Famous Celebrity Mugshots: Stars Photographed after Run-Ins with the Law

Behind the flashing cameras of premieres and award shows lies a far less glamorous spotlight: the harsh glare of a booking room camera. For some of the world's most famous figures, a single unexpected moment led to a photo that quickly traveled around the globe, capturing them not as stars, but as suspects…

Bright lights, red carpets, screaming fans, and occasionally flashing police lights. Even the world's biggest celebrities sometimes find themselves in unexpected trouble, resulting in photos they probably never imagined taking: mugshots.

From shocking scandals and youthful mistakes to headline-making arrests that dominated global news, these images capture moments when fame collided with the law. Scroll through the gallery below to see the mugshots and the stories behind them!

Donald Trump

In 2023, history was made when U.S. President Donald Trump became the first former U.S. president ever to have a mugshot taken, and the first former or serving U.S. president to be indicted.

As reported by the BBC, Trump surrendered at the Fulton County Jail in Georgia after being charged with plotting to overturn the state's 2020 election results.

The booking process lasted only about 20 minutes, but the resulting image quickly spread around the world. Although it was his first police booking photo, it was his fourth arrest in five months at that time.

Trump was released after posting a $200,000 bail bond while awaiting trial. Authorities described him in booking records as a 6-foot-3 white male weighing 215 pounds with blond or strawberry hair and blue eyes, and he was assigned inmate number P01135809.

The president later posted the mugshot online with the caption "Election interference. Never surrender!" instantly turning the image into a political and cultural flashpoint.

All-in-all, he faced 13 charges, which included racketeering, conspiracy to impersonate a public officer, conspiracy to commit forgery, making false statements, and soliciting a public official to violate his oath of office.

Tiger Woods

Golf Superstar Tiger Woods shocked fans in May 2017 after he was arrested in Jupiter, Florida, on suspicion of driving under the influence.

According to ABC News, police found Woods asleep in his car early in the morning with the vehicle partially blocking the road. The car reportedly had fresh damage, including flat tires and minor bumper damage.

Dashcam footage later showed Woods swaying while standing and struggling to maintain balance during field sobriety tests. Officers also reported his speech was slow and slurred, and that he appeared confused about where he was.

Breathalyzer tests showed no alcohol in his system, and Woods later explained the incident as an unexpected reaction to prescription medications. He issued a public apology, saying he "takes full responsibility" and deeply regrets the incident.

Nicki Minaj

Before Nicki Minaj became one of the most influential female rappers in the world, she experienced a frightening brush with the law as a young woman.

As reported by HotNewHipHop News, Minaj shared a mugshot from a 2003 arrest for criminal possession of a weapon with intent to use. Looking back on the moment years later, the rapper said she had been terrified at the time, even fearing deportation.

"Criminal possession of a weapon with intent to use. I did use it tho [...] The girl was leaking blood and spent days in the hospital," Minaj revealed. She also joked that she thought she was "on the run" and hid her car before staying with her aunt in Brooklyn, while worrying about what would happen next.

Today, she views the mugshot as a symbol of growth, a reminder of how far she has come since those early days.

Robert Downey Jr.

Acclaimed Actor Robert Downey Jr.'s path to Hollywood superstardom was anything but smooth…

According to CNN, the actor served 15 months in state prison in Corcoran, California, after repeatedly skipping court-ordered drug tests in the late 1990s.

Only four months after his release, Downey Jr. was arrested again for alleged possession of drugs and being under the influence of substances. However, he pleaded no contest and managed to avoid more jail time.

The actor's troubles began earlier, including a 1996 arrest for possession of drugs and an unloaded .357 Magnum. As detailed in a CNN report, Downey Jr. also spent time in the Los Angeles County jail after missing another drug test and later faced additional arrests involving drug possession.

The turbulent period saw him moving in and out of rehab programs before eventually rebuilding his career, a comeback that would later make him one of Hollywood's most bankable stars.

Reese Witherspoon

In 2013, Oscar-winning Actress Reese Witherspoon briefly found herself on the wrong side of the law during a late-night traffic stop in Atlanta.

According to CNN, police had pulled over her then-husband, Hollywood Agent James Toth, on suspicion of drunk driving after noticing him weaving between lanes.

During the stop, Witherspoon reportedly became upset and stepped out of the car despite being told to stay inside. At one point, she allegedly told the officer, "Do you know my name?" and warned him he was about to find out.

She was arrested for disorderly conduct and later apologized publicly, admitting she had "one drink too many" and saying she was deeply embarrassed by her behavior.

Bruno Mars

Early in his career, Artist Bruno Mars faced a legal setback after being arrested in Las Vegas in 2010. As stated by Billboard, he had 2.6 grams of a certain drug when he was found in a bathroom at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino shortly after the singer had performed at a nightclub there.

Mars pleaded guilty to drug possession as part of a plea deal. The court ordered him to pay a $2,000 fine, complete 200 hours of community service, and attend drug counseling.

After successfully fulfilling all the requirements, the court dismissed the case, allowing the future pop superstar to move forward without a felony conviction.

Paris Hilton

Famous Socialite Paris Hilton's nightlife lifestyle once landed her in legal trouble in Las Vegas. According to People, she was arrested after police stopped a vehicle near the Wynn Hotel when officers believed they smelled marijuana smoke.

Hilton was not driving, but officers said a specific type of drug was found in her purse during the stop. She was booked into the Clark County Detention Center and later released. The incident followed several other drug-related encounters with police that same summer in locations including Corsica and South Africa.

Justin Bieber

In January 2014, Musician Justin Bieber dominated headlines after being arrested in Miami Beach during a late-night street racing incident.

According to CNN, police observed Bieber driving a yellow Lamborghini in a race against a red Ferrari in a residential area at speeds of 55 to 60 mph in a 30 mph zone.

Officers said Bieber later admitted he had consumed alcohol, smoked marijuana, and consumed prescription medication before the incident. He was charged with drunken driving, resisting arrest, and driving without a valid license, and was later released on bond.

Lindsay Lohan

Actress Lindsay Lohan's legal troubles became a regular tabloid topic throughout the late 2000s and early 2010s.

In 2012, the actress was arrested in New York after allegedly striking a restaurant employee with her Porsche Cayenne in a hotel parking lot and leaving the scene.

According to CNN, she was later released on her own recognizance. The employee suffered a knee injury and was taken to a hospital.

The incident came during a period when Lohan was attempting to rebuild her career after years of legal issues and rehabilitation programs.

Michael Jackson

In 2003, the late iconic Entertainer Michael Jackson surrendered to authorities in Santa Barbara County, California, after being charged with molestation involving a minor.

As stated by CNN, Jackson arrived at the jail after landing his private jet at a nearby airport and was escorted to the facility in a police cruiser.

He posted $3 million bail, had a mugshot taken, and was formally advised of the charges. His lawyer said the singer returned voluntarily to "confront these charges head on." Jackson strongly denied the allegations.

Hugh Grant

In 1995, Actor Hugh Grant shocked fans worldwide when he was arrested in Los Angeles. According to the Los Angeles Times, police found the actor engaged in a lewd act in his BMW with a sex worker near Sunset Boulevard around 1:30 a.m.

Grant later issued a public apology saying he had done something "completely insane." The scandal became one of the most talked-about celebrity incidents of the decade.

Heather Locklear

Actress Heather Locklear was arrested for felony domestic violence in California after a domestic disturbance at her home in 2019. According to a report by TMZ, deputies responded to a call reporting a fight between Locklear and her boyfriend.

Authorities alleged that when officers attempted to take her into custody, she became combative and struck several deputies, resulting in additional charges of battery on an officer.

Mel Gibson

Actor Mel Gibson was arrested near Malibu in 2006 after police stopped him for speeding. According to CBC, Gibson was driving 87 mph in a 45 mph zone and had a blood alcohol level of 0.12 percent, above California's legal limit. Police also found an open bottle of tequila in his vehicle.

Nicole Richie

Reality Star Nicole Richie was arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence after allegedly driving the wrong way on California's 134 freeway.

The shocking incident quickly made headlines and became one of the most talked-about celebrity arrests of the mid-2000s.

Charlie Sheen

Charlie Sheen spent Christmas Day in 2009 in jail after a domestic dispute with his former wife, Brooke Mueller, in Aspen, Colorado. According to The Guardian, Sheen was charged with second-degree crimes of assault, menacing, and criminal mischief after the altercation.

Sheen was eventually released on $8,500 bail, was advised on the conditions of his release by a county judge, and had a court date set for February 8, 2010.

Ozzy Osbourne

Rock Legend Ozzy Osbourne was arrested in Memphis in 1984 on a charge of public drunkenness.

According to The Commercial Appeal, a police report described the musician as "staggering drunk." A jail intake officer added, "To tell you the truth, when he came in [sic] he didn't really say anything, he was so messed up."

The Weeknd

R&B Star The Weeknd was arrested in Las Vegas in 2015 after allegedly striking a police officer in the head during a hotel fight.

At that time, the BBC reported that the singer — whose real name is Abel Tesfaye — was taken into custody at the Clark County Detention Center on suspicion of misdemeanor battery of a protected person.

50 Cent

Before becoming a hip-hop powerhouse, Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson spent eight months in prison in the mid-1990s. According to The New York Times, the rapper served time after two drug-related arrests.

Rick Ross

Famous Rapper Rick Ross was arrested in Louisiana after police responding to a complaint about the smell of marijuana reportedly discovered one gram of the substance in his hotel room. According to CBS News, the artist, who reportedly used to be a correctional officer, was issued a misdemeanor summons and released.

Bill Gates

Even tech billionaires have surprising mugshots…

According to Time, Microsoft Co-Founder Bill Gates was arrested in 1977 for driving without a license while driving Paul Allen's car. He later joked that the experience taught him to always carry enough money to bail himself out.

Travis Scott

Rapper Travis Scott was arrested in Miami Beach in 2024 following a disturbance on a yacht. According to The Guardian, police found the artist yelling at people on the vessel and ignoring orders to remain seated.

He was charged with trespassing and disorderly intoxication before posting bond.

Justin Timberlake

Singer Justin Timberlake was arrested in June 2024 on suspicion of driving while intoxicated on Long Island.

According to a report by People, police said Timberlake ran a stop sign and failed to stay in his lane before being pulled over. He was held overnight and later released on his own recognizance after his arraignment.

Cher

Even legendary Singer Cher once had a brush with the law…when she was just a teenager. According to the HuffPost, she was arrested after taking a friend's car to a drive-in theater without permission at just 13 or 14 years old.

A vintage mugshot from the incident later resurfaced online.

Recently, Cher's son, Elijah Blue Allman, also made headlines after being arrested twice in New Hampshire in connection with causing a disturbance at St. Paul's School, and then later as a result of a home break-in, according to CBS News.

He has ultimately been charged with burglary, two counts of criminal mischief, and breach of bail.

Eminem

In 2001, Rap Star Eminem was sentenced to two years of probation after pleading guilty to carrying a concealed weapon. According to ABC News, the rapper had confronted a man outside a Michigan nightclub whom he believed was kissing his wife.

He initially faced a maximum sentence of five years in prison, although the prosecutor only sought six months, as Eminem had no prior criminal record. In addition to the probation, he was required to undergo counseling and submit to drug testing.

Amanda Bynes

Former Child Star Amanda Bynes was arrested in 2012 after allegedly sideswiping a police car while attempting to pass it in West Hollywood.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the actress was charged with DUI and released later that morning after posting bail.

Snoop Dogg

Rapper Snoop Dogg once faced serious legal trouble early in his career. According to the Los Angeles Times, Snoop and his bodyguard were charged in connection with the 1993 shooting death of a gang member.

In 1996, a jury acquitted both men of murder charges, allowing the rapper to continue his rise in the music industry.

These mugshots show that even the biggest stars aren't immune to difficult moments. Yet many of these celebrities went on to rebuild their reputations and careers, proving that sometimes a single snapshot doesn't define an entire legacy.