Major Controversies Surrounding Eminem: A Detailed Timeline

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

Eminem, born Marshall Mathers, is a highly influential American rapper, songwriter, and producer. Widely considered one of the greatest rappers of all time, he's credited with popularizing hip-hop in Middle America and challenging racial barriers within the music industry. Despite controversy surrounding his often transgressive lyrics in the late 90s and early 2000s, he became an iconic figure embodying the angst of the American underclass.

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 the public school after D'Angelo Bailey injured Eminem's head in an assault.

February 1999: Release of 'The Slim Shady LP'

In February 1999, Eminem released 'The Slim Shady LP'.

2001: Performance at the 43rd Grammy Awards

In 2001, Eminem performed "Stan" with Elton John at the 43rd Grammy Awards ceremony, which was met with condemnation from GLAAD due to Eminem's perceived homophobic lyrics. On February 21, 2001, GLAAD held a protest outside the Staples Center, the venue for the awards ceremony. Additionally, Eminem was featured on Jay-Z's album 'The Blueprint', producing and rapping on the song "Renegade".

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December 8, 2003: Secret Service Investigation

On December 8, 2003, the United States Secret Service investigated Eminem for lyrics in "We As Americans" from the deluxe edition of 'Encore' where he said: "I'd rather see the president dead".

2003: 'Couch Potato' Parody Incident

In 2003, Eminem prevented "Weird Al" Yankovic from releasing the video for his parody of 'Lose Yourself' titled 'Couch Potato', as he believed it would be harmful to his image.

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

On October 12, 2004, Michael Jackson expressed his displeasure with Eminem's "Just Lose It" music video on The Steve Harvey Morning Show, which parodied Jackson's child molestation trial, plastic surgery, and the 1984 incident when Jackson's hair caught fire during a commercial shoot. This led to criticism of Eminem's video from Jackson's supporters and friends.

October 25, 2004: Release of 'Mosh' Video

On October 25, 2004, Eminem released the anti-war music video for "Mosh" online, featuring an army of Bush-administration victims who register to vote. After George W. Bush's reelection, the video's ending was altered.

2004: Release of "Mosh"

Ahead of the 2004 United States presidential election, Eminem released the protest song "Mosh," which criticized then-President George W. Bush.

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2004: Eminem's mock national convention with Donald Trump

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

2016: Release of "Campaign Speech"

During the 2016 United States presidential election, Eminem released "Campaign Speech," a freestyle attacking Republican candidate Donald Trump.

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February 2017: Eminem Appears on Big Sean's "No Favors"

In February 2017, Eminem appeared on "No Favors", a track from Big Sean's album I Decided. In the song, Eminem raps about controversial topics, leading to public reactions.

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

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

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2017: Eminem Regrets Trump Collaboration

On his 2017 album Revival, Eminem expressed regret for collaborating with Donald Trump.

2020: Release of Darkness and Authorization of Lose Yourself for Biden Campaign

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

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August 30, 2023: Denouncement in Jacksonville Shooting 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.

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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