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 a wide range of movies, including Milk, Eat Pray Love, and Rise of the Planet of the Apes. He frequently collaborates with Seth Rogen, notably in Pineapple Express and The Disaster Artist, the latter earning him a Golden Globe. Franco received an Academy Award nomination for his performance in 127 Hours, solidifying his reputation as a versatile and accomplished actor.

Sections (6)

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

September 23, 2010: Erroneous grade announcement

On September 23, 2010, James Franco erroneously announced he received a "D" grade in an "Acting" class at NYU, when it was actually in a "Directing the Actor" class.

2011: Response to media misquotes

In 2011, James Franco addressed the issue of being misquoted by media outlets. This led to him being parodied on SNL's Weekend Update segment.

September 2012: Defamation Lawsuit Filed

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

September 2013: Settlement of Defamation Lawsuit

In September 2013, James Franco and José Angel Santana settled the defamation lawsuit.

2014: Controversy over alleged messages with a minor

In 2014, James Franco faced controversy after alleged messages between him and a seventeen-year-old girl surfaced on Instagram. Franco admitted to writing the messages, leading to public scrutiny and debate.

2014: Allegations on Instagram

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

January 9, 2018: Cancellation of New York Times Event

On January 9, 2018, The New York Times canceled a planned event with James Franco due to allegations of inappropriate behavior.

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 at Golden Globe Awards

At the 2018 Golden Globe Awards, James Franco faced criticism on social media after wearing a Time's Up pin. Actress Ally Sheedy hinted at quitting acting after working with Franco, and a former girlfriend alleged that he forced her to give him oral sex.

2018: Accusations of Inappropriate Behavior

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

2018: Alleged incident on 'Freaks and Geeks' set

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

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October 3, 2019: Lawsuit Filed Against James Franco

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 under the guise of education. The complaint alleged that the program was creating a pipeline of young women who were subjected to his personal and professional sexual exploitation in the name of education. They sought unspecified monetary damages as well as the return or destruction of any questionable material. Franco denied the plaintiffs' claims through his attorney.

February 21, 2021: Lawsuit Settlement Reported

On February 21, 2021, it was reported that the lawsuit against James Franco by two former students was settled. According to documents filed on February 11, both students agreed to drop their individual claims.

March 15, 2021: Settlement Deal Submitted for 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 Against Franco

In April 2021, Charlyne Yi stated that after she attempted to quit the film "The Disaster Artist" over the allegations against James Franco, the filmmakers responded by offering her a larger role, which Yi viewed as an attempted bribe. Yi also accused Seth Rogen of enabling his behavior.

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June 2021: Terms of Settlement Revealed

In June 2021, the terms of the settlement in the lawsuit against James Franco were revealed. Franco would pay more than $2.2 million to resolve two legal disputes: one by the two women who cited sexual exploitation (they will receive $894,000), and another class-action plaint by approximately 1,500 Studio 4 students who maintain that they were defrauded.