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. Widely considered one of hip-hop's greatest, he is recognized for popularizing the genre in Middle America and challenging racial barriers, paving the way for white rappers. Although his controversial lyrics sparked debate in the late 90s and early 2000s, he became a voice for 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', which became a very popular album and led to controversy over its lyrics. By the end of the year it was certified triple platinum.

2000: Assault Charge

In 2000, Eminem faced an assault charge stemming from an incident where he saw a bouncer kissing his wife. This event was later addressed in his album, The Eminem Show, released in 2002.

2001: Grammy Performance with Elton John

In 2001, Eminem performed with Elton John at the 43rd Grammy Awards ceremony. This performance was controversial due to criticism of Eminem's lyrics and was considered a memorable moment.

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. This was due to the lyrics in the song "We As Americans" where Eminem says he'd rather see the president dead.

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

On October 12, 2004, a week after the release of "Just Lose It", Michael Jackson phoned Steve Harvey's radio show, The Steve Harvey Morning Show, to report his displeasure with its video, which parodies Jackson's child molestation trial, plastic surgery, and the 1984 incident when Jackson's hair caught fire. Many of Jackson's friends and supporters spoke out against the video, including Stevie Wonder and Steve Harvey.

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October 25, 2004: Release of "Mosh" Music 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 shows Eminem gathering an army of Bush-administration victims and leading them to the White House to register to vote.

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2004: Shady National Convention with Donald Trump

In 2004, Eminem promoted his station with a mock national convention, the "Shady National Convention" in New York City, where Donald Trump endorsed him.

2016: Release of "Campaign Speech"

In 2016, during the United States presidential election, Eminem released "Campaign Speech", which criticized presidential candidate Donald Trump, marking his return to expressing political views in music.

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February 2017: Appearance on 'No Favors'

In February 2017, Eminem appeared on 'No Favors' from Big Sean's album 'I Decided', where he made controversial remarks about Donald Trump and Ann Coulter, leading to public backlash.

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2017: Release of "The Storm"

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

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2017: Eminem's Regret over Trump Collaboration

On his album Revival released in 2017, Eminem expressed regret over collaborating with Donald Trump, wishing he had refused to shake his hand at the event.

2018: Secret Service Interview

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

2019: Secret Service Interview

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

2020: Release of "Darkness"

Eminem's 2020 song "Darkness" heavily references the 2017 Las Vegas mass shooting, and at the end of the music video he expresses support for gun control.

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2020: Approval of "Lose Yourself" for Biden campaign video

In 2020, the week before the presidential election, Eminem approved his song "Lose Yourself" to be used in a campaign video for Joe Biden.

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August 4, 2023: Release of 'Realest' featuring Eminem

On August 4, 2023, Ez Mil released the song 'Realest', featuring Eminem. In the song, Eminem responded to Melle Mel's claim that Eminem is considered a top-five rapper only because he is white.

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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.

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