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-American actor and comedian celebrated for his high-energy, slapstick performances. He is considered a leading comedic actor of his generation. Carrey's work has garnered critical acclaim, including two Golden Globe Awards and nominations for BAFTA and Screen Actors Guild Awards, solidifying his prominent position in the entertainment industry.

Sections (5)

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

2009: Questioned Vaccination Merits

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

March 2013: Stars in The Incredible Burt Wonderstone and retracts 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 violence.

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July 1, 2015: Carrey Criticized 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. Carrey was criticized for his anti-vaccination statements.

September 19, 2016: Burton Filed Wrongful Death Lawsuit

On September 19, 2016, Mark Burton, who was married to Carrey's girlfriend Cathriona White 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 Filed Wrongful Death Lawsuit

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

January 25, 2018: Wrongful Death Lawsuits Dismissed

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

March 31, 2019: Posted Drawing Criticizing Fascism

On March 31, 2019, Jim Carrey sparked an international event by posting a drawing criticizing fascism by depicting Benito Mussolini's death with Clara Petacci; this irked Mussolini's granddaughter Alessandra, who chided him on Twitter, calling him "a bastard" and his artworks "dirty paper".

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 introduced due to the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.