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 highly successful Canadian-American actor and comedian celebrated for his high-energy, physical comedic style. He has garnered significant recognition, including two Golden Globe Awards, and nominations for BAFTA and Screen Actors Guild Awards, highlighting his impact and talent in the entertainment industry.

Sections (5)

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

2009: Carrey questions vaccinations

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

March 2013: Release of 'The Incredible Burt Wonderstone' and Appearance in '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 appeared in 'Kick-Ass 2' but retracted support for the film due to its level of violence in light of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting.

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July 1, 2015: Carrey criticizes California vaccination law

On July 1, 2015, Jim Carrey called California Governor Jerry Brown a "corporate fascist" who was "poisoning" children by enacting a new vaccination law that disallowed religious and philosophical reasons for exemption, drawing criticism for his stance.

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

On September 19, 2016, Mark Burton filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Jim Carrey, alleging Carrey illegally obtained and distributed prescription drugs involved in Cathriona White's death.

October 2016: Sweetman files wrongful death lawsuit against Carrey

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

August 2017: Carrey begins sharing political cartoons

Since August 2017, Jim Carrey has shared his own political cartoon drawings, including controversial renderings of then-White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders and then-President Donald Trump.

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

On March 31, 2019, Jim Carrey sparked an international event by posting a drawing criticizing fascism by depicting Benito Mussolini's death, which irked Mussolini's granddaughter Alessandra.

November 2022: Carrey banned from entering Russia

In November 2022, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs banned 100 Canadians including Jim Carrey from entering Russia as a reciprocity for the international sanctions which had been introduced due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.