Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Bam Margera

A closer look at the most debated and controversial moments involving Bam Margera.

Bam Margera is an American former professional skateboarder, stunt performer, television personality, and filmmaker who gained fame through MTV's Jackass and its related films. He further expanded his presence with spin-off shows like Viva La Bam and films such as Haggard, showcasing his creative endeavors in both television and film. His career is characterized by a blend of skateboarding, stunt performances, and reality television, making him a prominent figure in early 2000s pop culture.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

September 21, 1995: Car Accident

On September 21, 1995, Bam Margera, his brother Jess, Ryan Dunn, and Chris Raab were involved in a serious car accident, where Raab's insistence on Margera wearing a seatbelt likely saved his life.

November 2006: Filed for protection from abuse

In November 2006, Bam Margera filed for "protection from abuse" from Jenn Rivell after she allegedly broke into his house.

January 2007: Ramp Construction at Castle Bam

In January 2007, Bam Margera built a ramp in the backyard of Castle Bam, causing trouble with the township.

2007: Drinking Habits Worsened

In 2007, Bam Margera's drinking habits worsened after his previous shows ended.

July 2009: Hospitalized After Alcohol Binge

In July 2009, Bam Margera was taken to the hospital by paramedics and state troopers after a four-day alcohol binge.

December 2009: First Rehab Attempt

In December 2009, Bam Margera entered rehab for the first time after an intervention from his friends and family, but left after only four days.

2009: First Rehab Attempt

In 2009, Bam Margera first entered rehab for alcoholism, but left after four days.

June 12, 2010: Alleged Attack Outside The Note

On June 12, 2010, Bam Margera was allegedly attacked with a baseball bat outside his bar, The Note, resulting in head injuries. Elizabeth Ray was accused of being the assailant because Margera allegedly called her a "nigger". Ray denies attacking Margera and Margera denies having said the word.

2011: Intensified Drinking After Ryan Dunn's Death

Following Ryan Dunn's death in 2011, Bam Margera's drinking intensified further.

2011: Death of Ryan Dunn

In 2011, Bam Margera's close friend and co-star, Ryan Dunn, died in a car crash.

2012: Lost Control of Drinking

In 2012, Bam Margera considered this as the year he lost control of his drinking, both due to Ryan Dunn's death and bone spurs forcing him to put his skating career on hold, leading him to binge drink "to kill the boredom".

2012: Rental Car Incident in Iceland

In 2012, Bam Margera rented a Toyota Land Cruiser during a vacation in Iceland, which he returned in "terrible shape" five days later.

2012: Skating Career on Hold

In 2012, Bam Margera was forced to put his skating career on hold due to bone spurs and worsening alcoholism.

July 2013: Arrested at Keflavík Airport

In July 2013, Bam Margera was arrested at Keflavík Airport in Iceland for leaving the country without paying damages following the 2012 rental car dispute.

2015: Second Rehab Attempt and Family Therapy

In 2015, Bam Margera entered rehab for a second time for alcoholism, but left shortly after without finishing the program. Later that year, he took part in Family Therapy with Dr. Jenn on VH1 with his mother, April Margera, after which he remained sober for several months.

March 2016: Family Therapy with Dr. Jenn Appearance

In March 2016, Bam Margera and his parents appeared on VH1's Family Therapy with Dr. Jenn to address his self-destructive behavior.

January 2018: Third Rehab Attempt and Relapse

In January 2018, Bam Margera entered rehab for the third time after a DUI, and remained sober for seven months. Later that year, he relapsed after being robbed at gunpoint during a vacation in Colombia.

January 2019: Fourth Rehab Attempt

In January 2019, Bam Margera entered rehab once more, but left after ten days, stating that he "didn't belong there".

March 2019: Public Outburst and Mental Health Treatment

In March 2019, TMZ released a video showing Bam Margera screaming at and threatening his manager at West Side Comedy Club in New York City. Additionally, Margera made Instagram posts in which he insulted his wife and damaged his own home, leading to friends and family members having him committed to a mental health treatment facility. He was released after one week.

August 3, 2019: Removed from Flight and Public Plea for Help

On August 3, 2019, a drunken Bam Margera was removed from a commercial airline flight following an altercation with an airport police officer. The following day, Margera posted videos on his Instagram account, publicly pleading for Dr. Phil's help and directing a tirade towards his family.

2020: Fired From Jackass Forever Production

In 2020, Bam Margera was fired from the production of Jackass Forever due to drug and alcohol issues.

February 11, 2021: Fired From Jackass Forever

On February 11, 2021, Bam Margera posted videos to his Instagram account, admitting to breaking his sobriety and indicating that he had officially been fired from the filming of Jackass Forever.

May 25, 2021: Tremaine files restraining order against Margera

On May 25, 2021, Jeff Tremaine filed a temporary restraining order against Bam Margera due to harassment of Tremaine and Johnny Knoxville via Instagram. The restraining order was extended for three years and included Tremaine's family after alleged death threats.

August 9, 2021: Margera files lawsuit over Jackass Forever firing

On August 9, 2021, Bam Margera filed a lawsuit against Jeff Tremaine, Johnny Knoxville, Spike Jonze, Paramount Pictures, MTV, Dickhouse Entertainment, and Gorilla Flicks, alleging wrongful termination from the production of "Jackass Forever".

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September 16, 2021: Boyd Files for Child Custody

On September 16, 2021, Nicole Boyd filed for child custody of their son, Phoenix Wolf, but did not file a divorce petition.

June 15, 2022: Reported Missing and Returned to Rehab

On June 15, 2022, Bam Margera was reported missing after fleeing his rehab center. He was found and voluntarily returned to rehab after being gone for a week.

June 26, 2022: Reported Missing Again

On June 26, 2022, Bam Margera was reported missing again after fleeing his rehab center for the second time.

June 27, 2022: Checked in to New Treatment Facility

On June 27, 2022, Bam Margera was found and checked in to a new treatment facility.

September 4, 2022: Spotted at a Bar

On September 4, 2022, Bam Margera was spotted at a bar after fleeing rehab once again.

September 25, 2022: Caught Intoxicated in a Bar

On September 25, 2022, it was reported that Bam Margera was caught intoxicated in a bar in Atlanta, Georgia, amid rehab problems.

December 9, 2022: Hospitalized and Put on Ventilator

On December 9, 2022, Bam Margera was hospitalized and put on a ventilator in a San Diego ICU due to pneumonia and COVID-19.

February 15, 2023: Boyd Files for Legal Separation

On February 15, 2023, Nicole Boyd filed for legal separation and spousal support from Bam Margera, citing irreconcilable differences. The couple had been living separately since 2021, with Boyd seeking physical and legal custody of their son and supervised visitation for Margera within Los Angeles County, due to concerns about Margera's behavior while with their son.

March 2, 2023: Arrested for Domestic Violence

On March 2, 2023, Bam Margera was arrested for domestic violence after he allegedly kicked a woman.

March 29, 2023: Arrested for Public Intoxication

On March 29, 2023, Bam Margera was arrested for public intoxication.

April 23, 2023: Death Threats and Assault Allegations

On April 23, 2023, police were dispatched to Bam Margera's home after he allegedly made death threats to his brother and subsequently punched him in the face. Margera reportedly fled on foot into the woods when police arrived.

May 26, 2023: Wants Divorce Dismissed

On May 26, 2023, it was reported that Bam Margera wants a judge to dismiss his divorce with his wife Nikki, as she is not allowing him to see their son.

June 1, 2023: Threat to Smoke Crack

On June 1, 2023, Bam Margera posted a video on Instagram threatening to smoke crack until he's dead unless he sees his son.

June 7, 2023: Placed on Psychiatric Hold

Around June 7, 2023, Bam Margera was placed on a 5150 psychiatric hold at a Los Angeles mental health facility, following disturbing text messages he had been sending family members and erratic speech and behavior when he was located by police.

September 23, 2024: Arrested for Probation Violation

On September 23, 2024, it was reported that Bam Margera was arrested again after he allegedly violated his probation. He was put in the Chester County Prison and ordered to undergo a drug and alcohol evaluation.