16 Famous Parents Caught Up in Their Children’s Controversies

From Goldie Hawn and Michael Douglas to Tom Hanks and more, these 16 A-listers were dragged into public scandals, drug arrests, and violent meltdowns — all because of their children's explosive behavior.

Parenthood is challenging enough without the eyes of the world watching — but for celebrities, every misstep becomes a headline. Over the years, many famous parents have seen their children's mistakes and struggles play out in the media, from criminal charges to public feuds.

16 – Goldie Hawn

The year was 2015 when Goldie became an unwilling participant in a very public family feud. Her son, Oliver Hudson, unleashed an emotional grenade on Father's Day, calling it abandonment day.

However, what began as a bitter exchange sparked the unlikeliest outcome — reconciliation. Oliver later revealed that the darkly humorous post led to the father and son's first conversation in over a decade, and slowly, the rift began to heal.

15 – Rod Stewart

Back in 2002, the legendary rocker found his son, Sean Stewart, in handcuffs after a violent assault outside a Malibu restaurant.

The intoxicated 21-year-old attacked a stranger, leaving him unconscious, before being restrained by none other than actor Dean Cain. Sean was sentenced to three months in jail.

However, while out on bail, Sean was arrested again — this time for drug offenses. What followed was a nine-month stint in rehab, as Sean's long battle with addiction came roaring back into the spotlight.

According to reports, he had begun drinking at just 13, was expelled from school at 14, and was soon using ecstasy, Vicodin, and cocaine. By 19, he was hooked on heroin — a devastating spiral.

14 – Michael Douglas

Michael's son, Cameron Douglas, was arrested in 2009 during a federal sting operation and later pleaded guilty to heroin possession and conspiracy to distribute drugs, landing him behind bars for seven years.

Throughout his sentence, Michael remained a steady presence, visiting regularly. But it was the years of solitary confinement that devastated the actor. During his 2013 Emmys speech, he shared, "I'm questioning the system."

"At first I was certainly disappointed with my son, but I've reached a point now where I'm disappointed with the system…If you happen to have a slip, they punish you. In my son's case, he has spent almost two years in solitary confinement," he added.

13 – Tom Hanks

In 2015, Tom's son, Chet Hanks, stunned fans by revealing his battle with cocaine addiction, admitting to selling drugs and citing the pressures of fame.

But the drama didn't stop there. In 2021, Chet was back in the headlines when his girlfriend filed a protective order in Texas, accusing him of threats and abuse. It was another painful chapter in his very public unraveling.

12 – Rosie O'Donnell

In 2015, Rosie's adopted daughter, Chelsea O'Donnell, launched a damning attack on her mother's public image, calling it "phony."

She claimed Rosie's cheerful TV persona didn't match her private behavior, and said she was closer to her nannies than to Rosie herself.

Chelsea also contradicted Rosie's account of her disappearance, insisting she had been kicked out, not a runaway. Rosie had claimed Chelsea suffered from mental illness, which Chelsea denied, calling it an attempt to discredit her.

11 – Rudy Giuliani

In 2010, Rudy's daughter, Caroline Giuliani, was caught shoplifting makeup from a Sephora store in Manhattan. Just 21 years old, she was sentenced to a day of community service, scrubbing floors and bathrooms at a Sanitation Department garage by the Hudson River.

10 – Michael Jordan

The sports icon's son, Marcus Jordan, had his first major brush with the law in 2012, arrested for disorderly conduct and resisting arrest after a hotel altercation.

Then came 2025. Marcus was found with his car stuck on railroad tracks in central Florida, just minutes before a train was due. Police discovered cocaine and charged him with resisting an officer without violence.

9 – David Hasselhoff

In 2017, David's daughter, Hayley Hasselhoff, was found unconscious behind the wheel of her Mercedes, blocking a Los Angeles freeway off-ramp.

Police said she smelled of alcohol and failed a sobriety test, landing her in a nearby hospital. The daughter of "The Hoff" had veered straight into a DUI scandal.

8 – Hugh Hefner

In 2012, Hugh's son, Marston Hefner, was arrested for domestic violence after an alleged attack on his girlfriend, model Claire Sinclair. Police reported visible bruises and red marks after Claire said he punched and kicked her and trapped her in their home.

Marston denied hitting her, but the evidence led to a misdemeanor charge and a quick release on $20,000 bail.

7 – Marlon Brando

Christian Brando, son of legendary actor Marlon, lived a life marked by tragedy and turmoil. A convicted killer, a drug addict, and a man haunted by demons, he died in 2012 at 49 of double pneumonia.

6 – Nicolas Cage

In 2011, Nicolas's son, Weston Cage and his son's wife, Nikki Williams, were both arrested after a violent fight, just days after Weston left rehab. Witnesses said Nikki struck him with a bottle, but police believed both had been violent.

Then in 2017, Weston crashed into a tree while drunk — his blood alcohol nearly double the legal limit. He was charged with DUI and two counts of hit-and-run.

5 – Ryan O'Neal

The year was 2007 when a father-son brawl turned criminal. Ryan was arrested after a physical fight with his son, Griffin O'Neal, inside their Malibu home. Police filed assault and firearms charges.

Then came 2018. Ryan's younger son, Redmond O'Neal, was arrested for a string of violent crimes in Los Angeles. Linked to multiple incidents in Venice Beach and Palms, Redmond's record became a catalog of criminal chaos.

4 – Hulk Hogan

Hulk's son, Nick Hogan, was arrested again in 2023 for driving under the influence, reopening old wounds for the family of John Graziano, who was left with severe brain injuries in Nick's 2007 car crash.

John's mother, Debra, said she was unsurprised by the latest arrest, calling it proof that Nick hadn't learned from his past. She said his behavior showed a lack of respect for the damage caused by the earlier crash that changed her son’s life forever.

3 – Jackie Chan

In 2014, Jackie's son, Jaycee Chan, was arrested in Beijing after police found several ounces of marijuana during a crackdown. The actor was devastated, later declaring he felt he had failed as a father.

2 – Lionel Richie

In 2007, Lionel's daughter, Nicole Richie, was spotted driving the wrong way on a Southern California freeway and arrested for DUI just weeks after checking into treatment. The headlines exploded, painting a picture of a young star spiraling fast.

1 – Laurence Fishburne

In 2010, Laurence's daughter, Montana Fishburne, was arrested for alleged prostitution — but it only got worse.

She was later charged with battery, false imprisonment, and assault with a deadly weapon after allegedly breaking into a woman’s home and attacking her. Then in 2017, Montana was arrested again for DUI in Florida, behaving erratically by the highway.

Behind the red carpets, chart-topping hits, and box-office glitz, these famous parents have faced the kind of turmoil that no spotlight can soften. Some have stood firm, while others have been blindsided by public betrayals and deep personal wounds.