24 People (and Things) Who Became Unpopular for No Good Reason, According to the Internet
From pop stars to movie villains, here are the folks many say got unfairly dragged.
Fame can turn fast. One minute, you’re a national treasure… the next, a punchline.
But sometimes, public outrage misses the mark. In a recent online thread, people shared who they think was unfairly shunned, mocked, or canceled.
Here’s who made the list.
1. Pee-wee Herman (Paul Reubens)
A beloved children’s TV host whose downfall came from a single tabloid headline. Many fans argue he didn’t hurt anyone and didn’t deserve to have his entire career derailed.
2. The Bee Gees
When disco fell out of fashion, so did they — unfairly. These guys were songwriting geniuses long before polyester suits and light-up floors.
3. People Named “Karen”
It started as a meme. It ended with an entire generation of women saddled with a bad rap over a few viral videos.
4. The Dixie Chicks (now The Chicks)
Speaking out during the Bush era nearly ended their careers. Looking back, plenty of folks say they were just ahead of their time.
5. Monica Lewinsky
The power dynamic was wildly uneven — an intern vs. the leader of the free world. Public shame fell entirely on her, not the man who held all the power.
6. Topher Grace
He walked away from “That ’70s Show” on his own terms, but fans acted like he’d betrayed them. Turns out, he’s just a quiet guy who loves his family and picks roles he enjoys.
7. Creed (and Nickelback)
They became shorthand for “uncool” rock — yet both filled stadiums and defined an era. Admit it: you still know every word to “Higher.”
8. Facts
One commenter put it best: “Facts became unpopular because opinions took over.” Hard to argue with that logic.
9. Miley Cyrus
She grew up under a microscope. Every evolution, from Hannah Montana to “Wrecking Ball”, was met with judgment. Now, she’s thriving and self-aware.
10. Brendan Fraser
Hollywood turned its back on him for years, only to finally realize what fans knew all along: he’s one of the good ones.
11. JK Rowling
A complicated one. Once universally loved, now polarizing — but her supporters argue her fall from grace has been oversimplified.
12. Janet Jackson
The Super Bowl moment that tanked her career wasn’t her doing — yet she bore the full brunt of the backlash. “It was an accidental titty,” one commenter said bluntly.
13. Keanu Reeves
Once mocked for “wooden” acting, now hailed as the internet’s sweetheart. He never changed — we just caught up.
14. The Blue Ranger
The original Power Rangers underdog who faced bullying on set and from fans. He deserved better — both then and now.
15. Justin Bieber
People hated him for being a teenage heartthrob. Turns out, he was just a kid figuring life out under a microscope — and he’s grown up gracefully.
16. David Beckham
A red card in the 1998 World Cup made him public enemy number one in England. Decades later, fans admit it was way overblown.
17. The Kid Who Played Young Anakin
Bullied so badly after Star Wars: Episode I, he quit acting altogether. He was a child. The internet owes him an apology.
18. Sinead O’Connor
She was right about more than people wanted to admit. The world just wasn’t ready for her truth.
19. Oscar Wilde
Cancelled in the 1800s for being himself. Centuries later, he’s finally getting his flowers.
20. Colin Kaepernick
Blacklisted for kneeling — years before teams, brands, and leagues embraced the same message.
21. Queen Camilla
Say what you will about her past, but even critics admit she’s shown grace, humor, and loyalty to her role.
22. Elmo
Why did everyone turn on Elmo for being loud? The guy’s just passionate. Chill.
23. Bill Buckner
One bad play. A lifetime of blame. Red Sox fans eventually made peace — it just took a championship ring.
24. Critical Thinking
The most underrated comeback we could use right now. Let’s bring it back.
22 things that sound “magical” but are actually a letdown
From breakfast in bed to Disney dreams, here’s what reality really looks like.
Read more: 22 things that sound “magical” but are actually a letdown
27 “Compliments” That Are Actually Super Creepy
Here are some of the most cringeworthy ones that sound nice on the surface…but really aren’t.
Read more: 27 “Compliments” That Are Actually Super Creepy
21 Things That Instantly Show Someone Was Raised Right
It doesn’t take long to spot when someone grew up with solid values. From little courtesies to how they treat strangers, these small actions speak volumes. Here are the top answers people gave when asked what immediately shows a person was raised right:
Read more: 21 Things That Instantly Show Someone Was Raised Right
These 21 Mispronounced Words Might Be Making You Sound… Less Than Brilliant
Whether you’re giving a presentation or just chatting in line at Starbucks, certain mispronunciations scream “I didn’t pay attention in English class.”
Read more: These 21 Mispronounced Words Might Be Making You Sound… Less Than Brilliant
17 Strange American Laws You Probably Didn’t Know Still Exist
From outlawed margarine to moose-poop bans, these laws are still technically enforceable today.
Read more: 17 Strange American Laws You Probably Didn’t Know Still Exist
