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 starred in films like Milk, Eat Pray Love, Rise of the Planet of the Apes, Spring Breakers, and Oz the Great and Powerful. He frequently collaborates with Seth Rogen, appearing in movies like Pineapple Express, This Is the End, and The Disaster Artist, winning a Golden Globe for the latter. Franco received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor 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 Announcement of "D" Grade

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

February 27, 2011: Hosting the 83rd Academy Awards

On February 27, 2011, James Franco and Anne Hathaway hosted the 83rd Academy Awards. The show was widely panned, and Franco was criticized for his lack of energy.

2011: Addresses Media Misquotes

In 2011, James Franco stated he had been strongly misquoted by reports in the media and news outlets reporting erroneous information about him.

September 2012: Defamation Lawsuit Filed

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

September 2013: Defamation Lawsuit Settled

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

2014: Controversy over Messages to a Minor

In 2014, James Franco faced controversy after alleged messages between him and a seventeen-year-old girl surfaced on Instagram. He later admitted to writing the messages and expressed embarrassment.

2014: Accusations on Instagram

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

March 2015: Discussion of Sexuality

In March 2015, James Franco discussed his sexuality in an interview with Four Two Nine magazine, stating, "I like to think that I'm gay in my art and straight in my life."

January 9, 2018: New York Times Cancels Event

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

January 11, 2018: Accusations 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 wore a Time's Up pin and faced criticism on social media from actress Ally Sheedy, with allegations from a former girlfriend also surfacing.

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: Busy Philipps' Account of On-Set Incident

In her 2018 memoir, Busy Philipps recounts an incident in which James Franco screamed at her and violently shoved her to the ground 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, detailed in The New York Times, claimed the program created a pipeline for young women subjected to his personal and professional sexual exploitation. The litigants sought unspecified monetary damages as well as the return or destruction of any questionable material. Franco denied the claims through his attorney.

February 21, 2021: Settlement Reported in Sexual Exploitation Lawsuit

On February 21, 2021, news surfaced that James Franco had reached a settlement in the lawsuit filed by two former students, who agreed to drop their individual claims on February 11. The deal was submitted for preliminary court approval.

March 15, 2021: Settlement Deal Submitted for Court Approval

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

April 2021: Charlyne Yi Speaks Out Against Franco and Rogen

In April 2021, Charlyne Yi, who worked with James Franco on "The Disaster Artist", stated that after they tried to quit the film over the allegations against Franco, the filmmakers offered them a larger role, which they saw as an attempted bribe. Yi also accused Seth Rogen of enabling Franco's behavior.

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June 2021: Terms of Settlement Revealed

In June 2021, the terms of the settlement regarding the lawsuit against James Franco were revealed. Franco was set to pay over $2.2 million to resolve the disputes. $894,000 was to go to the two women who cited sexual exploitation, and the rest was to be shared by approximately 1,500 Studio 4 students who claimed they were defrauded.