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 cinema. He gained recognition for his roles in the Spider-Man trilogy, Milk, and 127 Hours, for which he received an Academy Award nomination. He frequently collaborates with Seth Rogen, appearing in comedies like Pineapple Express, This Is the End, and The Interview. Franco won a Golden Globe for his performance in The Disaster Artist, which he also directed. Beyond acting, he has directed and produced numerous films.

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 on Showbiz411 that he received a "D" grade in an "Acting" class at the NYU Graduate Film School. He had, in fact, received that grade in a "Directing the Actor" class.

February 27, 2011: Hosting the 83rd Academy Awards

On February 27, 2011, James Franco co-hosted the 83rd Academy Awards with Anne Hathaway. The choice of Franco and Hathaway was meant to attract a younger demographic, but Franco's performance was largely criticized for his perceived lack of enthusiasm and energy. The show itself received negative reviews, and Franco addressed the criticism in later interviews, discussing his lack of high expectations for the job and denying allegations of being under the influence.

2011: Addressed Media Misquotes and College Interest

In a 2011 interview, James Franco addressed frequent media coverage regarding his interest in attending colleges and claimed to have been strongly misquoted by reports in the media, which led to him being parodied on SNL.

September 2012: Defamation Lawsuit Filed by José Angel Santana

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

September 2013: Settlement of Defamation Lawsuit

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

April 2014: Directing "Techno Color Sunglasses" for Gucci and starring in The Interview

In April 2014, James Franco directed and appeared in "Techno Color Sunglasses", promoting Gucci's eyewear collection. Also in 2014, he starred in the controversial comedy thriller, "The Interview".

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2014: Controversy over Alleged Messages with a Minor

In 2014, a seventeen-year-old girl posted screenshots of alleged messages between her and James Franco on Instagram. Franco admitted to writing the messages and faced criticism for attempting to meet her in a hotel room after she disclosed her age. He later expressed embarrassment and stated he had learned his lesson.

2014: Alleged Messages on Instagram

In 2014, screenshots of alleged messages between a 17-year-old girl and James Franco were posted on Instagram, showing Franco attempting to meet her in a hotel room.

January 9, 2018: Cancellation of New York Times Event

On January 9, 2018, The New York Times canceled a planned event with James Franco, citing the controversy surrounding recent allegations of sexual misconduct. The event was intended to be a discussion of the making of the film, 'The Disaster Artist'.

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 he was serving as their acting teacher or mentor. Franco's attorney disputed the allegations.

2018: Criticism at Golden Globe Awards

At the 2018 Golden Globe Awards, James Franco wore a Time's Up pin in solidarity with the MeToo movement, but his actions drew immediate criticism. Actress Ally Sheedy hinted at a negative experience working with him, and a former girlfriend, Violet Paley, alleged that he had forced her to perform oral sex.

2018: Busy Philipps' account of Franco's behavior on 'Freaks and Geeks' set

In 2018, Busy Philipps alleged in her memoir that James Franco screamed at her and violently shoved her to the ground while they were on the set of 'Freaks and Geeks'.

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2018: Accusations of Inappropriate Behavior

In 2018, the Los Angeles Times reported that five women accused James Franco of inappropriate and sexually exploitative behavior.

October 3, 2019: Lawsuit Filed Against Franco

On October 3, 2019, two former students of James Franco's defunct film and acting school, Studio 4, filed a lawsuit alleging sexual exploitation and a "boy's club" culture. The lawsuit claimed students were subjected to sexually exploitative auditions, film shoots, and pressure to perform simulated sexual acts, with students being pressured to audition nude or partially nude if a scene called for nudity. The litigants sought unspecified monetary damages.

February 21, 2021: Lawsuit Settlement Reported

On February 21, 2021, it was reported that the lawsuit against Franco by two former students had been settled, with the students agreeing to drop their individual claims, according to documents filed 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 in the lawsuit against James Franco was submitted for preliminary court approval, following the agreement by the two former students to drop their individual claims.

April 2021: Charlyne Yi's accusations against Franco

In April 2021, Charlyne Yi stated that after they attempted to quit the film 'The Disaster Artist' over the allegations against James Franco, the filmmakers responded by offering them a larger role. Yi viewed this as an attempted bribe and also accused Seth Rogen of enabling Franco's behavior.

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June 2021: Settlement Terms Revealed

In June 2021, the terms of the settlement in the lawsuit against James Franco were revealed. Franco was to pay more than $2.2 million, pending a judge's approval, to resolve two legal disputes.