Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Woody Harrelson

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 22, 2026

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

Woody Harrelson is an acclaimed American actor best known for his role as Woody Boyd in the sitcom *Cheers*, for which he won a Primetime Emmy Award. He has garnered significant recognition for his film work, including three Academy Award nominations. These nominations include Best Actor for his portrayal in *The People vs. Larry Flynt* and Best Supporting Actor for his performances in *The Messenger* and *Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri*. Harrelson's career spans both television and film, solidifying his status as a versatile and respected figure in the entertainment industry.

Sections (5)

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

1991: Educational Tours

In 1991, Woody Harrelson protested against the First Gulf War at UCLA and 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, after symbolically planting four hemp seeds to protest the state law. He informed the county sheriff of his intentions before planting the seeds in front of a CNN camera crew, and was subsequently arrested for cultivating marijuana but was released on bail the same day.

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2002: Arrest in London

In 2002, Woody Harrelson was arrested in London following an incident involving a taxi and a police chase. He was later released on bail, and the case was dismissed after he compensated 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.

2003: Spoke Against Invasion of Iraq

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

2006: Incident with TMZ Photographer

In 2006, Woody Harrelson was involved in an incident outside a Hollywood nightclub where he allegedly grabbed a camera and clashed with a TMZ photographer. Video footage of the incident surfaced, but Los Angeles prosecutors declined to press charges at the time.

2008: Lawsuit Filed by TMZ Photographer

In 2008, TMZ photographer Josh Levine filed a lawsuit against Woody Harrelson for an alleged attack outside a Hollywood nightclub, stemming from an incident in 2006. Levine sought $2.5 million in damages.

2013: Criticism of President 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

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

May 2022: COVID-19 views

In May 2022, Woody Harrelson expressed skepticism towards germ theory and criticized the use of face masks as a preventative measure against COVID-19, stating that he finds mask wearing to be absurd.