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 energetic and slapstick performances. He has garnered significant recognition, including two Golden Globe Awards, and has been nominated for BAFTA Awards and Screen Actors Guild Awards, solidifying his status as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.

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 for "The Huffington Post" questioning the merits of vaccination. He also led a "Green Our Vaccines" march in Washington, D.C. with Jenny McCarthy, advocating for the removal of "toxic substances" from children's vaccines.

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 and appeared in Kick-Ass 2. He retracted support for Kick-Ass 2 due to its level of violence, in light of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting.

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

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: Carrey criticizes California's vaccination law

On July 1, 2015, Jim Carrey criticized California Governor Jerry Brown, calling him a "corporate fascist" for enacting a vaccination law that disallowed religious and philosophical exemptions. Carrey's anti-vaccination stance was met with criticism.

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 used his wealth and celebrity 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, filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Jim Carrey.

2016: Carrey shares political cartoons on Twitter

From 2016 to 2018 Jim Carrey shared 108 pen-and-ink drawings on his Twitter feed.

August 2017: Carrey shares political cartoons

Beginning in August 2017, Jim Carrey began sharing his own political cartoon drawings, including controversial renderings of Sarah Huckabee Sanders and 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.

March 31, 2019: Carrey sparks controversy with Mussolini drawing

On March 31, 2019, Jim Carrey's drawing criticizing fascism by depicting Benito Mussolini's death sparked international controversy, drawing criticism from Mussolini's granddaughter.

November 2022: Carrey banned from entering Russia

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