Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Woody Harrelson

Public opinion and media debates around Woody Harrelson—discover key moments of controversy.

Woody Harrelson is an American actor best known for his role as Woody Boyd in the sitcom Cheers, for which he won an Emmy. He has received three Academy Award nominations: Best Actor for The People vs. Larry Flynt (1996), and Best Supporting Actor for The Messenger (2009) and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017). He gained initial recognition on Cheers (1985-1993).

Sections (5)

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

1991: "Woody Harrelson Educational Tours"

In 1991, Woody Harrelson protested against the First Gulf War during a college concert tour in Iowa and Nebraska, under the auspices of "Woody Harrelson Educational Tours".

June 1, 1996: Arrest for Hemp Seed Planting

On June 1, 1996, Woody Harrelson was arrested in Lee County, Kentucky, for symbolically planting four hemp seeds to challenge the state law. He was later acquitted.

2002: Arrest in London

In 2002, Woody Harrelson was arrested in London following an incident in a taxi that led to a police chase. The case was later dismissed after he paid the taxi driver.

2002: Article in The Guardian

In 2002, Woody Harrelson wrote an article in the British newspaper The Guardian condemning President George W. Bush's preparation for a US invasion of Iraq as a "racist and imperialist war".

2003: Speaking Against the Invasion of Iraq

In 2003, Woody Harrelson publicly spoke against the invasion of Iraq.

2006: Alleged Attack on TMZ Photographer

In 2006, Woody Harrelson was allegedly involved in an altercation with TMZ photographer Josh Levine outside a Hollywood nightclub. Video footage appeared to show Harrelson grabbing a camera and clashing with the photographer. Los Angeles prosecutors declined to press charges.

2008: Lawsuit Filed by TMZ Photographer

In 2008, TMZ photographer Josh Levine filed a lawsuit against Woody Harrelson for an alleged attack that took place outside a Hollywood nightclub in 2006, seeking $2.5 million in damages.

April 2010: Dismissal of Lawsuit by TMZ Photographer

In April 2010, a lawsuit filed by TMZ photographer Josh Levine against Woody Harrelson, alleging an attack in 2006, was dismissed.

2013: Criticism of President Barack Obama

In 2013, Woody Harrelson criticized President Barack Obama for not withdrawing U.S. troops from Afghanistan, comparing him negatively to Richard Nixon.

April 2020: Instagram Post on 5G and COVID-19 Conspiracy Theory

In April 2020, Woody Harrelson posted on Instagram promoting a conspiracy theory linking 5G networks and COVID-19. The post was later deleted.

May 2022: Germ Theory and Face Mask Views

In May 2022, Woody Harrelson stated that he doesn't believe in germ theory and found face masks as a preventative measure against COVID-19 to be absurd.