Red carpet events are some of the biggest nights in Hollywood, bringing together the best of the best to celebrate causes and triumphs alike. But, if we’re being honest here, red carpets are for fashion and publicity—whether good or bad. Amidst all the fun, flurry, and camera flashes, epic blunders are not uncommon. In most cases, red carpet fails embarrass stars, and for others, it’s the quickest way to become an internet meme. Here are the top 10 red carpet fails we can’t forget—but the celebrities wish we would.

10 Spilling A Dead Man’s Ashes

Sasha Baron Cohen is one of the funniest men on the planet and probably the best pranksters to ever grace our TV screens. To most, when he’s not busy playing foreign journalist Borat Sagdiyev, he appears as the incorrigible and excessive dictator Admiral General Aladeen. In this red carpet fail, Cohen showed up at the 84th Academy Awards as Aladeen, carrying a very bizarre package—a dead man’s ashes.

Cohen, who modeled Aladeen after former real-life dictator Muammar Gaddafi, arrived in tow with female bodyguards, looking as grand as ever. In his hands, Aladeen held an urn that contained the ashes of his “doubles tennis partner,” the fictional Korean dictator Kim Jong-il. So the only thing to do with these ashes is to “accidentally” spill them all over Ryan Seacrest.

It was a dirty prank that some would call sick for sure. Seacrest later confessed that he “Definitely did not know that he was going to do that!” Luckily, he was cool about the whole ordeal and even commented, “Now you know this isn’t taped.”

9 Falling At The Feet Of Celeb Royalty

Another comedian tops this list of red carpet fails, and this time, it’s none other than stand-up sensation Amy Schumer. Amy Schumer is a comedian who is never too proud to make fun of herself. At 2015’s Time 100 Gala, Amy Schumer noticed Kanye West and Kim Kardashian posing for the cameras and thought she should fake a fall. The problem is that while she fell, Kanye and Kim ignored her antics completely.

Schumer, who made headlines with her bizarre display on the red carpet shortly after, had assumed that Kanye and Kim would have reacted, at least a little bit. To her rude awakening, the couple went ahead with their shoot nonplussed. Schumer later said she thought “falling over was the funniest thing,” but apparently, Kanye and Kim didn’t agree.

The joke backfired, and she ended up apologizing for ruining Kim and Kanye’s red carpet moment. In the end, the “Trainwreck” actress wrecked herself in a moment that will live in infamy.

8 Taylor Swifts Serves Swift Justice To Reporter

Reporters are always searching for the best scoops and interacting with celebrities and asking the most unexpected questions. During the 2015 Grammy Awards, Entertainment Tonight’s Nancy O’Dell was lucky to interview Taylor Swift—but her luck quickly turned sour. In what went down as an embarrassing moment in O’Dell’s career, she found herself on the wrong side of T-Swift.

Taylor Swift’s “Fearless” album is one of her most impactful works, and it seems that even in real life, the songstress is just as fearless. During her interview with O’Dell, the reporter predicted, “You are going to walk with more than a trophy tonight, I think, lots of men.” As you would expect, Taylor Swift was not going to take the comment lying down. With a swift response, she remarked, “I’m not going to walk away with any men tonight.”

The comment, which was served with a death cold stare, proved that Taylor Swift is not to be messed with. As the interview progressed, the awkwardness never faded. On that night, Taylor’s plans only involved hanging out with her friends and going home to her cats.

7 Costly Slip Of The Tongue

Red carpet events are always serious, and from live coverage to interactions with stars, reporters are always on their best behavior. Sadly, the same can’t be said about TNT’s Danielle Demski, who made a costly slip of the tongue when she told Rashida Jones that she was “very tan.”

During the 2015 Screen Actors Guild Awards, Danielle Demski commented on Rashida Jones’ appearance, saying she looked as if she just got off an island as seen from her “tan.” The actress is African American. Rashida Jones’s dad is African American, while her mom is Ashkenazi Jew.

Lucky for Demski, the “Parks And Recreation” was calm in correcting her. Rashida responded, “Well, you know, I’m ethnic,” putting an end to the conversation.

6 Of Condom-Drops And Children’s Movies

Parents know this all too well. A child sees something, and immediately, they want to know what it is and how it works. While parents have mastered many tricks over the years, nothing could have prepared them for the time Zac Efron dropped a condom at a children’s movie premiere.

Dropping a condom is awkward in most places, but it’s sure to garner some attention when you are in front of a camera. In 2012, during the film premiere of “Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax,” a condom popped out of Efron’s pocket and jumped straight for the floor. The unmentionable mishap at the innocent premier made headlines as many couldn’t help but wonder, “Why, Efron? Why?”

So, how did Zac Efron react? After the not-so-secret object fell out of his pocket, Efron dove with flash-like instincts to retrieve it and, after stashing it back, hid under a dark pair of sunglasses. Those that were looking more closely could not miss his desperate muttering, “Oh my god.” That basically covers everything.

5 We Don’t Matter. This Is Not Our World

Celebrities get microphones to their faces everywhere they go, and most times, reporters treat their statements like gold. Well, Jim Carrey is one celeb who has lots of gold to give. When he attended 2017’s New York Fashion Week, he couldn’t help but share his philosophical thoughts. In a famous tirade, Carrey blasted out that “there’s no meaning” to anything in life.

After a question from E! reporter Catt Sadler who commented on Jim Carrey’s efforts to dress up for the New York Fashion Week, the Ace Ventura star gave an unexpected response. In his “very real” confession, Jim Carrey remarked that he was there only because he “wanted to find the most meaningless thing” to be part of.

In the unexpected retort, Carrey continued to express his nihilistic viewpoints about life. He ended this happy speech with, “We don’t matter. There’s the good news.” To all that witnessed the interview, it was quite an unexpected response. To Carrey’s credit, a red carpet even is pretty meaningless. Yet, if his response had been relevant, it wouldn’t be on this list.

4 Kissing The “Man In Black”

As far as red carpet fails go, they don’t get better than a slap on the face. Comedians are always seeking to score some form of publicity, and when Ukrainian comedian Vitalii Sediuk tried a “hilarious” prank, he got a stinger in return. Many years after the incident happened, we can’t forget how “Men in Black” actor Will Smith stung Sediuk with a slap on the cheek.

Will Smith was on tour promoting “Men In Black 3” when Vitalii Sediuk approached him for a hug. Smith has been a celebrity for a long time, and hugs are always welcome. But soon enough, he realized that Sediuk had more in mind. In the classic Russian tradition, Sediuk greeted Smith with a kiss on the left and right cheek. But Smith had to cut his fun short when he went for a kiss on the lips.

After pushing off, Sediuk exclaiming, “What the hell is your problem, buddy?” Smith quickly fired up the backhand and slapped the guy across the face. Smith later said that people think they can do whatever they want to you just because you are famous. All in all, Sediuk learned that kissing strangers is not the best thing to do on a first date.

3 Don’t Hug Me. I Don’t Know You!

In another epic hug flop, Jerry Seinfeld found himself in an awkward position after a “mysterious lady” tried to hug him. As you probably know, hugs are usually reserved for people who know each other. Seinfeld certainly observes this rule. 

During 2017’s “A Night of Laughter and Song” event, Ke$ha, who is a big “Seinfeld” fan, approached Seinfeld and asked for a hug. To her dismay, Seinfeld turned her down. Ke$ha insisted asking, “Just a little one?” “No thanks,” was Seinfeld’s only response. Seinfeld stepped away from Ke$ha so that she couldn’t touch him. The famous encounter quickly became a meme on the internet.

But Jerry Seinfeld wasn’t rude. Anyone who has personal boundaries like that is never rude—you’re the one invading their space. Anyway, rant aside, Seinfeld just never hugs strangers. Later in the evening, the two stars got to know each other better as they laughed about the incident. Yet, according to Seinfeld, Ke$ha never got her hug. Guess it was not her day!

2 Stranger Pops Up Under A Dress!

America Ferrera looked forward to her first-ever appearance at the Cannes Festival but little did she know that someone else had eyes on her. All cameras were on America Ferrera as she arrived at the premiere of “How To Train Your Dragon 2.” She was having the time of her life! But, in a split second, a prankster had made his way under her fluffy white dress, stealing the spotlight.

As it turns out, Vitalii Sediuk, a notorious Ukrainian red-carpet prankster and journalist—remember him from the Will Smith story?—had jumped under her dress. While security responded swiftly to get the comedian out from under her, Sediuk made things worse by latching on to Ferrera’s ankle. Ferrera later described the event as a “weird crazy dream” since she couldn’t believe it was happening to her on such a special night. 

Luckily for Ferrera, her fellow co-stars and Cate Blanchett were there to ensure that she was okay. Well, little can be said about Sediuk, who obviously doesn’t know when to stop. Needless to say, the comedian got arrested for his antics.

1 Kissing The “Black Widow”?

Scarlett Johansson is one of the most beloved female actresses in the world. In Hollywood, she is among the highest-paid. While we can say a lot of great things about the actress, we’re going to talk about her super cringy encounter with John Travolta. In 2015, during the Oscars, Scarlett Johansson got a surprise kiss from Travolta that left everyone feeling uncomfortable. Hey, Travolta, this isn’t “Saturday Night Fever,” okay? What made the situation worse is that Travolta clasped his hands around Johansson and kissed her on her right cheek.

From Scarlett Johansson’s blank expression, which instantly became an internet meme, you could tell that she didn’t expect it and she didn’t look any pleased. I wouldn’t either. While Johansson later defended Travolta, saying that he’s a “class act,” many couldn’t shake the feeling that it was strange and creepy, if not inappropriate. Either way, the stunt was a huge red carpet fail and all the press it garnered is proof.

Red light districts, a center of sin, sexual vice, and debauchery, are where many go to unwind, escape reality, and indulge in their greatest pleasures. Legalized prostitution, drinking, and every vice imaginable lay within a few mere city blocks. Along with it come organized crime, violence, and sordid tales that are seemingly incredulous yet true. Red light districts have been the dirty underbelly of humankind since the days of Sodom and Gomorra and very possibly before.

In the United States, a country founded with deeply religious ideals against sexual activity, especially legalized activity, many red light districts did not survive to the modern day. We have listed, in no particular order, some of the most lustful, sinister, and sinful American red light districts of all time.

10 Storyville, New Orleans

Created in 1897, as prostitution in America’s original sin city was running rampant into suburban areas, Storyville was the first legal red light district in New Orleans. It was located in what is known as the Treme neighborhood today and was named after a local politician named Sidney Story. While other areas had operated illegally prior to its creation, it became the first fully legal red light district in the city’s history—and the most well-known.

This district was a four-by-four-block radius of brothels, sporting houses, and dance halls. It became a breeding ground for Jazz music and was essential in the development of the music. Mafia activity and other organized crime ran rampant as well. Storyville was closed in 1917 due to America joining WW1 after a federal decree was issued stating that a city could not have both a red light district and a naval base.^[1]

9 The Barbary Coast, San Francisco

Running along what is now the financial district in San Francisco, the Barbary Coast existed from around 1848 to 1911. It developed during the lawless days of the American wild west and Northern California gold rush. As the population of San Francisco grew from 200 to over 10,000 in 1851, local authorities struggled to control the rising population. Organized gangs such as “The Hounds” and “The Regulators” dominated the area, and the seedy history of the coastline began.

It was named after the Barbary Coast of Africa, a coastline where many pirates and slave traders would port, that ran along Morocco to modern-day Libya. The California port of the same name held a similar reputation. Many visitors were often ambushed, murdered, or mugged here at one of its many predatory dive bars. After the 1906 earthquake, the area was rebranded as Terrific Street and would go on to feature dance halls and jazz clubs. A different flavor of sin, but sinful nonetheless.

By 1911, newspaper mogul William Randolph Hearst and Mayor James Rolph began to shut the area down permanently by implementing regulations against dancing women in places that served alcohol. By Valentines Day 1917, the final brothel was closed, and the Barbary Coast was no more.^[2]

8 The Sporting District, San Antonio

Hidden deep in San Antonio’s history was a 22-block area near where Market Square is today, known locally as the Sporting District. From 1889 to 1899, brothels were legally recognized in the area. But crackdowns in the area did not occur until the 1940s! Soldiers would often secretly travel here via a special rail trail from Fort Sam Houston.

Upon arrival, they would be handed a “blue book.” Blue books were common in red-light districts of the time and were directories of brothels, highlighting the women inside of them, often including their ethnicities. The blue book of San Antonio was unique, however, as it was published by a police officer named Billie Keilman, who owned property in the Sporting District.^[3]

7 Times Square, New York City

While today Times Square is known as the home of Disney, the M&M shop, and a plethora of costume-wearing street performers, it was not always this way. Once a thriving theatre district, the Great Depression of the 1930s led to its downfall, and by the 1970s, it became the home of porn shops, peep shows, and prostitution.

Being at the center of Manhattan and a major intersection of the subway system, it has always been a major thoroughfare for locals and tourists alike. The New York Times called 42nd Avenue the worst block in NYC in 1960, and this was before the brothels, burlesque shows, and grinder theaters were even fully developed.

The famous disco club, Studio 55, lay on the outskirts of this now-forgotten district. It wasn’t until 1985, as New York fought to regain control over its finances, that a cleanup campaign of Times Square began. A slew of regulations and laws by former Mayor Rudy Giuliani followed, and the area became the tourist attraction we know today.^[4]

6 Gallatin Street, New Orleans

Lesser known than its salacious cousin Storyville, Gallatin Street was the predecessor for the title of “most sinful street in New Orleans.” Laying where the quaint shops of the French Market now reside, right by the docks of New Orleans, it was considered the most dangerous street in New Orleans’s history. Many immigrants would enter New Orleans through the area, never to see any other part of the city.

They were often mugged, murdered, or shanghaied about as quickly as they got off the boat. Operating from the antebellum period to the end of the 1870s, the district produced some of the most violent criminals in New Orleans, a city known for a particularly violent past. With the opening of Storyville, the brothels of Gallatin Street were forced to move to the new legal red-light district, and the street folded. The old buildings were demolished, and the street was renamed French Market Place in 1935.^[5]

5 Hell’s Half Acre, Los Angeles

Along the Southern Pacific Railroad lay a stretch of Alameda Street that, at one point, many visitors were eager to visit. Know as Hell’s Half Acre, it was one of the seediest areas in California history, and much of it still remains a violent part of town today. Women in the area were known to service 13 to 30 men a day and would entice them by standing on wooden platforms outside their homes.

Police authority was extremely lax, as it was in many other red-light districts across the nation, and prostitution ran rampant. Suicides and drug abuse were part of everyday life, as was violence against women. In addition, women were often extorted for their money at the saloons by their pimps and forced to pay high rents for small squabbles of homes known as “crib houses.”

A man named Barolo Ballerino, known as the “father of the cribs,” was the kingpin of the area. His violent legacy still lives on today as the area still remains impoverished and crime-ridden. These “crib houses” were raided in 1903 due to protests from women’s rights organizations, and the area ceased from ever serving as an illegal red-light district again.^[6]

4 The Tenderloin, San Francisco

Just north of Union Square is one of San Francisco’s poorest and most violent neighborhoods. It has carried that reputation since shortly after the great San Francisco earthquake of 1906. By the 1920s, “the TL” overflowed with speakeasies, brothels, and all other manner of sinful nightlife. It is believed its unique name was coined by Police Captain Alexander S. Wiliams because officers who patrolled the area could afford a more expensive cut of beef from the bribes they received there.

Later, it became a central hub for jazz and rock ‘n’ roll musicians. Miles Davis and John Coltrane both recorded live albums at the infamous Black Hawk in the early ’60s. Creedence Clearwater Revival, the Grateful Dead, and Jefferson Airplane recorded records at nearby Hyde Street Studios in the late ’60s.

The Tenderloin also served, and still does, as a safe haven for the LGTBQ+ community. It was home to one of the nation’s first gay organizations, the Vanguard. While no longer a red light district, the Tenderloin is still the seediest and drug-ridden neighborhood in San Francisco and the epicenter of the city’s homeless problem.^[7]

3 The Levee District, Chicago

Chicago is just one of many American cities closely associated with illegality and violence. From roughly 1893 until 1912— although other districts had operated long before—”The Levee District” dominated the nightlife of Chicago. Running along the north bank of the city, along what is today Wells Street, this area had been a hotspot for criminal activity since the 1850s.

The lower section of the Levee District was known as “bed bug row” and hosted some of the grimiest and most disgusting brothels in United States history. In stark contrast was the Everleigh Club, a 5-star sporting house where women of the area were honored to work. At its height, in 1894, the Levee District had 46 saloons, 37 “houses of ill-repute,” and 11 pawnbrokers.

The Women’s Temperance Union (WTU) fought hard across the nation for women’s rights in red-light districts such as this. They won their battle, and by October 1911, 135 warrants were issued for establishments in the Levee District. Many red-light districts across America were closed due to the valiant efforts made on behalf of sex workers by the WTU.^[8]

2 Little Cheyenne, Chicago

Prior to the Levee District, “Little Cheyenne” dominated the scene shortly after the Great Fire of 1871. It ran along South Clark Street on the south side of the city and encompassed the spirit of the wild west, with every avenue of ill repute possible available to its patrons. Cheyenne, Wyoming, caught word of this and named their red light district “Little Chicago.”

Little Cheyenne operated all the way up until the 1970s. Today, a small portion of it exists in the form of a hotel called the Ewing Annex that rents 5×7-foot (1.5×2.1-meter) rooms to homeless men. These “rooms” are hardly suitable for human inhabitance, separated at times by sheets of chicken wire. This serves as a reminder that the degradation of times past still exists in our modern world.^[9]

1 Cripple Creek, Colorado

Just to the south of Denver lies the little town of Cripple Creek, Colorado. A western town that appeared during a gold boom, it quickly was able to provide “sporting houses” to visiting miners as the female population increased. This was common in the late 1800s across the west. During the days of the American wild west, it was often common for small boom towns such as Cripple Creek to turn into miniature centers of sin and fueled the already lawless young nation.

As part of the wild west as train robberies and shootouts in the streets, the brothels flourished from Kansas to Texas to even Alaska. Generally run by madams, the brothels enabled some working girls to leave the lifestyle for greener pastures. Two of the prostitutes who worked and lived in these brothels went on to marry famous gunslingers Harry Longbaugh—aka The Sundance Kid—and Doc Holliday. One woman, Laura Bullion, even joined Longbaugh’s gang, the Wild Bunch Gang.^[10]