Robert Downey Jr.

When receiving the Best Supporting Actor Oscar, Downey took the statuette from Ke Huy Quan without apparent eye contact before greeting other presenters. Internet users interpreted the moment as disrespectful, with some even suggesting a racial dimension.

State of the evidence

Reported by the press

Attribution

Directly implicated

In Tropic Thunder, Downey portrays a white actor who undergoes a pigmentation procedure to play a Black soldier. The film also faced protests from disability organisations because of its repeated use of an offensive term. Downey's role prompted a lasting debate about satirical blackface.

State of the evidence

Documented

Responding to Iñárritu's criticism that superhero films amounted to 'cultural genocide', Downey said he respected the director and added that a man whose native language was Spanish who could formulate that expression must be very intelligent.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Personally implicated

During a promotional interview for Avengers: Age of Ultron, Downey walked out when Guru-Murthy persisted with questions about his political views, imprisonment and former addictions. Several days later, Downey defended his departure and called the journalist a 'bottom-feeding muckraker', among other insults.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Personally implicated

While accepting an American Cinematheque award, Downey publicly called on Hollywood to forgive Mel Gibson and allow him to work again, recalling that Gibson had supported him as he emerged from his years of addiction and imprisonment.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Personally implicated

Three months after leaving prison, Downey was arrested at a Palm Springs hotel after a search uncovered substances identified as cocaine and other drugs. The charges ultimately included possession of cocaine and diazepam and being under the influence.

Attribution

Personally implicated

Person targeted by the proceedings

Palm Springs

Downey was arrested in Culver City after a police officer believed he was displaying signs of stimulant use. A subsequent test confirmed the presence of cocaine. The episode led the Ally McBeal production team to rewrite the season finale and remove his character.

Attribution

Personally implicated