playing the bongos naked, and later became typecast as a rom-com himbo. He completely rebranded his career in the "McConaissance," which culminated in him winning the 2014 Oscar for Best Actor.

Mariah Carey's 2001 film Glitter and its soundtrack were such critical and commercial disasters that they were paired with a public breakdown and an embarrassing dismissal from her record deal. She returned in 2005 with The Emancipation of Mimi, which became the best-selling album of the year and gave fans the iconic "We Belong Together."

In 1984, she was the first Black Miss America, but was forced to resign her crown in shame after ŋude photos were published without her consent. She refused to disappear, however, and launched a new, incredibly successful career as a Grammy-nominated singer and beloved actress.

Around 2014, Justin Bieber went from teen idol to public enemy, culminating in a DUI, arrests, and endless bad press. He took a break and returned with the 2015 album Purpose, which spawned three No. 1 hits and successfully transitioned him into a credible adult pop star.

Miley Cyrus' infamous 2013 VMAs twerking performance and the Bangerz era were seen as a desperate, career-killing controversy. A decade later, though, she completed her artistic evolution with the song "Flowers," which broke streaming records and won Cyrus her first-ever Grammy. 

This star NFL quarterback’s career ended after he was convicted on criminal charges for running a brutal dogfighting ring, resulting in 21 months in federal prison. After his release, Michael Vick signed with the Philadelphia Eagles and had such a phenomenal season that he was named the 2010 NFL Comeback Player of the Year.

Kevin Hart was tapped to host the 2019 Oscars, only to step down days later when his past homophobic jokes and tweets resurfaced. After the controversy, he became one of the most bankable stars in the world, signing massive, multi-picture deals with Netflix worth hundreds of millions.

In 2003, Kobe Bryant was charged with sexual assault, a case that dominated headlines and cost him his "clean" image and endorsements. The charges were dropped, a civil suit was settled, and he went on to win two more NBA championships, solidifying his status as a global icon.

Demi Lovato's near-fatal 2018 overdose marked a critical low point after years of battling addiction and mental health issues publicly. She's since made a powerful return, courageously sharing their recovery journey through documentaries and music, reclaiming her narrative and career.

Kim Kardashian faced intense public backlash after her highly publicized 72-day marriage to Kris Humphries imploded in 2011. She pushed through the scandal, relentlessly built her business empire (KKW Beauty, SKIMS, SKKN), and transformed into a global mogul and unlikely advocate for prison reform.

Travis Scott faced intense backlash and legal battles after a group of concertgoers died in a crowd crush at his 2021 Astroworld Festival. After a period away from the spotlight, he returned with the critically acclaimed and commercially successful album Utopia and resumed large-scale touring.

Country music superstar Morgan Wallen was temporarily suspended by his label and banned from radio play in 2021 after being caught on video using a racial slur. Despite the industry fallout, his album sales soared, leading to a return to even greater chart dominance and sold-out stadium tours. 

His violent slap at the 2022 Oscars led to global condemnation and a 10-year ban from the Academy, casting serious doubt on the future of his career. After issuing apologies and largely staying out of the public eye, he made a successful return to the big screen with the 2024 box office smash Bad Boys: Ride or Die.

The model and author faced a major public reckoning in 2021 when her history of aggressive cyberbullying resurfaced, causing her to lose brand deals and face intense criticism. After taking accountability and stepping back, she has gradually returned to the public eye, focusing on her Cravings brand and sharing her family life.

This reality star was famously fired from The Real Housewives of Atlanta in 2017 after admitting to spreading a nasty rumor about a castmate. Following years away from the network, she engineered a significant reality TV comeback, becoming a fan-favorite star on The Traitors, Married to Medicine, and Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip.