In 2023, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s previously clean public image was hit by a shocking $3 billion lawsuit filed by former wrestler Tranisha Biggers, also known as Tranisha Rockaan. The lawsuit, which named Johnson and about 1,000 others, including celebrities like Billy Corgan and Michael Jordan, accused them of conspiring to kidnap Biggers and her children. The case garnered widespread attention due to its high-profile defendants and the massive sum of money involved.
Biggers’ claims were tied to events from 2019, following her arrest for violating custody orders. She alleged that Johnson, his ex-wife Dany Garcia, and others were involved in a conspiracy to abduct her and her children from their Tampa Bay home and transport them to Miami. According to Biggers, threats were made against her, and she was mistreated once in Miami. The lawsuit also implicated federal agencies and companies like Victoria’s Secret, adding to the complexity and scale of the case.
However, the allegations were met with skepticism, particularly regarding the legitimacy of such a grand conspiracy involving so many prominent individuals. Johnson and Garcia, through their legal teams, denied the accusations, expressing confidence that they would clear their names in court. Despite the attention the lawsuit received, it was ultimately dismissed just weeks after it was filed, due to insufficient evidence. Yet, rumors persisted that Johnson’s close connections in Hollywood might have influenced the case’s dismissal, further fueling public interest in the matter.
This lawsuit was not the only controversy to cloud Johnson’s image. A resurfaced video from a comedic sketch in 2017 also ignited public backlash. In the sketch, Johnson played a mad scientist who introduced a disturbingly dark “invention” — a robot capable of committing heinous acts against young people. Although the skit was intended to be comedic, many viewers found the subject matter highly inappropriate, with some stating that such topics should never be used for humor. The criticism echoed across social media, with fans and commentators expressing their disgust at the content, arguing that certain topics, like child exploitation, are too sensitive to be treated lightly, even in comedy.
Johnson’s image was further scrutinized in 2019 when a seemingly innocent father-daughter moment sparked online controversy. A photo of Johnson and his then-three-year-old daughter, Jasmine, at a pool, went viral. Jasmine, not wearing a bathing suit, was about to jump into her father’s arms, a moment Johnson shared on social media.
The image, though meant to be heartwarming, raised concerns among fans who felt it was inappropriate to post such pictures publicly. Some argued that even innocent family moments should consider the privacy and dignity of children. Supporters of Johnson defended the post, seeing it as a harmless display of a loving father-daughter relationship. Nonetheless, the incident highlighted how public figures’ actions, even in personal moments, can quickly become contentious in the eyes of the public.
In 2023, Johnson faced additional criticism following his involvement with Oprah Winfrey in launching the People’s Fund of Maui, aimed at supporting victims of the wildfires in Hawaii. While the intent behind the fund was noble, with both Winfrey and Johnson each contributing $5 million, the optics of the situation drew negative attention. Fans were shocked that two immensely wealthy celebrities were asking the public, many of whom were struggling financially, to donate to the fund. This appeal came across as tone-deaf, considering the significant wealth both Winfrey and Johnson possessed. Johnson later addressed the backlash, acknowledging that he could have handled the situation better and expressing empathy for those living paycheck to paycheck.
Despite the controversies, Johnson remains a beloved figure in the entertainment world, though these incidents have raised questions about his judgment and associations. Speculation about his connections with powerful figures like Winfrey has led to further scrutiny of his actions. One particularly controversial claim links Winfrey to allegations involving Harvey Weinstein, with British actress Kadian Noble stating that Winfrey and Naomi Campbell were used to lure her into Weinstein’s manipulative web under the guise of helping her career.
The convergence of these controversies has complicated Johnson’s public image. While he has managed to maintain his popularity among many fans, his association with Hollywood elites and these legal and personal scandals have undoubtedly cast a shadow over his once spotless reputation. As with many celebrities, the public’s perception of Johnson may continue to evolve as more information comes to light, but for now, his ability to navigate these crises will play a significant role in shaping his legacy.
