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, producer, and executive. Recognized as one of the greatest rappers ever, he is credited with popularizing hip-hop in Middle America and increasing the acceptance of white rappers. Though his early work generated controversy, Eminem became a voice for popular angst in lower-income America. He is known for his conscious rap, often featuring political criticism and social commentary, as well as his distinctive rap flow.

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, which became one of the year's most popular albums. It sparked controversy due to its lyrical content.

2000: Assault charge incident

In 2000, an assault charge was brought against Eminem by a bouncer he saw kissing his wife, which was later addressed in The Eminem Show.

2001: Performance with Elton John at the Grammy Awards

In 2001, Eminem performed with Elton John at the 43rd Grammy Awards ceremony. This performance was controversial due to Eminem's homophobic lyrics, leading to protests by GLAAD. Eminem was also the only guest artist on Jay-Z's album 'The Blueprint', producing and rapping on the song "Renegade".

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December 8, 2003: Secret Service investigation regarding "We As Americans" lyrics

On December 8, 2003, the United States Secret Service investigated Eminem for lyrics in "We As Americans" that were perceived as threatening the President of the United States.

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2003: "Weird Al" Yankovic's comments on Jackson's protest

In 2003, Eminem allegedly halted production on the video for "Weird Al" Yankovic's parody of "Lose Yourself", leading Yankovic to comment on Michael Jackson's protest against Eminem's "Just Lose It" video in 2004.

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2003: "Smack You", a diss track aimed at Ja Rule and Suge Knight was recorded

In 2003, the diss track "Smack You", aimed at Ja Rule and Suge Knight, was recorded.

October 12, 2004: Michael Jackson's response to "Just Lose It" video

On October 12, 2004, Michael Jackson voiced his displeasure with Eminem's "Just Lose It" music video, which parodied Jackson's child molestation trial, plastic surgery, and an incident where his hair caught fire in 1984. Many friends and supporters of Jackson criticized the video, resulting in Black Entertainment Television ceasing to play it.

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October 25, 2004: Release of "Mosh" music video

On October 25, 2004, Eminem released the music video for "Mosh" on the Internet, a week before the 2004 U.S. Presidential election. The video criticized President George W. Bush. Also in 2004, Eminem launched Shade 45, a satellite music channel, on Sirius radio.

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2016: Release of "Campaign Speech"

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

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

In February 2017, Eminem appeared on "No Favors", a track from Big Sean's album I Decided. Eminem's lyrics, which included derogatory remarks about Donald Trump and Ann Coulter, sparked controversy.

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2017: Eminem's BET Hip Hop Awards Cypher and Criticism of Trump

In 2017, Eminem participated in the BET Hip Hop Awards cypher, delivering a freestyle called "The Storm", criticizing Donald Trump and his administration. He stated that Trump supporters could not be his fans.

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 NFL player Colin Kaepernick and the national anthem protests, and declaring that any of his fans who supported Trump were no longer welcome.

2017: Eminem Regretted Collaborating With Trump

On his album Revival released in 2017, Eminem expressed regret at having collaborated with Donald Trump, rapping, "wish I would have spit on it before I went to shake his hand at the event".

2020: Release of "Darkness" and Support for Joe Biden

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

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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 for their involvement in rap, 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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January 2025: Unreleased Eminem songs leaked online

In January 2025, over two dozen unreleased Eminem songs leaked online, including "Smack You", a diss track aimed at Ja Rule and Suge Knight that was recorded around 2003.