In the world of entertainment, interviews can often be a minefield, but some are more explosive than others. The incident involving comedian Joan Rivers and journalist Wendy Williams is one such example that left quite an impact. As a fellow artist who’s spent decades honing my craft, I can empathize with Rivers’ frustration. She was put on this Earth to bring laughter into people’s lives, and it must have been disheartening to constantly face criticism when all she wanted was to share her humor. It seems that Wendy Williams was the wrong choice for that interview, as it escalated into a heated exchange, with Rivers rightfully defending herself against what she perceived as relentless negativity.
Is there anything as amusing yet uncomfortable as a celebrity interview? Actors often go through extensive promotional tours for their movies, answering questions from reporters, which can sometimes leave them with a bit of a headache. For instance, Harrison Ford might discuss the artistic challenge of playing the Red Hulk using motion capture in “Captain America: Brave New World” during one interview, while in another he might be asked if the Red Hulk is more afraid of snakes than Indiana Jones. In both situations, Ford would likely respond with a charming but grumpy demeanor.
These peculiar interactions are simply a quirky aspect of the intriguing world of film promotion. Actors comply with the studio’s demands, while journalists cater to their editors’ instructions. However, if a journalist strays from the desired script, either by breaching unwritten rules of etiquette or veering off the public relations handlers’ tight leash during these interviews, the situation can escalate rapidly. Yet, these awkward moments offer a fascinating glimpse into the entertainment industry.
Dan Aykroyd went ghost when he couldn’t plug his vodka
In October 2013, Dan Aykroyd, star of “Ghostbusters”, appeared on the Australian talk show “The Observer Effect” hosted by Ellen Fanning. Despite the episode seemingly being removed from the internet, reports confirm that Aykroyd was eager to discuss various topics including “Ghostbusters”. The interview segment apparently aired as scheduled, with many listeners unaware of how it concluded.
At that point, Aykroyd was quite eager to promote Crystal Head Vodka, a liquor company he helped establish in 2008, and it’s said he wanted Fanning to endorse the drink on “Observer Effect.” However, when she declined during the recording, Aykroyd is reported to have quickly and uncomfortably mentioned it himself before deciding to leave the studio in a hurry. A bystander later claimed that Aykroyd called Fanning a rude name, such as a “hosebag,” to an assistant who was trying to catch up with him outside.
Australia has quite firm regulations concerning broadcasters advertising alcohol, with specific limitations on when these ads can air. Fanning apparently believed that participating in Aykroyd’s pitch might breach these rules. Despite reported pressure from the studio, she declined to apologize to Aykroyd and instead asked for an apology from him, which she did not receive. Eventually, the network behind “The Observer Effect,” SBS, commented on the incident (as reported by the Daily Telegraph), stating that Aykroyd was free to discuss his vodka, but promotional content is not part of the show’s format.
Russell Crowe won’t hear criticism of his Robin Hood accent
Ten years following “Gladiator,” Russell Crowe and director Ridley Scott joined forces once more to modernize the timeless tale of Robin Hood for contemporary audiences. Critics found themselves divided in their opinions towards the rather grim “Robin Hood.” Many critics, especially, were perplexed by the unique accent that Russell Crowe and his dialect coaches created for Robin of Locksley, which seemed unfamiliar to some viewers. It was suggested that the intention behind this accent was to authentically represent the character with a Nottingham-influenced speech pattern, but there were those — including BBC Radio host Mark Lawson — who felt it fell short of its mark.
During an interview on Lawson’s “Front Row,” the host asked if Crowe had been making a deliberate artistic choice by including hints of an Irish accent in his performance. The response was immediately hostile. “You’ve got dead ears, mate,” Crowe said to Lawson (per The Independent). “You’ve seriously got dead ears if you think that’s an Irish accent.” Lawson tried to salvage the situation, proceeding to engage an increasingly impatient and seemingly defensive Crowe about his dialect work. Though Lawson eventually moved on to a question about “Gladiator,” Crowe exited the interview. “I don’t get the Irish thing, by the way,” he said on his way out. “I don’t get it at all.”
Approximately nine years after the event, Crowe abruptly ended another interview during his promotion for the Showtime miniseries “The Loudest Voice.” In this series, he portrayed Roger Ailes, the former CEO of Fox News who has since passed away. The host’s introduction that criticized Ailes made Crowe uncomfortable, leading him to swiftly leave the premises due to perceived bias.
Benicio del Toro got tired of one-sided Che interviews
While promoting the Steven Soderbergh movie “Che” about the controversial Argentine revolutionary leader Che Guevara, Benicio del Toro quickly ended an interview with the Washington Times. It’s difficult to ascertain exactly what line of questioning caused the actor to exit, though it undoubtedly had to do with Guevara’s controversial revolutionary tactics. “I’m getting uncomfortable,” he told the Times’ Sonny Bunch during the interview. “I’m done. I’m done, I hope you write whatever you want. I don’t give a damn.”
At a different instance, del Toro, seemingly frustrated, stated, “It’s impossible for [‘Che’] to encompass everything,” implying that critics who accuse it of historical revisionism should produce their own movies, allowing them to conduct their own research and incorporate aspects they consider significant. It remains unclear what specific issue this comment was addressing according to The Times.
Later on, Bunch confided to journalist Ann Althouse that his motivation for publishing the article about the interview was not to criticize del Toro or the movie, but to illustrate the controversial essence of the topic. He added that the conversation wasn’t intense or redundant and it seldom strayed from the main subject. The final question he answered was a casual one regarding how a failed revolution versus a successful one is portrayed on screen. In another interview, del Toro clarified (without referencing The Times or Bunch) that he didn’t oppose questioning Guevara or the film, but felt some journalists were more focused on trying to instruct him instead of having an open dialogue.
Robert Downey Jr. just wanted to talk about The Avengers
Robert Downey Jr. battled addiction from the ’90s to early 2000s, spending considerable time in rehab and prison. He’s been open about this period in his life, but he probably didn’t anticipate being asked about it by a reporter during the press tour for “Avengers: Age of Ultron” in 2015.
During an interview on Channel 4 News, Krishnan Guru-Murthy, who has previously discussed the promotional nature of entertainment interviews, tried to link Robert Downey Jr.’s personal transformation with the development of his character, Tony Stark. However, it appeared that he pushed Downey’s boundaries when he questioned him about an unusual quote he made regarding his post-prison stances. Downey swiftly dismissed this statement as something he no longer endorses or fully comprehends at present. Nevertheless, he was clear in stating that he does not identify as a liberal, a Democrat, or a Republican (although he has supported Democratic presidential candidates since Barack Obama).
From that point forward, Downey seemed uneasy, yet he persevered and countered as Guru-Murthy delved further away from the topic of the movie. In the end, it appears an individual off-screen (possibly Downey’s publicist or one from Disney) terminated the interview and escorted him out of the room.
Rhys Ifans gave the interview from hell
Actor Rhys Ifans, known for his role in “The Amazing Spider-Man”, has a reputation for being difficult with the media. Even at seemingly cordial events like San Diego Comic-Con, he’s been reported to launch into heated, drunken rants about his disdain for comic book fans. He allegedly even went as far as to physically confront a convention staff member over an indoor smoking ban. This surprising incident, which occurred despite Ifans being re-hired by Sony for their Marvel films twice, is one of the more puzzling moments in pop culture history. His interview with The Times’ Janice Turner was particularly noteworthy, earning a front page spot and being labeled “the interview from hell”.
The intimidatingly rude profile initiates with Ifans casually brushing past the reporter to make an explicit exit comment (“I’m off to have a piss and a shit. I apologize for the crudeness.”), meanders into a seemingly aimless conversation about U.K. politics interspersed with numerous references to horse anatomy, and culminates in him abruptly ending the interview by labeling her as dull. Meanwhile, the publicist likely begins preparing herself mentally for the daunting task of damage control that awaits.
Turner observed that the encounter was quite intimidating and even a bit ominous. However, he also felt a sense of respect for the actor’s unyielding decision not to participate in this unpleasant public relations charade. This situation continued even after Ifans left set, with numerous panicked emails from PR personnel trying to justify the actor’s actions (claimed to be due to adverse effects of antibiotics). But what was truly surprising was a bouquet and a typed note that arrived later: “Warm regards, Rhys.
Shia LaBeouf didn’t want to talk about sex
In 2014, Shia LaBeouf, known for creating headlines for various reasons, both positive and negative, attracted attention once more when he abruptly left a press conference after the premiere of the provocative film “Nymphomaniac” at the 64th Berlin International Film Festival. The controversial Lars von Trier movie had caused stirs due to its explicit and sometimes unsimulated sex scenes, which the actors were naturally asked about by curious journalists.
Instead of LaBeouf abruptly veering off topic with his enigmatic remark (as reported by Associated Press), let’s say he unexpectedly shifted the focus by sharing an obscure proverb. “Seagulls chase trawlers because they expect fish to be tossed into the water,” he said, drawing out each word. He then gracefully stood and exited the stage. LaBeouf’s peculiar statement was actually a borrowed quote, originally coined by French footballer Eric Cantona as a response to media inquiries about kicking a spectator during a game. Intriguingly, LaBeouf had a penchant for adopting well-known phrases, having been inspired by an incident where he was accused of copying another artist’s work; he later apologized by mimicking a renowned apology.
The quote suggests that journalists are like persistent seagulls looking for food, but it’s uncertain if LaBeouf truly harbored any animosity towards them. If it wasn’t just a playful jab, it might have been an articulation of frustration over the cautious conversations about the film, the media’s handling of von Trier, the press scrutiny—or his own experiences with the same.
Robert Pattinson ran from Ryan Seacrest
The course of Robert Pattinson’s life was significantly altered following the success of “Twilight,” the popular young adult fantasy series that catapulted him and co-star Kristen Stewart into widespread fame for their portrayals of the vampire Edward Cullen and his love interest Bella Swan. For a while, they were an item both on and off set, but they parted ways publicly in 2013; since then, they’ve both moved forward and appear to be amicable in real life. However, before their relationship became public, there was no shortage of people ready to speculate about various rumors circulating around them, with prominent media personality Ryan Seacrest among those fueling the gossip mill.
During the 2009 “New Moon” premiere red carpet, the host of “American Idol” was assigned a private trailer where he broadcasted his popular radio show “On Air with Ryan Seacrest.” As Robert Pattinson walked through, his publicist guided him to a secluded area, allowing Seacrest only a brief two-minute chat with the star. Much of their conversation revolved around the films’ influence on fans, but eventually, Seacrest brought up Kristen Stewart.
Right away, Pattinson’s publicist intervened with a verbal command, guiding the actor off the carpet again. Amusingly, Pattinson just smiled and urged fans to watch “New Moon.” Seacrest mentioned that this was the first time any of his interviews had ended so abruptly.
Joaquin Phoenix paused a Joker interview for an hour
2019’s “Joker,” starring Joaquin Phoenix, received overwhelming admiration for his remarkable transformation into the character. His commitment to the role produced one of the most haunting comic book adaptations ever, ultimately earning him an Oscar for Best Actor. The accolades he received after the movie’s premiere have helped ease the harsh criticism “Joker” faced in the months leading up to its release.
Some analysts initially predicted that the film’s portrayal of its character as more relatable could potentially trigger violent behavior. Survivors of the 2012 “The Dark Knight Rises” movie theater shooting in Aurora, Colorado voiced their apprehensions about the movie’s possible influence in an open letter, fearing it might imitate the actions of the Aurora shooter.
It seemed like Phoenix might not have anticipated these issues as he kicked off the promotional tour for the movie. Although it wasn’t immediately apparent from the film’s previews, the project he was involved with delved less into justifying random violence and more into (albeit awkwardly) examining class and social problems that foster such violent environments – a theme that was probably deeply rooted in Phoenix’s perception of the character and plot. Consequently, he appeared taken aback and seemingly disturbed when a journalist posed the question if he was worried about inciting real-life violence, causing him to exit the interview for an hour. He later returned to finish the conversation, but he chose not to address the query directly.
Nickelodeon host Marc Summers felt ambushed
2023 saw a number of documentaries that made headlines, but none quite as shocking as Investigation Discovery’s “Quiet on Set: The Hidden Truth Behind Kids TV.” This documentary series delved into numerous tales of misconduct surrounding Nickelodeon productions, with a focus on claims about the inappropriate behavior towards child actors. These allegations ranged from sexualization to abuse. In order to shed light on this issue, they gathered first-hand testimonies and responses from those who were intimately connected to the network, including former stars like Marc Summers of “Double Dare.
As Summers initially understood, the documentary was intended to portray Nickelodeon in a favorable light. However, as he later expressed on “Elvis Duran and the Morning Show,” he felt ambushed because they didn’t inform him about the true nature of the documentary. He saw footage that he found hard to believe was appropriate for Nickelodeon. In response, he abruptly halted the interview, feeling uneasy with how it was being conducted, and decided to leave the studio.
Joan Rivers walked out on CNN
In 2014, comedian and actress Joan Rivers participated in an interview with CNN to publicize her humorous memoir titled “Diary of a Mad Diva.” Unlike other entries on this list, the discussion began somewhat awkwardly (particularly for what was essentially a promotional piece about a book). The CNN host, Fredicka Whitfield, touched a nerve by mentioning Rivers’ controversial fashion criticism as “unkind.” Rivers swiftly defended her comments as expressing the candid views held by home viewers, but Whitfield tactfully countered by alluding to Rivers’ history of provocative humor.
One instance that Whitfield referred to was Rivers’ comment about Casey Anthony, who was accused of murdering her two-year-old daughter in 2008, which drove the comedian to near frustration. It was the last straw for Rivers when Whitfield asked for her opinion on criticism regarding the comedian wearing fur on the book’s cover. “All you ever do is criticize,” she asserted firmly to Whitfield. “I’ve been making people laugh for fifty years, I was born to make people laugh, my book is humorous! … Stop with the ‘You do this and you’re mean…'”, Rivers exclaimed. Ultimately, Rivers expressed that Whitfield wasn’t the suitable interviewer before she took off her earpiece and departed from camera view. Regarding the incident, Whitfield initially assumed it was a joke, and later pondered if it might have been a planned publicity stunt.
Andrew Scott avoided an inappropriate question
If you weren’t already aware of Barry Keoghan due to his roles in “Eternals,” “The Banshees of Inisherin,” or his notable cut scene as the Joker in “The Batman, then you might have noticed him now, thanks to his leading role in the 2023 film “Saltburn.” This dark, brooding, and sexually charged tragicomedy highlights Keoghan’s versatility as a timid, academically inclined college student who insidiously befriends a wealthy, popular boy (Jacob Elordi), and ultimately secures an invitation to the titular mansion for a summer.
In the movie, Keoghan’s character’s development sparked numerous negative comparisons to Tom Ripley from Patricia Highsmith’s novel “The Talented Mr. Ripley.” As the story unfolded, it became clear that Oliver, played by Keoghan, was a sociopath who ultimately brought ruin upon the family he resided with. His actions led to him acquiring their mansion and fortune.
After “Saltburn” was released, a Netflix series based on “The Talented Mr. Ripley” followed, starring Andrew Scott as the lead character. Interestingly, Scott is good friends with co-star Tom Keoghan. A BBC reporter even approached Scott on a red carpet to get his reaction to Keoghan’s nude scene in “Saltburn,” which had caused quite a stir due to its popular accompanying song and rumors that no prosthetic was used. However, the question seemed to make Scott uneasy, as he did not respond and instead walked away from the microphone with a sigh. Criticism ensued for the reporter’s question, leading the BBC to eventually issue an apology for any discomfort it may have caused Scott.
If you or someone you care about is dealing with addiction problems, has suffered from child abuse, been affected by acts of mass violence, or is emotionally distressed due to such events, please reach out to the following resources for assistance:
- Visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website or contact SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
- Contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child (1-800-422-4453) or contact their live chat services.
- Call or text Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 for support.
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2024-10-08 14:30