Major Controversies Surrounding Hugh Grant: A Detailed Timeline

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

Hugh Grant is a celebrated English actor renowned for his early career portrayals of charming and vulnerable romantic leads. He has since evolved into a character actor, earning a British Academy Film Award and a Golden Globe Award, along with Primetime Emmy Award nominations. Grant received an Honorary César in 2006. Time Out magazine recognized him as one of Britain's 50 greatest actors. His films have collectively grossed over $4 billion worldwide as of 2025.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Controversies & Scandals

June 1995: Grant arrested in Los Angeles

In June 1995, Hugh Grant was arrested in Los Angeles for receiving oral sex in a public place from a prostitute. He pleaded no contest and faced fines, probation, and an AIDS education program.

1995: International Notoriety

In 1995, while dating Elizabeth Hurley, Hugh Grant gained international notoriety for soliciting the services of prostitute Divine Brown.

1996: Grant wins damages over defamatory article

In 1996, Hugh Grant won substantial damages from News (UK) Ltd over a defamatory article published in January 1995 that falsely claimed he verbally abused a young extra on the set of "The Englishman Who Went Up a Hill But Came Down a Mountain".

April 2007: Grant accepts damages over tabloid claims

In April 2007, Hugh Grant accepted undisclosed damages from Associated Newspapers over false claims made about his relationships with his former girlfriends in tabloid articles. He stated that the allegations were false and criticized the use of unnamed sources.

April 2007: Grant arrested on assault allegations

In April 2007, Hugh Grant was arrested on allegations of assault made by a paparazzo.

June 2007: Assault charges against Grant dropped

In June 2007, the Crown Prosecution Service dropped the assault charges against Hugh Grant due to insufficient evidence.

April 2011: Grant publishes article on phone hacking scandal

In April 2011, Hugh Grant published an article in the New Statesman titled "The Bugger, Bugged", detailing a conversation with a former journalist about phone hacking and the involvement of senior politicians and media executives.

July 2011: Hugh Grant Appears on Question Time

In July 2011, Hugh Grant appeared on BBC television's Question Time, becoming a spokesman against Murdoch's News Corporation amidst the News of the World phone-hacking scandal. This was a significant moment where Grant felt he was dealing with 'real life' instead of his usual 'synthetic life'.

2011: BBC Apologizes for Homophobic Joke

In 2011, the BBC apologized after Hugh Grant made a joke about homosexuality and rugby during an England v Scotland game coverage at Twickenham Stadium, where he said it hurt less if you tackled hard than if you tackled 'like a queen'.

February 2018: Mirror Group Apologizes to Hugh Grant

In February 2018, Mirror Group Newspapers apologized for their actions against Hugh Grant, deeming them "morally wrong". Grant accepted a six-figure settlement from a High Court action and donated the payout to Hacked Off, a press campaign group.

April 2024: Hugh Grant Settles Case Against The Sun Publisher

In April 2024, Hugh Grant settled a case against News Group Newspapers (NGN), the publisher of The Sun, where he alleged phone tapping and burglary by NGN journalists. While Grant expressed reluctance to accept the settlement due to the potential for high trial costs, NGN denied the claims.