Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Pamela Anderson
Public opinion and media debates around Pamela Anderson—discover key moments of controversy.
Pamela Anderson is a Canadian-American actress, model, and media personality who gained initial fame as Playboy's February 1990 Playmate of the Month and for her numerous subsequent appearances on the magazine's cover. Her acting career began with a role on the sitcom Home Improvement (1991-1997), but she achieved international recognition for her role as C.J. Parker in the action drama series Baywatch (1992-1997). This role solidified her status as a prominent sex symbol.
1995: Home video theft
In 1995, a personal home video of Anderson and Tommy Lee filmed on Lake Mead was stolen and sold as a sex tape, sparking controversy and a legal battle.
1995: Sex Tape Controversy
In 1995, a personal home video of Pamela Anderson with her then-husband Tommy Lee was stolen and sold, leading to a legal battle and controversy.
November 1997: Lawsuit against Internet Entertainment Group
In November 1997, Anderson sued Internet Entertainment Group after they posted the stolen sex tape on their website. She dismissed the case due to stress during her pregnancy after the company began making the tape available to subscribers, resulting in triple the normal traffic on the sites.
December 2005: NBC Video Cut
In December 2005, NBC cut a video of Anderson pole dancing to Elton John's "The Red Piano".
2014: Rolling Stone article rights optioned
In 2014, the producers of 'Pam & Tommy' optioned the rights to an article published by Rolling Stone, allowing them to develop the series without Anderson's participation, permission, or consent.
December 2016: Defends Julian Assange
In December 2016, Pamela Anderson called WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange a "hero", stating he had done everyone "a great service" and decrying "elaborate plots against him".
2016: Co-Authors Article on Pornography
In 2016, Pamela Anderson co-authored an opinion article in The Wall Street Journal with Rabbi Shmuley Boteach, calling online pornography a "public hazard" and advocating for a "sensual revolution".
2018: Prime Minister makes 'disparaging remarks'
In 2018, Prime Minister Scott Morrison made disparaging remarks regarding Pamela Anderson, which she references in her challenge for him to debate the matter in front of the Australian people in 2019.
April 2019: Expresses Anger at Assange's Expulsion
In April 2019, Pamela Anderson expressed anger on Twitter at Julian Assange's expulsion from Ecuador's London embassy.
May 2019: Visits Assange in Prison
In May 2019, Pamela Anderson visited Julian Assange in Belmarsh prison, expressing her belief in his innocence and affection for him.
October 2019: Challenges Australian Prime Minister
In October 2019, Pamela Anderson announced her intention to travel to Australia to challenge Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Julian Assange's situation.
November 2019: Travels to Australia to Advocate for Assange
In November 2019, Pamela Anderson traveled to Australia to challenge Prime Minister Scott Morrison regarding Julian Assange, stating he was suffering "psychological torture" in jail.
January 18, 2021: Asks Trump to Pardon Assange
On January 18, 2021, Pamela Anderson spoke on Tucker Carlson Tonight, requesting President Donald Trump to pardon Julian Assange.
2022: Hulu miniseries Pam & Tommy
In 2022, the Hulu miniseries 'Pam & Tommy' portrayed the story of the stolen tape. Anderson stated she was not consulted about the production.
2023: Anderson comments on Pam & Tommy in documentary
In 2023, in her Netflix documentary 'Pamela, a Love Story', Anderson said that she was not consulted about the production of the 'Pam & Tommy' series.
