10 Celebrities Who Have Been Caught in Big Lies

For many celebrities, lying has become an integral part of self-preservation.  Throughout the years, the public has watched countless celebrities lie in an effort to save their careers or to pad their bank accounts. In several cases, these lies have actually helped celebrities boost their popularity, and provided them with fame that they may not have had otherwise. However, in many cases, these lies have backfired, and resulted in an  incurable mistrust that has permanently damaged careers. Although most people do not know celebrities personally, there is still a natural feeling of betrayal that comes from being lied to.  But, despite the threat of adverse reactions, many celebrities continue to lie shamelessly.  Here are 10 celebrities who have been caught in big lies.

10. James Frey

In 2006, author James Frey made headlines everywhere when it was revealed that his “memoir,” A Million Little Pieces, was in fact, largely fabricated.  Prior to the revelation, Frey had blatantly defended the book, citing that it is not uncommon to embellish things when writing a memoir. However, when the truth of his story came to the light, Frey  appeared on Oprah to discuss the fact that he had lied.  Following his confession, Frey was dropped from by his literary manager, and lost his seven-figure book deal.

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9. Brandy

In 2002, R&B superstar Brandy, announced that she was not only pregnant with her first child, but married as well.  According to the singer, she married music producer Robert Smith, the father of her child.  Shortly before giving birth, Brandy appeared on the Oprah show to discuss her marriage and pregnancy.  However, it was later revealed that the marriage was a hoax. In 2014, Brandy appeared on an episode of Oprah’s Where Are They Now? and apologized for lying.  Brandy stated: “At that time being pregnant out of wedlock was not a trend. It was not something that people praised, you know. It was a sin. And I felt like I could not be honest about that. I felt the pressure of having to be perfect.”

 (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)

8. Kim Kardashian

Kim Kardashian gained mainstream attention in 2003 when an intimate tape between her and ex-boyfriend, Ray J, was leaked on the Internet. Despite the tape’s popularity, Kardashian had previously lied about its existence; telling former flame Nick Cannon that there was no such tape.  Cannon has since addressed Kardashian’s lie during several interviews, stating that he chose to break up with her after learning that she had lied to him about making the tape.

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7.  Martha Stewart

America’s favorite homemaker, Martha Stewart, broke millions of hearts when the public learned that she had lied about insider knowledge regarding company shares.  Stewart weaved a web of lies so intricate that she was eventually sentenced to a five month prison term.  However, despite briefly falling from grace, Stewart was able to return to the spotlight upon her release from prison.

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6. Tiger Woods

Professional golfer, Tiger Woods, damaged his personal and professional life when news broke that he had been lying to his now ex-wife Elin Nordegren. His many secret affairs were thrust into the public eye after he and his wife had an altercation that resulted in the police being called.  Tiger then revealed that he had been unfaithful stating: “”I thought I could get away with whatever I wanted to,” he said. “I felt that I had worked hard my entire life and deserved to enjoy all the temptations around me. I felt I was entitled. Thanks to money and fame, I didn’t have to go far to find them. I was wrong. I was foolish.”

(Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

5. Rick Ross

Rap star Rick Ross made hip-hop headlines when it was revealed that the Miami based rapper had lied about his past as a corrections officer.  Fans felt betrayed by the rapper, whose lyrics often include violence and illegal drug references.  Although he initially denied the allegations, Officer Ricky has come completely clean stating: “I wouldn’t change nothing, cause to me it’s about who Rozay is,” he explained. “It’s about me. Anywhere I go, when I step in the room, I put it down. People know it’s authentic right here, they know it’s real, so it was nothing that I was personally threatened with, I was just ready to move on. Let’s go get this money, let’s make this music.”

 (Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for BOMBAY SAPPHIRE)

4. Milli Vanilli

More than 20 years ago, R&B group Milli Vanilli found themselves in the middle of one of the greatest lies in music industry history.  During a concert in July of 1989, a technical error in the group’s music revealed that they had been lip syncing all of their songs.  However, it was eventually revealed that not only were they lip syncing in concert, but they had never actually sung any of their hit songs. The group eventually had their Grammy Award withdrawn, and their careers were never able to recover from the scandal.

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3. Lance Armstrong

Former professional cyclist, Lance Armstrong, made international news when speculation arose that he has been using performance enhancing drugs. Armstrong, who had all of his titles stripped and is now permanently banned from the sport, denied the allegations for years.  However, in a 2013 interview with Oprah Winfrey, Armstrong admitted that he had been “doping” at several points throughout his career.  Armstrong also told Winfrey that the use of performing enhancing drugs is common in the cycling world, and that anyone who wants to be competitive must partake.

 (Photo by Scott Morgan/Getty Images)

2. Tonya Harding

Some people will stop at nothing to win, and former Olympic figure skater, Tonya Harding, is one of those people.  In 1994, when Harding’s top competitor, Nancy Kerrigan, was attacked and subsequently injured, Harding denied having any involvement in the incident.  However, it was later revealed that Harding was, at the very least, aware that the attack would be taking place.  Harding was able to avoid jail time by pleading guilty; however, she was forced to withdraw from the 1994 World Figure Skating Championships.

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1. Bill Clinton

In 1998, former president Bill Clinton lied to the people of the United States when he boldly declared, “I did not have sexual relations with that woman,” in reference to rumors that he had had an affair with White House intern Monica Lewinsky. However, the truth was eventually brought to light when Lewinsky testified in front of a grand jury that her and Clinton had sexually relations.  Lewinsky also revealed a seaman stained blue dress that proved undoubtedly that her statements were true.  Clinton himself later admitted to the allegations in the summer of 1998.

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