Major Controversies Surrounding Eminem: A Detailed Timeline

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

Eminem, also known as Marshall Mathers III, is a highly influential American rapper, songwriter, and record producer. He's celebrated for popularizing hip-hop in Middle America and challenging racial barriers within the genre. Despite early controversies stemming from his transgressive lyrics, Eminem became a voice for lower-income America, known for his conscious lyrics, political criticism, social commentary, and exceptional rapping ability.

Sections (7)

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

1982: Lawsuit Filed After Assault

In 1982, Eminem's mother, Debbie, filed a lawsuit against a public school after D'Angelo Bailey assaulted Eminem, causing a head injury.

February 1999: Release of 'The Slim Shady LP'

In February 1999, Eminem released 'The Slim Shady LP', which became one of the year's most popular albums and was certified triple platinum. It also generated controversy due to its lyrical content.

2001: Performance at the 43rd Grammy Awards

In 2001, Eminem performed with Elton John at the 43rd Grammy Awards ceremony, which was met with condemnation from GLAAD due to Eminem's controversial lyrics. On February 21, 2001, GLAAD protested outside the Staples Center on the day of the awards. Eminem also appeared on Jay-Z's album The Blueprint in 2001.

December 8, 2003: Secret Service investigation

On December 8, 2003, the United States Secret Service investigated allegations that Eminem had threatened the President of the United States in the lyrics of his song "We As Americans".

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

On October 12, 2004, Michael Jackson contacted Steve Harvey's radio show to express his displeasure with Eminem's "Just Lose It" music video, a week after its release, 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.

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October 25, 2004: Release of "Mosh" Video

On October 25, 2004, a week before the U.S. Presidential election, Eminem released the video for "Mosh" on the Internet. The video was critical of President George W. Bush. The video's ending was altered after Bush's reelection.

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2016: Release of "Campaign Speech"

In 2016, Eminem returned to overt political expression during the United States presidential election with the release of "Campaign Speech", a freestyle attacking Republican candidate Donald Trump.

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February 2017: Eminem Features on Big Sean's "No Favors" and Sparks Controversy

In February 2017, Eminem appeared on "No Favors" from Big Sean's album I Decided. His verse, which included explicit lyrics about President Donald Trump and Ann Coulter, sparked controversy and drew criticism.

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2017: Reference to the Las Vegas Shooting in 'Darkness'

Eminem's 2020 song "Darkness" references the 2017 Las Vegas shooting.

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2017: Performance of "The Storm" at BET Hip Hop Awards

In 2017, Eminem performed the anti-Trump freestyle "The Storm" at the BET Hip Hop Awards, supporting Colin Kaepernick and declaring that fans who supported Trump were no longer welcome.

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2017: Regret over Trump Collaboration

On his 2017 album Revival, Eminem expressed regret for collaborating with Donald Trump, wishing he had not shaken his hand at the event.

2019: Hughes' Previous Break-in Attempt

In 2019, Matthew David Hughes pleaded guilty to breaking into a Rochester Hills home in search of Eminem.

April 2020: Home Invasion by Matthew David Hughes

In April 2020, Matthew David Hughes broke into Eminem's house and threatened to kill him.

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

In 2020, Eminem's song "Darkness" referenced the 2017 Las Vegas shooting and called for stricter gun control laws, and he authorized the use of "Lose Yourself" in a campaign video for Joe Biden during the election.

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2020: Hughes' First Arrest at Eminem's Property

In April 2020, Matthew David Hughes broke into Eminem's house and threatened to kill him.

2021: Hughes' Plea Agreement

In 2021, Matthew David Hughes pleaded guilty to second-degree home invasion in exchange for dismissal of other charges and was sentenced to probation and time served.

August 30, 2023: Denouncement 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 prior to committing a racially motivated shooting.

2023: Cease and Desist Letter to Vivek Ramaswamy

In 2023, Eminem sent a cease and desist letter to Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy requesting that he stop performing "Lose Yourself" at campaign events.

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August 2024: Hughes' Second Arrest at Eminem's Property

In August 2024, Matthew David Hughes was arrested again after returning to Eminem's property.

May 2025: Hughes' Conviction

In May 2025, Matthew David Hughes was convicted of first-degree home invasion and aggravated stalking stemming from both the 2020 and 2024 incidents, with Eminem testifying during the trial.