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 across genres. He gained early recognition in Sam Raimi's Spider-Man trilogy and has since starred in films like Milk, Eat Pray Love, and Spring Breakers. He is also known for his collaborations with Seth Rogen in comedies such as Pineapple Express, This Is the End, and The Interview, and he won a Golden Globe for The Disaster Artist. His performance in 127 Hours earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.

Sections (6)

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

September 23, 2010: Erroneous Announcement About NYU Grade

On September 23, 2010, James Franco made an erroneous public announcement that he received a "D" grade in an "Acting" class at the NYU Graduate Film School; in fact, the grade was 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 decision to have them host was made to attract a younger audience. However, Franco received criticism for his perceived lack of enthusiasm and energy during the show, and the telecast was largely considered a failure by media viewers. Franco addressed the criticism later, stating he accepted the role for the experience.

2011: Media Coverage and Misquotes

In 2011, there was frequent media coverage of James Franco, particularly regarding his interest in going to colleges. Franco claimed he had been strongly misquoted by reports in the media and news outlets reporting erroneous information about him.

September 2012: Defamation Lawsuit Filed Against Franco

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

2014: Controversy over Instagram Messages

In 2014, James Franco faced controversy after a seventeen-year-old girl posted screenshots of alleged messages between her and Franco on Instagram. The messages showed that Franco, then aged 35, tried to meet her in a hotel room after she told him she was seventeen. Franco admitted to writing the messages and later stated he was "embarrassed" and that "I learned my lesson."

2014: Allegations on Instagram

In 2014, a 17-year-old girl posted screenshots on Instagram alleging inappropriate messages between her and James Franco, who was then 35 years old.

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, citing the recent allegations against 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: Busy Philipps' account of Franco's on-set behavior

In 2018, Busy Philipps' memoir recounts an incident where James Franco allegedly screamed at and violently shoved her on the set of "Freaks and Geeks".

2018: Criticism at Golden Globe Awards

In 2018, at the Golden Globe Awards, James Franco wore a Time's Up pin in solidarity with the MeToo movement, which drew immediate criticism on social media from actress Ally Sheedy. A former girlfriend, Violet Paley, also alleged that he once forced her to give him oral sex.

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.

October 3, 2019: Lawsuit filed against Franco and his partners

On October 3, 2019, two former students of Franco's film and acting school, Studio 4, filed a lawsuit alleging sexual exploitation and a "boy's club" culture, seeking monetary damages and the destruction of questionable material. Franco denied the claims through his attorney.

February 21, 2021: Settlement reported in lawsuit against Franco

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

March 15, 2021: Deal submitted for preliminary court approval

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

April 2021: Charlyne Yi speaks out against Franco and Seth Rogen

In April 2021, Charlyne Yi, who worked with Franco on "The Disaster Artist", stated that they attempted to quit the film over allegations against Franco, but were offered a larger role. Yi accused the filmmakers of attempted bribery and also accused Seth Rogen of enabling Franco's behavior.

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June 2021: Terms of the settlement revealed

In June 2021, the terms of the settlement were revealed, disclosing that James Franco would pay over $2.2 million to resolve disputes involving sexual exploitation claims and a class-action plaint by Studio 4 students.