Controversies & scandals
Robert Downey Jr.: all 2 major controversies
Each controversy of Robert Downey Jr.'s life and career, explained on its own page — what was alleged, what was proven, and what was only ever a rumour.
- 1Documented1996–2001Years of drug arrests and prisonBetween 1996 and 2001 Downey was repeatedly arrested for drug offences, served time in a California state prison, and was fired from Ally McBeal — leaving him branded uninsurable and unemployable.
- 2Documented2007–2008Cast against the industry's judgementMarvel and director Jon Favreau cast Downey as Iron Man over studio resistance rooted in his past, with the actor reportedly having to screen-test and accept conditions few stars would.