10 Biggest Celebrity Scandals of the Decade

From Britney's meltdown to Heath Ledger's untimely death, see the most shocking star moments of the past 10 years. By Louise Barile (11 Photos)

Louise Barile on Dec 17, 2009 at 9:54AM

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10 Biggest Celebrity Scandals of the Decade

Palm Springs Police Department/ Newsmakers Photo/Getty

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2000: Robert Downey Jr.'s Comeback Busted by Drugs



Less than four months after his release from prison, Robert Downey Jr., then 35, was arrested on Nov. 25, 2000 for possession of cocaine. It was a heartbreaking setback for the actor, who had just reclaimed his career with a critically lauded role on Ally McBeal. Facing up to five years in prison, the actor's attorney argued for rehabilitation over punishment. "A relapse should not be viewed by anybody as a failure in the recovery process," his lawyer Daniel Brookman said. "As they say, it's one day at a time." Robert pleaded no contest to drug charges and agreed to spend up to a year in rehab. It wasn't the last time the actor would find himself in trouble: In April 2001, he was arrested again for suspicion of being under the influence of drugs when he was found wandering barefoot in Culver City, Calif. After pleading no contest to the charges, he was sent to rehab and put on a three-year probation.

 

 

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