The Biggest Celebrity Feuds of 2020: Reliving Hollywood’s Most Intense Drama and Controversies
In a year defined by unprecedented global events, from a devastating pandemic to a contentious presidential election and the loss of beloved public figures, 2020 also served up its fair share of high-stakes celebrity drama. While the world grappled with profound challenges, the public often found a strange sense of normalcy in the unfolding sagas of their favorite stars and influential personalities. These feuds, whether reignited rivalries or fresh confrontations, provided captivating distractions and fueled countless online discussions. As 2020 drew to a close, we took a comprehensive look back at the most significant and talked-about celebrity feuds that shaped the year, offering a glimpse into the enduring power of Hollywood rivalries amidst global turmoil.
Taylor Swift Vs. Kim Kardashian
For many fans, March 2020 brought an unexpected blast from the past, as the long-running feud between pop superstar Taylor Swift and reality icon Kim Kardashian spectacularly reignited. This drama, which originally ignited in 2016 over Kanye West’s song “Famous” and a controversial phone call, saw new life when more extensive footage of that infamous conversation leaked online. The newly revealed clips appeared to support Taylor’s long-standing claims that she had never given Kanye full permission to use specific derogatory lyrics about her, shifting public perception once again.
Taylor Swift wasted no time in addressing the renewed controversy. On March 23, she took to her Instagram Story, acknowledging the leaked footage and subtly addressing the narrative shift. However, in a move characteristic of her philanthropic spirit, she pivoted her message, urging her millions of followers to focus on more critical issues. She called for donations to organizations and frontline workers battling the burgeoning coronavirus pandemic, cleverly redirecting attention from the celebrity drama to a global crisis.
Kim Kardashian, however, was quick to defend her husband and her original stance. On the very same day Taylor posted her message, the SKIMS founder used her Twitter platform to share a series of tweets, reiterating her and Kanye’s perspective on the four-year-old dispute. Kim maintained that the newly released footage did not “change the narrative” and accused Taylor of being disingenuous. She concluded her social media barrage with a declarative statement: “This will be the last time I speak on this because honestly, nobody cares,” attempting to put an end to the conversation.
The saga even pulled in Taylor’s publicist, Tree Paine, who got involved, providing further context and challenging Kim’s account. The revived feud became a major talking point, dominating entertainment headlines and reminding everyone of the intense, long-simmering rivalry between these two cultural titans. It underscored how deeply ingrained this conflict had become in pop culture, proving that some celebrity battles, even years later, can still capture the world’s attention.
Megan Thee Stallion Vs. Tory Lanez
One of the most concerning and widely publicized feuds of 2020 involved musical artists Megan Thee Stallion and Tory Lanez, a situation that unfolded under intense public scrutiny and had serious real-world implications. The incident began in July 2020 when Megan Thee Stallion was reportedly shot in the foot following an alleged altercation with rapper Tory Lanez. What followed was weeks of speculation, denial, and a difficult public narrative for Megan, who initially withheld the name of her alleged assailant.
As details slowly emerged, Megan bravely identified Tory Lanez as the shooter, sparking a wave of online debate and controversy. Tory, for his part, vehemently denied the accusations. In a surprising move, he released a surprise album in September titled DAYSTAR, where he directly addressed many of the allegations against him through his lyrics, attempting to clear his name and frame his own version of events. This musical response only intensified the public discussion.
Despite the backlash and persistent denials from Tory Lanez, Megan Thee Stallion remained resolute in her account, garnering overwhelming support from her dedicated fanbase, fellow celebrities, and advocates against gun violence. Her courage in speaking out about the traumatic experience resonated deeply with many, transforming the feud into a broader conversation about protecting Black women and supporting victims of violence.
The legal system eventually intervened. In October, Tory Lanez was officially arrested and charged by Los Angeles prosecutors in connection with the July shooting. His charges included one count of assault with a semiautomatic firearm and carrying a loaded, unregistered firearm in a vehicle. Megan continued to address the ordeal through her art, notably rapping about the altercation in her powerful song “Shots Fired” from her critically acclaimed debut album Good News. This high-profile incident highlighted the challenges victims face in seeking justice and the immense pressure of living out such a personal trauma in the public eye.
Isaiah Washington Vs. Katherine Heigl
Just when 2020 couldn’t get any more surprising, actor Isaiah Washington chose to reignite his long-dormant feud with his former Grey’s Anatomy co-star Katherine Heigl. This unexpected resurfacing of old tensions, which originally stemmed from an on-set controversy more than a decade prior, captured headlines and sent fans into a frenzy of nostalgia and renewed debate. The original feud erupted in 2007 when Washington allegedly used a homophobic slur on set, leading to his eventual dismissal from the hit medical drama.
Heigl played a significant role in the controversy’s escalation, publicly condemning Washington’s comments. In a memorable interview with Access Hollywood in 2007, she declared that Washington “should ‘never’ be allowed to speak publicly again” about the incident, solidifying her stance against his behavior. Her comments were widely supported at the time, and Washington faced severe professional repercussions.
Fast forward to November 17, 2020, Washington unexpectedly took to Twitter, posting a photograph of Heigl alongside a scathing message. He directly referenced her 2007 statement, writing, “This woman once proclaimed that I should ‘never’ be allowed to speak publicly again. The world agreed with her proclamation back then and protested for my job and my head in 65 languages. I wish I was on Twitter in 2007 because I will NEVER stop exercising my free speech.”
The timing of Washington’s tweet was puzzling, prompting many to wonder what specifically triggered the sudden outburst after so many years. While Heigl herself did not publicly respond to the renewed attack, the incident served as a potent reminder of the enduring nature of Hollywood grudges and the long shadow cast by past controversies. It also sparked discussions about “cancel culture” and freedom of speech, with many weighing in on whether old wounds should be reopened on social media. Their feud dates back years, and this 2020 revival proved that some celebrity beefs truly never die.
Sacha Baron Cohen Vs. Rudy Giuliani
Among the most unexpected and politically charged feuds of 2020 was the bizarre confrontation between satirical comedian Sacha Baron Cohen and President Donald Trump’s then-personal lawyer, Rudy Giuliani. This particular drama unfolded with the release of Cohen’s highly anticipated sequel, Borat Subsequent Moviefilm, which featured a segment that quickly became the film’s most talked-about and controversial scene. The mockumentary, known for its audacious hidden-camera stunts, caught Giuliani in a compromising situation.
The scene in question depicted Giuliani in a hotel room with actress Maria Bakalova, who plays Borat’s teenage daughter, Tutar. Bakalova, posing as a conservative reporter, had lured Giuliani to an interview in a hotel suite. After the interview concluded, and Bakalova suggested they go for a drink in the bedroom, Giuliani could be seen lying on a bed with his hand seemingly down his pants. This footage, upon its public release, immediately sparked outrage and became a viral sensation.
Giuliani vehemently denied any impropriety, claiming he didn’t do anything wrong and was merely “tucking in [his] shirt after taking off the recording equipment.” His explanation, however, did little to quell the public’s incredulity or the media frenzy surrounding the scene. Many found his defense unconvincing, especially given the context of a mockumentary known for trapping public figures in embarrassing situations.
For his part, Sacha Baron Cohen, still maintaining his Borat persona, continued to poke fun at Giuliani. He further elaborated on the incident in an interview with Good Morning America, stating, “I would say that if the president’s lawyer found what he did there ‘appropriate behavior,’ then heaven knows what he’s done with other female journalists in hotel rooms.” The feud highlighted the blurring lines between satire, journalism, and politics, creating a memorable and widely discussed moment during a tumultuous election year.
Chelsea Handler Vs. 50 Cent
As the 2020 presidential election loomed, political allegiances sparked an unexpected and highly amusing Twitter spat between comedian Chelsea Handler and rapper 50 Cent. The two, who famously had a brief romantic relationship in 2010, found themselves on opposite sides of the political spectrum, leading to a public exchange that blended humor with sharp political commentary.
The controversy ignited when 50 Cent, whose real name is Curtis Jackson, appeared to throw his support behind then-President Donald Trump. He cited concerns over Joe Biden’s proposed tax plans, specifically how they might affect his personal wealth, as his reason for considering voting for Trump. This announcement immediately drew criticism and surprise from many, including his former flame, Chelsea Handler.
Handler, a staunch critic of Trump, was predictably displeased by 50 Cent’s stance. She swiftly responded on Twitter with a mix of playful exasperation and pointed political persuasion. “You used to be my favorite ex-boyfriend,” she tweeted, lamenting his political choice and attempting to sway his opinion. Her tweets highlighted the personal impact political divides could have, even on past relationships.
50 Cent, recognizing the potential damage to his “love life” and perhaps influenced by Handler’s public pressure, eventually denounced Donald Trump. The comedic culmination of their exchange came when Chelsea, during an interview with Naomi Campbell, humorously suggested that she might have been prepared to “rekindle their intimacy” to ensure his vote against Trump. “We had a nice conversation the other night for like 20 minutes, 25 minutes, and we talked about it, and you know he asked me if I was serious about promising him sex and I said, ‘Sure, why not? You know, I’m ready to have sex with people,’ ” she revealed, adding a truly unique twist to their political spat. This light-hearted but impactful exchange showcased how celebrity voices could influence the political landscape, even through humor.
Chrissy Teigen Vs. Alison Roman
The culinary world stirred up its own drama in 2020 with a public spat between influential cookbook author and social media personality Chrissy Teigen and popular food writer Alison Roman. The feud began in early May when an excerpt from Roman’s New Consumer profile was published, containing critical remarks aimed at Teigen’s immense commercial success within the food industry. Roman specifically characterized Teigen’s burgeoning empire, which includes cookbooks, cookware lines, and a significant digital presence, as a “content farm,” implying a lack of authenticity or artistic merit in her endeavors.
Teigen, known for her candidness on social media, expressed her deep disappointment and hurt the following day, May 8, on Twitter. She confessed how “bummed” she was by Roman’s comments, especially coming from a fellow woman in the food space. “I don’t think I’ve ever been so bummed out by the words of a fellow food-lover. I just had no idea I was perceived that way, by her especially,” Teigen tweeted, highlighting the personal sting of the critique from someone she admired.
The comments from Roman also drew parallels between Teigen’s business model and that of Netflix sensation Marie Kondo, whom Roman also implicitly criticized in the interview. This fueled a broader conversation about how women in business, particularly those who leverage their social media presence, are perceived and judged in comparison to more traditional figures. The internet quickly rallied in support of Teigen, leading to significant backlash against Roman, who faced accusations of tearing down other successful women.
In response to the widespread criticism and the emotional impact on Teigen, Alison Roman issued a formal apology on May 11 via Instagram. Her statement was comprehensive and contrite: “I need to formally apologize to Chrissy Teigen and Marie Kondo. I used their names disparagingly to try and distinguish myself, which I absolutely do not have an excuse for,” she wrote. Roman acknowledged her privilege and insensitivity, recognizing that her words had unintended negative consequences. This incident served as a powerful reminder of the impact of celebrity commentary and the swift repercussions that can follow in the age of social media.
Nicki Minaj Vs. Meek Mill
The early days of 2020 witnessed an explosive, albeit short-lived, Twitter war between ex-partners and prominent rappers Nicki Minaj and Meek Mill. Their tumultuous relationship, which ended in 2017, had always been a subject of public fascination, and their online clash reignited old tensions with fierce intensity, quickly becoming one of the most talked-about celebrity squabbles of the year.
The feud officially erupted in early February when Nicki Minaj posted a photo of Meek Mill on Twitter, accompanied by the provocative caption, “Trigger fingers turn to #TwitterFingers,” along with some undeniably unsavory insults. This initial jab immediately set off a rapid-fire exchange, as Meek Mill wasted no time in firing back. What started as veiled disses quickly escalated into a deeply personal and public airing of grievances, touching on sensitive aspects of their past relationship and individual careers.
The intensity of their tweets grew, with both artists making increasingly harsh and personal accusations. Meek Mill, in particular, delivered several sharp retorts, including accusations about Nicki’s character and alleged attempts to undermine him. “You sad you willing to crash your man because you losing now and everybody in the industry know you a bad person,” Meek tweeted back at Nicki, suggesting her actions were motivated by professional jealousy. He continued to push back strongly against her insinuations.
One of Meek Mill’s most cutting, and later since-deleted, tweets stated, “You picked a great time to be saying I ever put my hands on you… you full of hate and the whole industry know you full of hate… and ya bag getting low, so you wanna destroy me.” These accusations of violence and professional desperation underscored the raw emotions at play. Despite the immediate ferocity of their exchange, the public drama eventually subsided. However, the pair don’t appear to have reconciled, and the 2020 Twitter war remains a stark reminder of their unresolved history and the volatile nature of celebrity exes clashing in the digital arena.