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 highly energetic and slapstick performances. He has won two Golden Globe Awards and has received nominations for BAFTA Awards and Screen Actors Guild Awards, marking him as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.

Sections (5)

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

2009: Questions Vaccination Merits

In 2009, Jim Carrey wrote an article questioning the merits of vaccination for The Huffington Post and 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. He also retracted support for Kick-Ass 2, stating he could not support the level of violence after the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting.

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March 25, 2013: Release of "Cold Dead Hand" parody music video

On March 25, 2013, Jim Carrey released a parody music video with Eels through Funny or Die, titled "Cold Dead Hand," lampooning American gun culture.

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July 1, 2015: Criticizes California's Vaccination Law

On July 1, 2015, Jim Carrey criticized California Governor Jerry Brown as a "corporate fascist" for enacting the new vaccination law, which disallowed religious and philosophical reasons for exemption.

September 19, 2016: Wrongful Death Lawsuit Filed Against Carrey

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

October 2016: Wrongful Death Lawsuit Filed by Sweetman

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

March 31, 2019: Cartoon Sparks International Incident

On March 31, 2019, Jim Carrey posted a drawing criticizing fascism by depicting Benito Mussolini's death, which sparked an international incident when Mussolini's granddaughter Alessandra chided him on Twitter.

November 2022: Banned from entering Russia

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