Major Controversies Surrounding Eminem: A Detailed Timeline

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

Eminem, born Marshall Mathers III, is a highly influential American rapper, songwriter, and producer. Celebrated as one of the greatest rappers ever, he popularized hip-hop in Middle America and overcame racial barriers for white rappers. His provocative work in the late 90s and early 2000s sparked controversy, yet he became an icon representing the angst of the American underclass.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

February 1999: Release of The Slim Shady LP

In February 1999, Eminem released The Slim Shady LP. The album generated controversy because of its lyrics.

2000: Assault charge related to wife

In 2000, Eminem faced an assault charge after attacking a bouncer he saw kissing his wife.

2001: Grammy Performance with Elton John and Collaboration with Jay-Z

In 2001, Eminem performed with Elton John at the 43rd Grammy Awards ceremony. He also produced and rapped on the song "Renegade" on Jay-Z's album The Blueprint.

Loading Video...

December 8, 2003: Secret Service Investigation

On December 8, 2003, the United States Secret Service investigated allegations that Eminem threatened the President of the United States through the lyrics of his song "We As Americans", which was later released on a bonus CD with the deluxe edition of Encore.

October 12, 2004: Michael Jackson's Displeasure with "Just Lose It"

On October 12, 2004, a week after Eminem released "Just Lose It", which contained slurs directed toward Michael Jackson, Jackson contacted Steve Harvey's radio show to express his displeasure with the video, which parodied Jackson's child molestation trial, plastic surgery and the 1984 incident when Jackson's hair caught fire during the filming of a commercial.

October 25, 2004: Release of "Mosh" Video

On October 25, 2004, a week before the 2004 U.S. Presidential election, Eminem released the video for "Mosh" on the Internet. The video featured Eminem gathering an army of Bush-administration victims and leading them to the White House to register to vote.

2004: Release of "Mosh" and Criticism of George W. Bush

A few weeks before the 2004 United States presidential election, Eminem released the song "Mosh," which heavily criticized then-president George W. Bush.

Loading Video...

2004: Eminem promoted Shady National Convention endorsed by Donald Trump

In 2004, Eminem promoted the Shady National Convention at the Roseland Ballroom in New York City, during which Donald Trump endorsed him.

2009: Eminem sides with Chris Brown

In 2009, during his Relapse studio sessions, Eminem sided with Chris Brown, who pleaded guilty to felony assault involving Rihanna. He later apologized to Rihanna in the track "Zeus" in 2020.

2016: Release of "Campaign Speech" and Criticism of Donald Trump

During the 2016 United States presidential election, Eminem released "Campaign Speech," which criticized presidential candidate Donald Trump.

Loading Video...

February 2017: Featured on 'No Favors'

In February 2017, Eminem was featured on the track "No Favors" from Big Sean's album I Decided, sparking controversy due to lyrics about Donald Trump and Ann Coulter.

Loading Video...

2017: Release of "The Storm" Freestyle

In 2017, Eminem criticized Donald Trump in a freestyle titled "The Storm," expressing support for Colin Kaepernick and displeasure for fans supporting Trump.

Loading Video...

2017: Expressed regret at collaborating with Trump in Revival

In 2017, on his album Revival, Eminem expressed regret at having collaborated with Donald Trump at the 2004 Shady National Convention.

2017: Controversy over 'Unaccommodating' lyrics

In 2017, the lyrics of "Unaccommodating", in which Eminem referenced the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing, drew significant criticism.

2018: Secret Service Interview Regarding Lyrics

In 2018, it was reported that the Secret Service interviewed Eminem regarding threatening lyrics towards President Trump and his daughter Ivanka.

2019: Secret Service Interview Regarding Lyrics

In 2019, it was reported that the Secret Service interviewed Eminem regarding threatening lyrics towards President Trump and his daughter Ivanka.

2020: Release of "Darkness" and Support for Gun Control

In 2020, Eminem's song "Darkness" heavily referenced the 2017 Las Vegas mass shooting, and the music video ended with him expressing support for gun control.

Loading Video...

August 4, 2023: Release of 'Realest'

On August 4, 2023, Ez Mil released the song "Realest", featuring Eminem. In the song, Eminem responded to Melle Mel, who had claimed that Eminem is considered a top-five rapper of all time only because he is white.

Loading Video...

August 30, 2023: Mention in Jacksonville Shooter's Manifesto

On August 30, 2023, it was revealed that Ryan Palmeter, the perpetrator of the 2023 Jacksonville shooting, denounced Eminem and Machine Gun Kelly in his manifesto for their involvement in rap prior to committing a racially-motivated shooting.

2023: Cease and Desist Letter to Vivek Ramaswamy

In 2023, Eminem requested that Republican election candidate Vivek Ramaswamy stop rapping his song "Lose Yourself" at campaign rallies, sending Ramaswamy a cease and desist letter.

Loading Video...