This article explores the 10 biggest pop culture controversies of the last decade. The #MeToo movement, which started in 2017 with allegations of sexual harassment and assault against Harvey Weinstein, sparked discussions about consent, sexual harassment, and assault in pop culture and society. The mix-up at the 2017 Oscars for Best Picture caused confusion and awkwardness on stage. The viral audio clip of Yanny vs. Laurel sparked a debate about individual perceptions. Beyonce’s 2016 Super Bowl performance sparked controversy due to its political undertones. The Kardashian-Jenner controversies led to discussions about the ethics of reality TV and the influence of social media. The Roseanne Barr controversy raised discussions of free speech and accountability. The Game of Thrones finale was divisive among fans. The College Admissions Scandal highlighted issues of inequality and privilege in higher education. Taylor Swift’s public feud with Kanye West and Kim Kardashian continued for years. The Black Lives Matter movement campaigns against violence and systemic racism towards black people in the United States and sparked discussions about race and social justice in pop culture and society.
10 Biggest Pop Culture Controversies of the Last Decade
1. The #MeToo Movement
The #MeToo movement began in 2017 when allegations of sexual harassment and assault against Harvey Weinstein surfaced, which led to an outpouring of women coming forward with their own stories of harassment and assault. The movement sparked discussions about consent, sexual harassment, and assault in pop culture and society as a whole.
2. The 2017 Oscars Best Picture Mix-Up
In 2017, the Oscars ended in a controversy when presenters Faye Dunaway and Warren Beatty announced the wrong winner for Best Picture. They mistakenly announced that La La Land had won when the actual winner was Moonlight, leading to confusion and awkwardness on stage.
3. The Yanny vs. Laurel Debate
In 2018, a viral audio clip sparked a debate over whether the voice was saying “Yanny” or “Laurel.” Celebrities and internet users alike weighed in on the debate, which highlighted the idea of how perceptions can differ based on individual experiences.
4. Beyonce’s Super Bowl Performance
In 2016, Beyonce’s Super Bowl halftime performance sparked controversy due to its political undertones. Her performance featured dancers dressed as members of the Black Panther Party and ended with her holding up a sign that read “Justice for Mario Woods,” a black man who was shot and killed by police in San Francisco.
5. The Kardashian-Jenner Controversies
The Kardashian-Jenner family has faced numerous controversies over the last decade, from cultural appropriation to accusations of faking storylines on their reality show. These controversies have led to discussions about the ethics of reality TV and the influence of social media on society.
6. The Roseanne Barr Controversy
In 2018, Roseanne Barr faced backlash after making racist comments on Twitter. The comments led to the cancellation of her popular sitcom revival, Roseanne, and sparked discussions about free speech and accountability in pop culture.
7. The Game of Thrones Finale
The Game of Thrones finale in 2019 sparked a divisive response from fans. Some were satisfied with the ending while others felt that it did not adequately address character arcs and plot points. The controversy highlighted the importance of satisfying conclusions in pop culture.
8. The College Admissions Scandal
In 2019, dozens of wealthy parents were accused of bribing college officials to secure their children’s admission to prestigious universities. The scandal highlighted issues of inequality and privilege in higher education and society as a whole.
9. Taylor Swift’s Public Feud with Kanye West and Kim Kardashian
Taylor Swift’s feud with Kanye West and Kim Kardashian began in 2016 when West released a song that included derogatory lyrics about Swift, which she claimed she never approved. The feud continued for years, with both sides using their platforms to publicly criticize each other.
10. The Black Lives Matter Movement
The Black Lives Matter movement began in 2013 in response to the acquittal of George Zimmerman in the death of Trayvon Martin. The movement campaigns against violence and systemic racism towards black people in the United States, and has sparked discussions about race and social justice in pop culture and society as a whole.