Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · August 3, 2025 · Entertainment

Celeb Disasters: The Photos They Wanted Buryed!

Sometimes being rich and famous really is a bum deal - just ask Kim Kardashian, who was left mortified after what she considered to be unflattering photos emerged of her in 2017

The Unseen Side of Fame: When the Spotlight Becomes a Nightmare

The allure of fame is undeniable. Red carpets, screaming fans, and luxurious mansions – what's not to love? But behind the glitz and glamour lies a harsh reality. Celebrities are not immune to the cruel whims of social media, where even the most fleeting moment can be immortalized for all eternity. In this article, we'll delve into the lives of some of the most iconic celebrities who have fallen victim to online scrutiny.

Kim Kardashian: The Price of Fame

Ariana Grande, who probably should've thought twice before featuring in this ill-advised shoot

You'd think that with a net worth of over $1 billion, Kim Kardashian would be immune to internet trolls. But in 2017, the reality star was left mortified after unflattering photos of her emerged during a family vacation on the Mexican coast. Donning a black thong bikini, Kardashian looked like any other woman trying to relax by the pool – but social media had other plans.

The image-conscious Kardashian took to her E! show to express her shock and disgust, pleading with fans to "unfollow" the offending photos. But it was too late; the damage was done. The once-innocent snaps now plastered across the internet for all to see, a cruel reminder that even the most beautiful people can be reduced to mere memes.

Ariana Grande: Cultural Appropriation and Online Backlash

Ben Affleck has been turned into an online meme more times than he would probably care to remember, and with good reason

In 2021, Ariana Grande sparked controversy with her seemingly innocuous promotional photos. But fans weren't buying it. Accusations of "Asian fishing" – a term used to describe non-Asian individuals appropriating Asian aesthetics – flooded social media. Grande's otherwise perfect hair was scrutinized, as were her makeup choices and fashion sense.

But what really got fans riled up was the demure pose she struck for the photoshoot. Was it an attempt at cultural sensitivity or simply a desperate bid to stay relevant? Whatever the intention, the outcome was clear: Grande was pilloried online for promoting stereotypes and fetishizing Asian culture.

Ben Affleck: The Reluctant Celebrity

We've all suffered the occasional bad hair day, but unlike Khloé Kardashian, not many of us have had them splashed all over the Internet

You'd think that with two Oscar wins under his belt, Ben Affleck would be immune to internet trolls. But the actor has been turned into an online meme more times than he can count. In 2016, a photo of him looking dejected and disheveled in Los Angeles sparked widespread ridicule.

Fast-forward to 2023, when Affleck appeared at the Grammys with his then-wife Jennifer Lopez – but his grim-faced expression stole the show (or rather, took it hostage). The internet had a field day, mocking Affleck's apparent disdain for the red carpet. Even his usually stoic demeanor couldn't shield him from the cruel jokes.

Khloé Kardashian: The Unflattering Photo

This leaked photo caught the American TV personality unedited, without makeup and modelling a leopard print swimsuit while posing beside an outdoor pool - all very innocent, but there's a reason why her family wanted all trace of it gone from the internet

We've all had our fair share of bad hair days, but Khloé Kardashian's 2011 ordeal was particularly brutal. A photo snapped in Dallas showed her struggling to hold onto her carefully coiffed locks as a gust of wind threatened to destroy the perfect hairdo.

But it wasn't just the weather that gave Kardashian a run for her money; social media was hot on her heels. The unflattering snap sparked an onslaught of cruel comments, with fans mercilessly mocking her looks.

Khloé Kardashian (Again): The Leopard Print Debacle

For most people it's a deal breaker, and in a world increasingly opposed to lighting up it's no surprise that Jennifer Aniston chose to keep her off-screen smoking status a secret

In 2021, another photo of Khloé emerged – this time, she was posing in a leopard-print swimsuit by the pool. But the seemingly innocuous snap quickly turned into a minefield for the reality star.

Fans pounced on the image, accusing her of Photoshopping and manipulating her online persona. The usually composed Kardashian took to Instagram to address the drama, sharing live videos of herself to prove that she wasn't airbrushing her body.

Jennifer Aniston: The Smoking Scandal

Matted hair, strained sinews and sweaty complexions are never a good look, but it was an unholy trinity Beyoncé was forced to confront in pictures taken at her Super Bowl show in 2013

You'd think that with a wholesome public image, Jennifer Aniston would be above social media scrutiny. But in 2022, a video surfaced showing her lighting up a cigarette with ex-husband Justin Theroux – much to the dismay of fans who had previously assumed she was a clean-living actress.

The damning footage sparked an online firestorm, with fans mercilessly mocking Aniston's apparent hypocrisy. The usually stoic actress looked mortified as social media trolled her for "betraying" her wholesome image.

Beyoncé: The Sweat-Drenched Snaps

Lana Del Rey would be forgiven for regretting her decision to pose for a snap with rumoured boyfriend Jack Donoghue outside Cook County Department of Corrections in 2022

Who wouldn't be a little self-conscious after performing in front of thousands at the Super Bowl? Not Beyoncé, but even the Queen Bee couldn't escape online criticism. In 2013, unflattering photos of her during her halftime show emerged – complete with matted hair and sweaty complexions.

The usually poised Beyoncé took to social media to express her dismay, pleading with Buzzfeed (the site that published the offending snaps) to remove them. But it was too late; the damage was done. The "Unflattering Photos" article that followed only added fuel to the fire.

Lana Del Rey: The Barbed Wire Fiasco

Donaghue had previously sparked controversy by sharing a photo of himself licking his pet dog's tongue (pictured)

You'd think that with a romantic reputation as elusive as Lana Del Rey's, she would be immune to online scrutiny. But in 2022, the singer was pictured arm-in-arm with musician Jack Donaghue outside Cook County Department of Corrections – surrounded by barbed wire.

The seemingly innocent snap sparked widespread attention, but not for all the right reasons. Fans pounced on the image, questioning Del Rey's judgment and calling out Donaghue's questionable past.

And so, we see that even the most beautiful people can fall victim to online cruelty. Whether it's a bad hair day or an unflattering photo, social media has a way of reducing celebrities to mere memes – often without regard for their feelings or reputations. As these examples illustrate, fame is a double-edged sword: while it brings wealth and adoration, it also brings endless scrutiny and online trollers ready to pounce on even the most innocent moments.

Additionally, the musician was also the subject of photos that appear to capture him passionately kissing his first cousin on the lips (pictured)

Sources:

  • TheScholarlyNote.com
  • Various online sources