Hollywood is as much about its drama off-screen as it is about what happens in front of the camera. Over the years, countless celebrity feuds have captivated fans and fueled headlines, with many rivalries becoming the stuff of legend. Whether stemming from professional jealousy, personal disputes, or just plain misunderstandings, these feuds have defined some of Hollywood’s most talked-about moments. Let’s dive into 20 iconic celebrity feuds that shook Tinseltown.
1) Bette Davis and Joan Crawford
The tension between Bette Davis and Joan Crawford is Hollywood’s most famous rivalry. The actresses reportedly despised each other, with their animosity reaching its peak during the filming of 'Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?'. The on-set drama included public insults and even physical aggression. Their feud has been immortalized in pop culture, including the FX series 'Feud: Bette and Joan', further cementing their conflict.
2) Taylor Swift and Kanye West
It all began with Kanye West interrupting Taylor Swift’s acceptance speech at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards. This incident sparked a years-long feud that included Kanye’s controversial song Famous, Taylor’s scathing responses, and leaked phone calls. Their ongoing feud has become one of the most dissected conflicts in pop culture history.
3) Olivia de Havilland and Joan Fontaine
Sibling rivalries are one thing, but the tension between Olivia de Havilland and Joan Fontaine transcended family squabbles. The sisters, both Oscar-winning actresses, often competed for roles and accolades, leading to decades of estrangement. Their feud made headlines, particularly when Olivia famously refused to reconcile with Joan in their later years.
4. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone
The battle for action-hero supremacy defined the 1980s and 1990s, with Schwarzenegger and Stallone constantly trying to outdo each other. From competing over box office success to throwing public shade, their rivalry was fierce. Fortunately, the two eventually buried the hatchet and even worked together in The Expendables series.
5) Mariah Carey and Jennifer Lopez
Mariah Carey’s infamous “I don’t know her” comment about Jennifer Lopez has fueled rumors of a feud for decades. While the origins of their rivalry remain unclear, Carey’s dismissive remark has been meme-worthy and indicative of tension between the two music icons.
6) Bill Murray and Lucy Liu
On the set of Charlie’s Angels, Bill Murray and Lucy Liu reportedly clashed during filming. Allegedly, Murray criticized Liu’s acting, leading to an explosive argument. Murray did not return for the sequel, with reports of the altercation becoming a major Hollywood talking point.
7) Taylor Swift and Katy Perry
What began as a professional disagreement over backup dancers escalated into a highly publicized feud. Taylor’s hit Bad Blood was widely believed to be about Katy Perry, who later responded with her own track, Swish Swish. The pop stars eventually reconciled, putting an end to years of rumored animosity. However, they are reportedly not close despite settling their differences.
8) Kim Cattrall and Sarah Jessica Parker
The drama behind Sex and the City spilled into real life, with Kim Cattrall and Sarah Jessica Parker at the center of it. Cattrall accused Parker of being dismissive and fake, particularly during discussions for a third movie. Their feud has added layers to the legacy of the hit series.
9) Richard Dreyfuss and Bill Murray
During the filming of What About Bob?, tensions between Richard Dreyfuss and Bill Murray ran high. Dreyfuss has since described Murray as a “bully” on set, citing confrontations that have kept their feud alive in Hollywood lore.
10) Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie
The former best friends and co-stars of The Simple Life had a highly publicized falling out in the mid-2000s. While the exact reasons remain unclear, their estrangement became a media spectacle, illustrating how friendships in the spotlight can unravel. However, in an October 2024 interview with Daily Mail, they described their feud as a "blip in their friendship."
11) Drake Bell and Josh Peck
Childhood co-stars Drake Bell and Josh Peck from 'Drake & Josh' experienced a public fallout when Bell wasn’t invited to Peck’s wedding. Bell took to social media to express his disappointment, sparking headlines and debates about their friendship.
12) Joan Collins and Linda Evans
On-screen catfights in Dynasty between Joan Collins and Linda Evans mirrored their real-life tension. The two actresses reportedly had a strained relationship, fueling the drama on the iconic 1980s series.
13) Nicki Minaj and Cardi B
The rivalry between Nicki Minaj and Cardi B turned physical at a New York Fashion Week party in 2018. The altercation, which included thrown shoes, highlighted the simmering tension between the two rap queens.
14) Taylor Swift and Scooter Braun
Taylor Swift’s battle with Scooter Braun over her master recordings ignited a broader discussion about artists’ rights in the music industry. Swift accused Braun of bullying and exploitation, while Braun defended his actions, keeping the feud in the headlines.
15) Drake and Meek Mill
Rap rivals Drake and Meek Mill exchanged diss tracks and social media barbs over allegations that Drake used ghostwriters. Their feud captivated hip-hop fans until the two eventually reconciled and collaborated on music.
16) Joan Crawford and Mercedes McCambridge
During the filming of Johnny Guitar, Joan Crawford’s feud with co-star Mercedes McCambridge became the stuff of legend. Their off-screen hostility reportedly added to the film’s palpable on-screen tension.
17) Elton John and Madonna
Elton John and Madonna’s feud spanned years, with John publicly criticizing Madonna’s live performances and work ethic. While their rivalry was often humorous, it underscored the competitive nature of music icons. In October 2023, Elton John publicly appreciated Madonna's effort for AIDS advocacy, insinuating at the feud squashed, although there are no further updates.
18) Kylie Jenner and Blac Chyna
Kylie Jenner’s relationship with Tyga, who previously dated Blac Chyna, created tension that spilled into social media. The feud, which also involved the Kardashian family, became a tabloid sensation.
19) Vin Diesel and Dwayne Johnson
The 'Fast & Furious' franchise wasn’t big enough for two action stars. Vin Diesel and Dwayne Johnson’s feud reportedly stemmed from disagreements over professionalism, leading to Johnson’s departure from the main series.
20) Eminem and Machine Gun Kelly
The feud between Eminem and Machine Gun Kelly involved diss tracks and interviews that aired their grievances. Their lyrical battle, which fans eagerly dissected, showcased the intensity of rap rivalries.