Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to Anna Nicole Smith.
Anna Nicole Smith, born Vickie Lynn Marshall, rose to fame as a model, actress, and television personality. She gained initial recognition as a Playboy Playmate, winning the Playmate of the Year title in 1993. Following her Playboy success, she modeled for various fashion brands, including Guess, H&M, Lane Bryant, Conair, and Heatherette, solidifying her presence in the fashion and entertainment industries.
June 27, 1994: Marriage to J. Howard Marshall
On June 27, 1994, Anna Nicole Smith married 89-year-old J. Howard Marshall in Houston, sparking widespread speculation about her motives.
Share
October 1994: Lawsuit Against New York Magazine
In October 1994, Anna Nicole Smith initiated a $5 million lawsuit against New York magazine, claiming unauthorized use of her photo and defamation, which was later settled.
Share
1994: Marriage to J. Howard Marshall
In 1994, Anna Nicole Smith's highly publicized second marriage to 89-year-old billionaire J. Howard Marshall took place, sparking speculation about her motives.
Share
August 4, 1995: Death of J. Howard Marshall
On August 4, 1995, J. Howard Marshall died in Houston at the age of 90, leading to a protracted legal battle over his estate.
Share
1995: Death of J. Howard Marshall
In 1995, J. Howard Marshall died, leading to a lengthy legal battle over his estate involving Anna Nicole Smith.
Share
1996: Bankruptcy Filing
In 1996, Anna Nicole Smith filed for bankruptcy in California due to an $850,000 default judgment for sexual harassment, leading to legal entanglement with the Marshall estate case.
Share
September 2000: Bankruptcy Court Award
In September 2000, a Los Angeles bankruptcy judge awarded Anna Nicole Smith $449,754,134.00 related to the Marshall estate, a decision later overturned.
Share
July 2001: Texas Court Ruling
In July 2001, a Houston judge ruled that Anna Nicole Smith was not entitled to any of the Marshall estate, ordering her to pay over $1 million in legal costs.
Share
March 2002: Federal Judge Ruling
In March 2002, a federal judge vacated the California bankruptcy court's ruling, reducing Anna Nicole Smith's award to $88 million.
Share
October 2003: TrimSpa Spokeswoman
In October 2003, Anna Nicole Smith became a spokeswoman for TrimSpa, a weight loss product, leading to both success and controversy.
Share
December 30, 2004: Appeals Court Reversal
On December 30, 2004, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit reversed the federal judge's decision, citing lack of jurisdiction.
Share
March 2005: MTV Australia Awards Appearance
In March 2005, at the MTV Australia Video Music Awards, Anna Nicole Smith spoofed Janet Jackson's wardrobe malfunction, creating a controversial moment.
Share
September 2005: Supreme Court Appeal
In September 2005, the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear the appeal regarding Anna Nicole Smith's case, marking a significant development in the legal battle over the Marshall estate.
Share
April 2006: Psychiatric Assessment
In April 2006, a psychiatrist assessed Anna Nicole Smith and believed she had borderline personality disorder and addiction to prescription medications.
Share
May 1, 2006: Supreme Court Decision
On May 1, 2006, the Supreme Court unanimously ruled in favor of Anna Nicole Smith, affirming her right to pursue a share of the Marshall estate in federal court, though it did not guarantee her any money.
Share
June 20, 2006: Death of E. Pierce Marshall
On June 20, 2006, E. Pierce Marshall died, leading his widow to continue the legal battle against Anna Nicole Smith's estate.
Share
September 7, 2006: Birth of Dannielynn
On September 7, 2006, Anna Nicole Smith gave birth to her daughter, Dannielynn, in New Providence, The Bahamas, sparking a paternity dispute.
Share
September 10, 2006: Death of Daniel Wayne Smith
On September 10, 2006, Anna Nicole Smith's 20-year-old son, Daniel Wayne Smith, died in his mother's hospital room while visiting her and his newborn half-sister Dannielynn.
Share
September 21, 2006: Death Certificate Issued
On September 21, 2006, a death certificate was issued for Daniel Wayne Smith, confirming his death.
Share
September 28, 2006: Commitment Ceremony
On September 28, 2006, Anna Nicole Smith and Howard K. Stern exchanged vows in an informal commitment ceremony in the Bahamas, though it was not a legal marriage.
Share
October 19, 2006: Burial of Daniel Wayne Smith
On October 19, 2006, Daniel Wayne Smith was buried at Lake View Cemetery in New Providence.
Share
February 8, 2007: Death of Anna Nicole Smith
On February 8, 2007, Anna Nicole Smith died in Hollywood, Florida, from combined drug intoxication.
Share
February 9, 2007: Paternity Claims
On February 9, 2007, Frédéric Prinz von Anhalt claimed a decade-long affair with Anna Nicole Smith, suggesting he could be the father of her daughter, adding to the paternity controversy.
Share
February 2007: Death
In February 2007, Anna Nicole Smith died in Hollywood, Florida, from a combined drug intoxication, marking the end of a controversial and publicized life.
Share
April 2007: Paternity Established
In April 2007, a Bahamian judge ruled that DNA tests established Larry Birkhead as Dannielynn's biological father, ending the paternity dispute.
Share
2007: Death of Anna Nicole Smith
In 2007, Anna Nicole Smith died, and the case regarding the Marshall estate continued on behalf of her infant daughter, Dannielynn Birkhead.
Share
2008: Defamation Lawsuit
In 2008, John O'Quinn, lawyer for Smith's mother, filed a defamation lawsuit alleging a conspiracy to ruin her reputation, which was later dismissed.
Share
March 2010: Appeals Court Verdict
In March 2010, an appeals court upheld the verdict barring Anna Nicole Smith from the Marshall estate, continuing the legal saga even after her death.
Share
May 6, 2010: Appeal Denied
On May 6, 2010, the appeal by lawyers for Anna Nicole Smith's estate was denied, further solidifying the legal outcome regarding the Marshall estate.
Share
June 2011: Supreme Court Ruling Against Smith's Estate
In June 2011, in Stern v. Marshall, the Supreme Court ruled against Anna Nicole Smith's estate, stating the bankruptcy court lacked jurisdiction to award her estate $475 million.
Share
August 2014: Efforts to Obtain Funds Rejected
In August 2014, a federal judge rejected efforts to obtain about $44 million from the J. Howard Marshall estate, marking a final chapter in the legal battle.
Share