Celebrity Scandals of 2013

Julianne Hough was criticized for her choice to don blackface in her costume as Crazy Eyes from "Orange is the New Black" for a Halloween party in Hollywood. Hough later apologized, noting she was a "huge fan" of the Netflix show and actress Uzo Aduba.

The TV chef's career took a tumble in 2013, after she admitted to having used racial slurs in the past. Despite her apologies over the incident, the scandal cost Deen her show on the Food Network, as well as numerous lucrative business partnerships.

Sinead O'Connor and Miley Cyrus engaged in an online battle this fall, after Cyrus claimed her "Wrecking Ball" video was a "modern version" of O'Connor's iconic "Nothing Compares 2 U." O'Connor responded with a heated open letter, which led Cyrus to fire back with more personal criticism. The two exchanged rounds of angry tweets and more open letters before the feud died down.

Beyonce captivated the country as she sang the National Anthem at President Barack Obama's second inauguration on Jan. 21. But her performance created buzz for another reason -- fans wondered if she'd been lip-synching. She ultimately did confirm she had used "pre-recorded music" because she had not had time to rehearse.

"Glee" fans were heartbroken when the show's star Cory Monteith was found dead in July at age 31, and shocked when it was revealed that his death was caused by an overdose of heroin and alcohol. The actor had been open about his struggles with drug addiction, and had gone to rehab in March.

Reese Witherspoon and husband Jim Toth were pulled over in Atlanta in April when he was seen to be weaving in traffic, and the pair were arrested and briefly jailed after a tipsy altercation with the police. Witherspoon falsely claimed she was pregnant, demanded to know if the officer knew who she was, and shouted that she was an American citizen. Video of their arrest quickly went viral, and Witherspoon has since said she is "deeply embarrassed" about the incident.

Miley Cyrus got everyone talking with her raunchy performance at MTV's Video Music Awards in August, as she stripped down to a flesh-colored bra and underwear and danced suggestively against Robin Thicke during his performance of "Blurred Lines." The duo singlehandedly took "twerking" mainstream.

Robin Thicke stirred up plenty of his own controversy, as some wondered if the lyrics to his hit "Blurred Lines" promote date rape. The singer defended the song, telling TODAY the lyrics have been "misconstrued."

Fans of the racy novel "Fifty Shades of Grey" have been closely following news about the film's casting, and were shocked when Charlie Hunnam of "Sons of Anarchy" fame dropped out of the lead role. He was later replaced by lesser-known Irish actor Jamie Dornan.

There was a horrible irony in actor Paul Walker's death. He became famous for the "Fast and Furious" street-racing series, and died in a car crash on Nov. 30 along with friend Roger Rodas in Rodas' red Porsche.

The pop star was caught on tape in July using a mop bucket in a New York nightclub as a urinal, and cursing at a photo of former president Bill Clinton on his way out. He later apologized to Clinton.

Singer Chris Brown hasn't had a year out of the scandal spotlight since his attack on then-girlfriend Rihanna before the 2009 Grammy Awards. In early 2013, he reportedly fought with singer Frank Ocean over a parking space. In July, his probabion was revoked after a hit-and-run, and in October, he was arrested for a fight with two men who reportedly tried to jump into a photo Brown was taking with two fans. He's pictured here with attorney Mark Geragos in a Los Angeles court on Nov. 20.

It was a difficult year for 27-year-old actress Amanda Bynes, but she'll probably be most remembered this year for reportedly throwing a bong out of her 36th floor Manhattan apartment. Bynes is shown here in May, departing Manhattan Central Booking after being arrested for alleged charges of reckless endangerment, tampering with evidence and criminal possession of marijuana. Bynes has since completed inpatient treatment. She said the bong was actually a vase.

Let's see, what did Lindsay Lohan do THIS year? In March, she pled no contest to charges resulting from a 2012 car accident. Between May and July, she was in rehab. In August, she starred in "The Canyons," which earned her some critical praise, though the New York Times said she was difficult to work with on the set. Overall, an almost-scandal-free year for the actress -- she could use more like this.

Some friend. Simon Cowell is expecting a baby with Lauren Silverman -- problem being that she was married to a friend of Cowell's, Andrew Silverman, when the child was conceived. The Silvermans divorced in August after baby news broke in July, and the baby is due in 2014.

Former "Teen Mom" star Farrah Abraham just couldn't stay out of the spotlight in 2013. She shot a sex tape with porn star James Deen, cast molds of her private parts to be sold as sex toys, pled guilty in a DUI case and even tried out for "Days of Our Lives." You know, just your average mom.