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 renowned for his expressive and physical comedic style. He has won two Golden Globe Awards and received nominations for BAFTA and Screen Actors Guild Awards, recognizing his contributions to film and television. Carrey is known for his energetic slapstick performances.

Sections (5)

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

2009: Carrey questions vaccination merits

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

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

On July 1, 2015, Jim Carrey called California Governor Jerry Brown a "corporate fascist" who was "poisoning" children by enacting new vaccination requirements that disallowed religious and philosophical reasons for exemption. Carrey was criticized for being "ignorant when it comes to vaccines".

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.

October 2016: White's mother files wrongful death lawsuit against Carrey

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

August 2017: Carrey starts 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.

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 confirmed there would be no further legal proceedings.

March 31, 2019: Carrey's drawing criticizing fascism sparks international event

On March 31, 2019, Jim Carrey posted a drawing criticizing fascism by depicting Benito Mussolini's infamous death with Clara Petacci, sparking controversy with 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 the Russian invasion of Ukraine.