Major Controversies Surrounding Jim Carrey: A Detailed Timeline

Public opinion and media debates around Jim Carrey—discover key moments of controversy.

Jim Carrey is a Canadian and American actor and comedian celebrated for his high-energy, slapstick performances. He has garnered significant recognition for his work, including two Golden Globe Awards, along with nominations for BAFTA Awards and Screen Actors Guild Awards. Carrey's career spans both comedic and dramatic roles, establishing him as a versatile and prominent figure in the entertainment industry.

Sections (5)

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

2009: Carrey questions vaccinations in Huffington Post article

In 2009, Jim Carrey wrote an article questioning the merits of vaccination for The Huffington Post. He also led a "Green Our Vaccines" march in Washington, D.C., advocating for the removal of "toxic substances" from children's vaccines.

March 2013: The Incredible Burt Wonderstone and Retraction of Support for Kick-Ass 2

In March 2013, Jim Carrey starred in The Incredible Burt Wonderstone, which underperformed at the box office. Around the same time, he retracted support for Kick-Ass 2 due to its level of violence.

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July 1, 2015: Carrey criticizes California's vaccination law

On July 1, 2015, after the signing of a new vaccination law, Jim Carrey called California Governor Jerry Brown a "corporate fascist" who was "poisoning" children by enacting the vaccination requirements.

September 19, 2016: Burton files wrongful death lawsuit against Carrey

On September 19, 2016, Mark Burton, Cathriona White's husband, filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Jim Carrey, claiming that he had used his "immense wealth and celebrity status" to illegally obtain and distribute prescription drugs involved in White's death.

October 2016: Sweetman files wrongful death lawsuit against Carrey

In October 2016, Brigid Sweetman, Cathriona White's mother, also filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Jim Carrey.

January 25, 2018: Wrongful death lawsuits against Carrey dismissed

On January 25, 2018, both wrongful death lawsuits filed against Jim Carrey by Mark Burton and Brigid Sweetman were dismissed, and attorneys for both sides confirmed there would be no further legal proceedings.

March 31, 2019: Carrey sparks international incident with political cartoon

On March 31, 2019, Jim Carrey sparked an international incident by posting a drawing criticizing fascism by depicting Benito Mussolini's infamous death with Clara Petacci; this irked Mussolini's granddaughter Alessandra, who chided him on Twitter.

November 2022: Carrey banned from entering Russia

In November 2022, Jim Carrey, along with 99 other Canadians, was banned by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs from entering Russia as a reciprocity for international sanctions due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.