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During the 1990s, Americans became obsessed with fame and disgrace. Newsweek recounts some of the decade's most notorious scandals.
January 1990
Marion Barry
The mayor of Washington, D.C., is nabbed in an FBI sting while smoking crack with a former girlfriend. A videotape records the scene as Barry is placed in handcuffs and declares, "Bitch set me up."
Former Washington, D.C., Mayor Marion Barry talks to the press on January 14, 1997.Former Washington, D.C., Mayor Marion Barry talks to the press on January 14, 1997.Reuters
February 1990
Donald and Ivana Trump
The couple announce their separation after the New York Post trumpets an alleged comment from Marla Maples, Trump's lover: "BEST SEX I EVER HAD."
Donald Trump and wife Ivana arrive at a social engagement in New York.Donald Trump and wife Ivana arrive at a social engagement in New York.Getty/Swerzey
May 1990
Christian Brando
Christian Brando, son of Marlon Brando, is arrested and later found guilty of voluntary manslaughter in the death of the boyfriend of his half-sister.
Christian Brando, son of Marlon Brando, was arrested in Los Angeles on May 17, 1990. Christian Brando, son of Marlon Brando, was arrested in Los Angeles on May 17, 1990. Getty Images / Stringer
July 1990
Roseanne Barr
At the start of a San Diego Padres baseball game, a jeering crowd drowns out the comedian's controversial rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner."
Roseanne Barr performs at a concert on January 6, 2005. Roseanne Barr performs at a concert on January 6, 2005. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson
March 1991
William Kennedy Smith
After going out with uncle Edward Kennedy, the med student returns to the family home with a young woman. He is arrested on—and later cleared of—rape charges.
William Kennedy Smith at the John F. Kennedy Library in Boston on May 22, 2006.William Kennedy Smith at the John F. Kennedy Library in Boston on May 22, 2006.REUTERS/Jessica Rinaldi
July 1991
Pee-Wee Herman
The comedian, whose real name is Paul Reubens, is caught in an adult movie theater and charged with indecent exposure. Claiming innocence, he pleads no contest and avoids a public trial.
Paul Reubens, aka Pee-wee Herman, answers a question via satellite at the HBO panel for "The Pee-wee Herman Show on Broadway" during the Television Critics Association winter press tour in Pasadena, California, on January 7,...Paul Reubens, aka Pee-wee Herman, answers a question via satellite at the HBO panel for "The Pee-wee Herman Show on Broadway" during the Television Critics Association winter press tour in Pasadena, California, on January 7, 2011. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni
The actress weds her seventh husband, Larry Fortensky. As the ceremony takes place, a paparazzo paraglides down from the sky and lands on the lawn, only to be clocked by security guards.
Elizabeth Taylor and husband Larry Fortensky on June 11, 1991. Elizabeth Taylor and husband Larry Fortensky on June 11, 1991. GETTY/Rolf Haid
February 1992
Mike Tyson
The boxing champ is convicted of raping Desiree Washington, a beauty queen. Released from jail in 1995, Tyson regains his title but later forfeits his boxing license after biting off part of Evander Holyfield's ear in a bout.
Mike Tyson, right, fights heavyweight champion Trevor Berbick on November 22, 1986. Tyson became the youngest heavyweight world champion in history.Mike Tyson, right, fights heavyweight champion Trevor Berbick on November 22, 1986. Tyson became the youngest heavyweight world champion in history.GETTY/Carlos Schiebeck
May 1992
Amy Fisher
Smitten with her married lover, Joey Buttafuoco, the teenager shoots his wife (she survives). Buttafuoco does four months behind bars for sleeping with a minor. Fisher serves seven years for reckless assault.
Amy Fisher leaves the Nassau County, New York, courthouse after making an appearance in her case on September 23, 1992. Amy Fisher leaves the Nassau County, New York, courthouse after making an appearance in her case on September 23, 1992. Reuters/Jeff Christensen
December 1992
Lyle and Erik Menendez
The brothers go on trial for killing their parents. Despite claiming their father sexually abused them, they are convicted of first-degree murder and conspiracy and must spend the rest of their lives in prison.
Erik Menendez, right, and brother Lyle listen to court proceedings during a May 17, 1991, appearance.Erik Menendez, right, and brother Lyle listen to court proceedings during a May 17, 1991, appearance.REUTERS/Lee Celano
January 1994
Nancy Kerrigan
Figure skater Nancy Kerrigan is whacked with a baton during practice. Kerrigan's rival, Tonya Harding, and her husband, set up the hit.
Tonya Harding walks by Nancy Kerrigan during practice in Lillehammer, Norway, on February 17, 1994. Tonya Harding walks by Nancy Kerrigan during practice in Lillehammer, Norway, on February 17, 1994. GETTY/Pascal Rondeau
January 1994
Michael Jackson
The king of pop agrees to an out-of-court settlement in a child molestation suit, reportedly paying out $20 million.
Michael Jackson performs during his "HIStory" world tour at Ericsson Stadium in Auckland, New Zealand, on November 10, 1996. Michael Jackson performs during his "HIStory" world tour at Ericsson Stadium in Auckland, New Zealand, on November 10, 1996. Phil Walter/Getty Images
June 1994
Anna Nicole Smith
The pillowy model marries 89-year-old J. Howard Marshall II, an oil baron six decades her senior, who is worth half a billion dollars. He dies the next year.
Anna Nicole Smith arrives for opening arguments in her bankruptcy case in October 1999.Anna Nicole Smith arrives for opening arguments in her bankruptcy case in October 1999.GETTY/Jim Ruymen
June 1995
Hugh Grant
The actor is arrested with a hooker in Hollywood. He tries to redeem himself by going on The Tonight Show, saying, "I did a bad thing. There you have it."
Hugh Grant after he was arrested on June 27, 1995.Hugh Grant after he was arrested on June 27, 1995.Reuters
July 1995
Princess Stephanie of Monaco
The princess marries her ex-bodyguard Daniel Ducruet, who is already the father of two of her children
Princess Stephanie of Monaco shortly after the birth of son Louis on November 27, 1992. Holding the baby is the father, Daniel Ducruet, a former palace bodyguard.Princess Stephanie of Monaco shortly after the birth of son Louis on November 27, 1992. Holding the baby is the father, Daniel Ducruet, a former palace bodyguard.Reuters
August 1996
Dick Morris
During the Democratic National Convention, the Star informs President Bill Clinton's political strategist that it's about to publish a story saying the married Morris had been spending time with a prostitute. He resigns.
Dick Morris waves from a vehicle as he arrives at his home in Redding, Connecticut, on August 29, 1996.Dick Morris waves from a vehicle as he arrives at his home in Redding, Connecticut, on August 29, 1996.Reuters
December 1996
JonBenét Ramsey
The brutal slaying of the 6-year-old in Boulder, Colorado, sparks obsessive press coverage and intensifies criticism of the child beauty pageant boom. Ramsey's murder remains unsolved.
JonBenét Ramsey, 6, was found beaten and strangled in the basement of her home in Boulder, Colorado, in 1996.JonBenét Ramsey, 6, was found beaten and strangled in the basement of her home in Boulder, Colorado, in 1996.The Case Of: JonBenét Ramsey/CBS
Robert F. Kennedy's son is alleged to have been carrying on with his children's underage baby sitter. Michael Kennedy dies several months later in a skiing accident.
Michael Kennedy, son of the late Senator Robert F. Kennedy, on November 11, 1992.Michael Kennedy, son of the late Senator Robert F. Kennedy, on November 11, 1992.Reuters
May 1997
Eddie Murphy
Police stop Eddie Murphy while he's with a transgender prostitute. The comedian is not charged and says he was just helping someone in distress.
Eddie Murphy arrives at the People's Choice Awards in Santa Monica, California, on January 12, 1997.Eddie Murphy arrives at the People's Choice Awards in Santa Monica, California, on January 12, 1997.Reuters
August 1997
Princess Diana
Diana and a male companion die shortly after their limo crashes in a Paris tunnel. Their driver—legally intoxicated at the time and killed in the accident—was reportedly trying to elude the paparazzi.
Princess Diana on the Caribbean island of Nevis on January 4, 1993. The “People’s Princess” died in a car accident on August 31, 1997.Princess Diana on the Caribbean island of Nevis on January 4, 1993. The “People’s Princess” died in a car accident on August 31, 1997.REUTERS/Mark Cardwell
August 1997
Frank Gifford
Sportscaster Frank Gifford—who is married to popular TV talk-show host Kathie Lee Gifford—is caught with a flight attendant, part of a secretly photographed honey trap.
Kathie Lee Gifford and husband Frank Gifford arrive for the wedding of Caroline Mulroney and Andrew Lapham in Montreal on September 16, 2000.Kathie Lee Gifford and husband Frank Gifford arrive for the wedding of Caroline Mulroney and Andrew Lapham in Montreal on September 16, 2000.Reuters
September 1997
Marv Albert
The sportscaster is convicted of assault and battery, stemming from an incident involving a woman he had occasionally trysted with.
Marv Albert during a telecast on May 24, 1997.Marv Albert during a telecast on May 24, 1997.Reuters
January 1998
Bill Clinton
The Drudge Report says Clinton had extramarital encounters with Monica Lewinsky, a White House intern. The president's testimony about their relations leads to his impeachment.
President-elect Bill Clinton, left, with Al Gore in December 1992.President-elect Bill Clinton, left, with Al Gore in December 1992.Reuters
