Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to James Franco

Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to James Franco.

James Franco is an American actor and filmmaker known for his diverse roles in both mainstream and independent films. He gained prominence in Sam Raimi's Spider-Man trilogy and has since starred in movies like Milk, Eat Pray Love, and Spring Breakers. A frequent collaborator with Seth Rogen, Franco has appeared in comedies such as Pineapple Express and This Is the End, as well as The Disaster Artist, for which he won a Golden Globe. He received an Academy Award nomination for his performance in 127 Hours.

Sections (6)

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

September 23, 2010: Erroneous public announcement about grade

On September 23, 2010, James Franco erroneously announced that he received a "D" grade in "Acting" class at the NYU Graduate Film School.

February 27, 2011: Hosted the 83rd Academy Awards

On February 27, 2011, James Franco and Anne Hathaway hosted the 83rd Academy Awards. Franco received criticism for his performance during the show.

2011: Misquoting reports

In 2011, James Franco stated that he had been strongly misquoted by reports in the media and news outlets reporting erroneous information about him, which led to his parody in an SNL episode.

September 2012: Defamation lawsuit

In September 2012, José Angel Santana filed a defamation lawsuit against James Franco, claiming that Franco's comments about his teaching were false and had led to his termination.

2014: Allegations on Instagram

In 2014, a 17-year-old girl posted screenshots of alleged messages between her and James Franco on Instagram, alleging he tried to meet her in a hotel room after learning she was underage.

2014: Alleged messages with a minor

In 2014, a seventeen-year-old girl posted screenshots of alleged messages between her and James Franco on Instagram, leading to controversy. He admitted to writing the messages and responded to the scandal.

2016: Franco Enters Treatment for Sexual Addiction

In December 23, 2021, James Franco admitted to having sex with students and stated he had been in treatment for sexual addiction since 2016.

January 9, 2018: New York Times cancels event with Franco

On January 9, 2018, The New York Times canceled a planned event with James Franco due to the allegations surrounding him.

January 11, 2018: Allegations of inappropriate behavior

On January 11, 2018, the Los Angeles Times reported that five women were accusing James Franco of inappropriate or sexually exploitative behavior during the period when Franco was serving as their acting teacher or mentor.

2018: Criticism for wearing Time's Up pin

At the 2018 Golden Globe Awards, James Franco wore a Time's Up pin in solidarity with the MeToo movement, drawing criticism on social media from actress Ally Sheedy and allegations from a former girlfriend, Violet Paley.

2018: Inappropriate Behavior Accusations

In 2018, the Los Angeles Times reported that five women accused James Franco of inappropriate and sexually exploitative behavior while he was their acting teacher or mentor.

2018: Busy Philipps' account of Franco's behavior

In her 2018 memoir, Busy Philipps recounted an incident in which James Franco screamed at her and violently shoved her to the ground while on the set of Freaks and Geeks.

October 3, 2019: Lawsuit by former students

On October 3, 2019, two former students of James Franco's film and acting school, Studio 4, filed a lawsuit against him and his partners, alleging sexual exploitation.

February 21, 2021: Settlement of Lawsuit Reported

On February 21, 2021, it was reported that James Franco's lawsuit was settled after both students agreed to drop their individual claims, according to documents filed on February 11, 2021.

March 15, 2021: Settlement Deal Submitted for Court Approval

On March 15, 2021, the settlement deal in the lawsuit against James Franco was submitted for preliminary court approval.

April 2021: Charlyne Yi's Allegations and Seth Rogen's Comments

In April 2021, Charlyne Yi claimed she was offered a bigger role to stay on "The Disaster Artist" after trying to quit over allegations against Franco, viewing it as a bribe. Yi also accused Seth Rogen of enabling Franco's behavior.

June 2021: Settlement Terms Revealed

In June 2021, the terms of the settlement involving James Franco were revealed, disclosing that he would pay over $2.2 million to resolve disputes with two women citing sexual exploitation and approximately 1,500 Studio 4 students alleging fraud. The plaintiffs and defendants issued a joint statement emphasizing the need to address the mistreatment of women in Hollywood.

2021: Sexual Misconduct Settlement

In 2021, James Franco reached a $2.2 million sexual misconduct settlement after admitting to having sex with students during his time as an acting school teacher.