The 1970s weren’t just disco balls and bell bottoms—they were also a decade when the private lives of stars started slipping into public view. Tabloids were booming, and celebrities who once seemed untouchable suddenly found themselves making front-page news for all the wrong reasons. From shocking arrests to wild love triangles, these scandals captured the attention of living rooms across the country. And whether we gasped, gossiped, or just shook our heads, we couldn’t look away. Here are 12 celebrity scandals from the ’70s that truly rocked the headlines.
1. Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton’s Public Split
Their romance was the stuff of legend—and so was their fighting. Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton were married twice, and their relationship was filled with passion, extravagance, and more than a few tabloid headlines. Vanity Fair outlines the whole epic saga that presents the romantic turmoil like the grand tale it is.
Their second marriage, in 1975, only lasted 10 months, and their split was very public. Their love story captivated the press—and their divorces sold just as many papers as their weddings.
2. David Bowie and the Cocaine Years
David Bowie was the glittering face of glam rock—but behind the glitter was a growing drug problem. By the mid-’70s, Bowie was living almost entirely on milk, peppers, and cocaine, barely sleeping and often behaving erratically. FHE Health further puts into perspective what a rollercoaster his addiction was, dotted with earnest attempts at getting clean juxtaposed with grueling pitfalls.
He later described that time as a blur, admitting he didn’t remember recording some of his biggest albums. While he eventually cleaned up and reclaimed his health, his fragile state in the ’70s was front-page news—and a cautionary tale.
3. Richard Pryor Sets Himself on Fire (1980 Incident From Late ’70s Buildup)
Comedian Richard Pryor was one of the most brilliant—and troubled—performers of the era. In 1980, he infamously set himself on fire while freebasing cocaine, suffering severe burns over much of his body. But the personal and substance issues that led up to the incident were already building throughout the late ’70s. People dives further into the mental health battle Pryor waged privately until it burst forth in a blaze of anguish.
The shocking event brought attention to his struggles, even as he made audiences laugh like no one else could. It was a stark reminder that even the funniest stars could be fighting private battles.
4. Roman Polanski’s Arrest in 1977
In one of the decade’s most serious and long-lasting scandals, acclaimed director Roman Polanski was arrested for unlawful activity involving a 13-year-old girl. The case shocked Hollywood and the public, especially given Polanski’s high-profile status and previous tragedy after the death of his wife Sharon Tate.
Rather than face sentencing, Polanski fled the United States and has remained in exile ever since. His legal troubles became a defining part of his legacy, sparking debate for decades. It remains one of the most talked-about controversies in entertainment history.
5. Led Zeppelin and the “Shark Incident”
In 1969, a shocking tale involving Led Zeppelin and a hotel room incident in Seattle surfaced and continued making waves into the ’70s. While the details remain murky and debated, the rumor of inappropriate behavior involving a groupie and a fish became rock folklore.
Though never confirmed, the story followed the band for years and added to their wild and lawless image. The band’s management, known for encouraging excess, didn’t exactly put out the fire.
6. Rob Lowe and the Parental Backlash
Though he was still a teenager in the late ’70s and hadn’t yet hit major fame, Rob Lowe’s early modeling and promotional appearances raised eyebrows. His fresh-faced looks were a big hit, especially in teen mags, but some parents pushed back on what they saw as objectifying imagery.
It wasn’t the biggest scandal of the decade, but it stirred enough controversy that the media began rethinking how young stars were being packaged. Lowe’s later issues would become more infamous, but the buzz began early.
7. Cheryl Tiegs’ Controversial Swimsuit Shoot
Supermodel Cheryl Tiegs broke barriers with her wholesome beauty and magazine covers, but one particular photo in a 1978 Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue caused an uproar. Wearing a fishnet-style suit with nothing underneath, the image stirred a major debate about decency in mass media.
The photo was both criticized and celebrated, and it changed the conversation about how far fashion photography could go. It was one of the first times a modeling photo became a full-on cultural flashpoint.
8. Marvin Gaye’s Legal and Financial Troubles
By the late ’70s, Motown legend Marvin Gaye was going through a public and painful divorce from Anna Gordy, Berry Gordy’s sister. The court proceedings dragged on, and his financial issues mounted, with rumors that he owed large amounts in alimony.
It all culminated in his 1978 album Here, My Dear, which was written entirely as part of his divorce settlement. The scandal made headlines for revealing how bitter things had gotten—and how even soul royalty could be humbled in court.
9. Woody Allen and the Stacy Nelkin Relationship
In the late ’70s, Woody Allen’s relationship with teenager Stacy Nelkin—who inspired the character of Tracy in Manhattan—raised eyebrows even then. While Allen claimed their relationship began when she was of age, others questioned the timing.
The film’s content, where Allen’s character dates a high schooler, drew criticism when it debuted and has become even more controversial in hindsight. At the time, it sparked quiet unease, but the real scandal emerged later as Allen’s relationships continued to attract scrutiny.
10. Freddie Mercury’s Tabloid Takedown
Freddie Mercury was an enigmatic performer, but his private life became constant fodder for the British tabloids. By the late ’70s, the topic of his preferred love interest’s gender was under constant speculation, and his relationships—both romantic and platonic—were dissected in gossip columns.
Though he never publicly addressed his orientation during the decade, the pressure was intense and often cruel. Mercury would later speak through his music, but in the ’70s, the public glare grew invasive.
11. Burt Reynolds’ Centerfold in Cosmopolitan
In 1972, Burt Reynolds posed in his birthday suit on a bearskin rug for Cosmopolitan, and it caused an absolute media frenzy. While some saw it as playful and bold, others called it inappropriate—and it became one of the most talked-about images of the decade.
The centerfold was groundbreaking and sparked a national conversation about gender roles, fame, and publicity stunts. Reynolds later regretted the shoot, but it certainly cemented his status as a sex symbol.
12. The Clash Between Dennis Hopper and Hollywood
Dennis Hopper was an undeniable talent, but his off-screen antics became nearly as famous as his acting. By the mid-’70s, his drug use, erratic behavior, and behind-the-scenes disputes had nearly derailed his career.
After Easy Rider, he was seen as a genius—then almost overnight, as a cautionary tale. His reputation for being difficult followed him until his eventual comeback, but in the ’70s, he was a symbol of Hollywood’s wilder side losing control.
The ’70s taught us that fame came with a spotlight that didn’t always flatter. These scandals weren’t just gossip—they changed careers, rewrote reputations, and reminded the world that even stars stumble. And for better or worse, the headlines never stopped rolling.
