Sophia Michaels
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, long known for their wholesome image, faced various scandals as they transitioned into adulthood. Although these controversies did not define them, they were still embroiled in several scandalous situations.
In 2005, Ashley Olsen was erroneously linked to a drug scandal involving her then-boyfriend, Scott Sartiano. She took legal action against the National Enquirer for $40 million, as she was not associated with the alleged drug-related accusations made in the article.
The Olsen twins’ reputation was put on the line, highlighting the downside of tabloid sensationalism.
Spencer Pratt’s Involvement in Mary-Kate’s Controversy
In 2007, Spencer Pratt sold photos of Mary-Kate Olsen that suggested she was drinking underage, causing a stir in the media. Despite the potential scandal, the focus shifted to Pratt’s actions and background, overshadowing the initial controversy.
Pratt’s public feud with Mary-Kate became a topic of discussion, with the reality star attempting to discredit Mary-Kate’s statements about their past interactions.
Mary-Kate’s Connection to Heath Ledger’s Tragic End
In 2008, Mary-Kate Olsen’s involvement in a controversy escalated when she was linked to Heath Ledger’s death. Following Ledger’s passing, Olsen was contacted by the masseuse who found Ledger’s body, raising questions about her possible connection to the tragedy.
Olsen was brought into the investigation due to Ledger’s drug-related issues, but she declined to testify until granted immunity as she was unaware of the origin of Ledger’s medications. Ultimately, the case was closed with no charges against her.
Scrutiny Surrounding an Olsen Twins’ Security Guard
Details about one of the twins’ security guards being linked to a prostitution ring emerged, adding another layer of complexity to the controversies surrounding the Olsen twins.
Unpaid interns sued the Olsen twins’ brand, The Row
In 2015, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen were involved in a lawsuit regarding the treatment of interns at their fashion brand, The Row. The interns claimed to work long hours without pay, with reports of mistreatment from full-time staff members. One intern, Shahista Lalani, shared her experience, stating, “You’re like an employee, except you’re not getting paid. They’re kind of mean to you.”
Although the complaints were not directed at the Olsen twins themselves, Lalani highlighted the unsatisfactory behavior of The Row’s head technical designer towards the interns. Lalani did mention that whenever she interacted with the Olsen twins, they were pleasant and respectful, branding them as good business individuals.
Despite Dualstar’s swift denial of the allegations, a settlement was eventually reached, with the company paying $140,000. Each intern was only left with $530, a minimal amount considering the Olsen twins’ substantial net worth.
Ashley Olsen’s ex sued The Row (and we don’t know why)
Ashley Olsen, along with The Row and Dualstar Entertainment, faced another lawsuit from David Schulte, the former president of The Row who also happened to be Ashley’s ex-partner. Even though Schulte and Ashley had parted ways long before his role at The Row, the details of the lawsuit remain sealed, leaving room for speculation.
The lack of public information surrounding the lawsuit means that the reasons behind Schulte’s legal action may never be fully disclosed, especially considering Mary-Kate and Ashley’s tendency towards maintaining privacy. Despite various scandals, the Olsen twins are seldom directly implicated, preserving their positive public image.
