Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Oliver Stone

Public opinion and media debates around Oliver Stone—discover key moments of controversy.

Oliver Stone is a highly acclaimed American filmmaker known for directing impactful and often controversial films. He frequently explores themes of war, politics, and historical events. Stone has been recognized with numerous awards, including multiple Academy Awards, a BAFTA, an Emmy, and several Golden Globes, solidifying his status as a significant figure in the film industry.

Sections (4)

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

1991: Melissa Gilbert accused Stone of sexual harassment

In 1991, Melissa Gilbert accused Oliver Stone of sexual harassment during an audition for 'The Doors', claiming he told her to get on her hands and knees and say, "Do me baby." Stone denied the accusation.

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1997: Signed open letter protesting treatment of Scientologists in Germany

In 1997, Oliver Stone was among 34 celebrities who signed an open letter to German Chancellor Helmut Kohl, published in the International Herald Tribune, protesting against the treatment of Scientologists in Germany.

1999: Arrested for DUI and drug possession

In 1999, Oliver Stone was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and possession of drugs, including fenfluramine, phentermine, meprobamate, and a small amount of hashish. He pleaded guilty to driving while intoxicated and was ordered into a rehabilitation program.

2000: Suggested link between 9/11 and 2000 election

In 2000, Oliver Stone suggested a link between the controversies of the 2000 election and the events of 9/11.

May 27, 2005: Arrested for marijuana possession

On the night of May 27, 2005, Oliver Stone was arrested in Los Angeles for possession of marijuana and was released the next day on a $15,000 bond.

August 2005: Pleaded no contest to marijuana possession

In August 2005, Oliver Stone pleaded no contest to the charge of marijuana possession and was fined $100.

January 2010: Discussed Hitler at a press conference

In January 2010, during a press conference for his documentary series on U.S. history, Oliver Stone commented on Hitler and Stalin, leading to controversy.

July 25, 2010: Controversial comments about Hitler and Jewish people in The Sunday Times

On July 25, 2010, Oliver Stone made controversial comments about Hitler and Jewish people in an interview with The Sunday Times, resulting in criticism from Jewish groups.

June 2012: Signed petition for Assange's asylum bid

In June 2012, Oliver Stone signed a petition in support of Julian Assange's bid for political asylum, showing his continued support for the WikiLeaks founder.

August 2012: Co-authored op-ed with Michael Moore on WikiLeaks

In August 2012, Oliver Stone co-authored a New York Times op-ed with Michael Moore, emphasizing the importance of WikiLeaks and free speech.

April 2013: Visited Assange and criticized WikiLeaks documentaries

In April 2013, Oliver Stone visited Julian Assange in the Ecuadorian Embassy. He also criticized the documentary "We Steal Secrets: The Story of WikiLeaks" and the film "The Fifth Estate," arguing that they victimized Assange.

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June 2013: Appeared in video supporting Chelsea Manning

In June 2013, Oliver Stone and other celebrities appeared in a video to show their support for Chelsea Manning.

2013: Russia passed "gay propaganda" law

In 2013, Russia passed a law banning "gay propaganda" to minors, which has been criticized for being used for a crackdown on LGBTQ support.

December 2014: Supported Russian narrative on Ukraine

In December 2014, Oliver Stone made statements supporting the Russian government's narrative on Ukraine, portraying the 2014 Ukrainian Revolution of Dignity as a CIA plot and defending Viktor Yanukovych.

2016: Executive Producer of Ukraine on Fire

In 2016, Oliver Stone was executive producer and interviewer for Igor Lopatonok's film Ukraine on Fire, which was criticized for its pro-Kremlin viewpoint.

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2016: Year of the US Presidential election

In 2016, the year of the US Presidential election, Oliver Stone later rejected the narrative that Russia sought to influence the election.

June 2017: Rejected narrative of Russian influence in 2016 election

In June 2017, during an interview with The Nation to promote his documentary on Vladimir Putin, Oliver Stone rejected the U.S. intelligence agencies' narrative that Russia sought to influence the 2016 presidential election, accusing the CIA, FBI, and NSA of fabricating intelligence.

October 2017: Stone Quits Guantanamo Project

In October 2017, Oliver Stone quit the Guantanamo television series project after sexual misconduct allegations surfaced against Harvey Weinstein.

2017: Carrie Stevens alleged sexual assault in 1991

In 2017, former Playboy model Carrie Stevens alleged that in 1991, Oliver Stone grabbed her breast at a party.

April 2018: Compared Donald Trump to Beelzebub

In April 2018, Oliver Stone likened Donald Trump to "Beelzebub" at a press conference in Tehran.

2019: Commented on Russia's "gay propaganda" law

In 2019, during an interview with Vladimir Putin, Oliver Stone commented on Russia's 2013 "gay propaganda" law, stating that "It seems like maybe that's a sensible law."

2021: Release of Qazaq: History of the Golden Man

In 2021, Oliver Stone produced and featured in Qazaq: History of the Golden Man, a miniseries about Kazakh politician Nursultan Nazarbayev, which faced criticism for its positive portrayal of Nazarbayev.

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2022: Commented on Russian invasion of Ukraine

In 2022, after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Oliver Stone stated that Russia was wrong to invade, but continued to blame the U.S. and NATO for the conflict's origins.

March 2025: Reiterated criticism of U.S. role in Ukraine conflict

In March 2025, Oliver Stone reiterated his opinion that Russia was wrong to invade Ukraine, but he continued to blame the source of the conflict on the U.S. and NATO, emphasizing his fear of a potential nuclear war.