Sometimes celebrities have no choice but to put rude interviewers in their place. Like the time Cara De Lavine clashed with morning show hosts who crossed every line imaginable. In July 2015, Cara Deavine appeared on Good Day Sacramento to promote her film Paper Towns.
What should have been a standard morning show interview quickly became one of the most cringeworthy moments in TV history. >> Carla Deavine is in the movie. She joins us live from New York City to talk about Paper Towns.
Cara, good morning. >> Hey. >> Hi.
How you doing? >> We're doing all right. Nice to have you here.
So, the movie is based on a best-selling uh book by John Green. You play Margot, uh the star character there. Did you get a chance?
Uh the book is taught, I know, in a lot of high schools and such. Did you get a chance to read it or do you even have time to sit and read? [laughter] These days, you're so busy.
The hosts immediately came across as condescending, questioning whether she'd even read the book her movie was based on and mocking her energy level. >> You seem you do seem a bit a bit irritated. Perhaps it's just us.
>> Cara wasn't having it. >> Yeah, I think it's just you. >> What do you like about Margaret?
>> I'm living my dream >> specifically. Do you have anything in common with her? >> No, I actually hate her.
Yeah, I mean, of course, we we have a lot in common. Instead of getting defensive, Cara matched their energy with pure sarcasm, making it crystal clear she knew exactly what they were doing. >> We'll let you go then.
How about that? We'll let you go take a little nap, maybe get a Red Bull. How about that?
>> The host tried to laugh it off, but the damage was done. >> After the interview ended, they continued to mock her on air. >> She was in a mood.
She >> not realizing Cara would see it, she fired back on Twitter and the internet immediately took her side. Things only got worse when Samuel L. Jackson delivered one of the most uncomfortable moments in live TV history.
During a 2014 interview on KTLA Los Angeles, entertainment reporter Sam Rubin confused Samuel L. Jackson with Lawrence Fishburn while discussing a Super Bowl commercial. >> Did you get a lot of reaction to that Super Bowl commercial?
>> The mistake was bad enough, but what happened next made it even worse. >> What Super Bowl commercial? Oh, you know what?
I admit by my mistake. >> Instead of simply apologizing, the reporter tried to defend himself. >> You're as crazy as the people on Twitter.
I'M NOT LAWRENCE FISHBER. >> That's my [laughter] fault. I know that.
That was my fault. My mistake. You know what?
>> WE DON'T ALL LOOK ALIKE. >> YOU MAY BE ALL BLACK AND FAMOUS. >> Samuel didn't let him off the hook.
With surgical precision, he pointed out exactly what was wrong with the situation. You're the entertainment reporter. >> You're the entertainment reporter for this station and you don't know the difference between >> the reporter stammered through an apology, but the damage was done.
>> This wasn't just about a mixup. It was about lazy journalism and the kind of assumptions that shouldn't exist in professional media. Yet, this next confrontation almost had deadly consequences.
As Robert Downey Jr. reached his breaking point. RDJ sat down with Channel 4's Krishnan Guru Murthy to promote Avengers: Age of Ultron.
What started as a normal interview took a dark turn when the reporter decided to dig into Robert's troubled past. You've talked in other interviews again about um your relationship with your father and the role of all of that in uh you know the dark periods you entered and and taking drugs and drinking and all of that. >> Robert tried to redirect multiple times but the reporter kept pushing.
>> I'm sorry. I I really don't what are we doing? >> You can see the exact moment Robert decides he's done.
And then without hesitation, Robert stood up, removed his microphone, and walked out. >> Bye. >> Thank you.
>> Are you I'm sorry. >> The reporter sat there in stunned silence as one of the biggest movie stars in the world simply left. The message was clear.
His past isn't public property, and some boundaries shouldn't be crossed. Meanwhile, Ma Kunis became an instant icon when she defended her co-star from a sexist reporter. During a 2013 press junket for Friends with benefits, a Russian reporter directed a question at Justin Timberlake.
But instead of asking about his performance, the reporter made it all about his looks. Before Justin could even respond, Mila, who speaks fluent Russian, jumped in and completely shut it down. >> [laughter] >> in Russian.
Mila told the reporter that the question was inappropriate and disrespectful. The reporter was visibly shocked that Mila understood every word and had called him out in his own language. What makes this moment so powerful is that Mila didn't just defend Justin.
She made a broader point about double standards in media. This next moment split opinions as Jennifer Lawrence put a distracted reporter in his place. Fresh off her win for best actress at the 2016 Golden Globes, Jennifer was answering questions when she noticed a reporter scrolling through his phone instead of paying attention.
>> Jennifer, hi. How do you feel for the How do you see yourself for the >> You can't live your whole life behind your phone, bro. >> The room erupted in laughter, but Jennifer wasn't joking.
She was genuinely annoyed. The reporter tried to defend himself, but Jennifer wasn't having it. How do you see yourself for the Oscar night?
And how was >> we're at the Golden Globes? If you if you put your phone down, you'd know that [laughter] >> she just won a major award and was taking time to answer questions. The least he could do was look up from his phone.
In an era where everyone is glued to their screens, she was demanding basic respect and attention. Things got personal fast when Tom Hardy was asked an invasive question at a press conference. During a 2015 press conference for Legend, one reporter seemed more interested in his personal life than his work.
In the film your character Ronnie is very open about his sexuality, but given interviews you've done in the past, um your own sexuality seems a bit more ambiguous. Do you find it hard for celebrities to talk to their sex to talk to media about their sexuality? >> The question was completely out of left field and had nothing to do with the film he was there to promote.
>> What on earth are you on about? Tom's response was immediate and cutting. He didn't hide his frustration.
>> I was referring to an interview given to Attitude Magazine a few years ago. >> But what is your question? >> I was wondering if you find it difficult for celebrities to talk about their sexuality.
>> I don't find it difficult for celebrities to talk about their sexuality. Um, are you asking me about my sexuality? >> Um, sure.
>> Why? >> Why? >> Um, >> thank you.
>> Okay. Tom politely but firmly told the reporter to move on and the room fell silent. His message was simple.
His personal life is none of your business. Yet, this next filmmaker wasn't just dismissive. He completely took control of the interview.
During a 2013 interview with Channel 4's Krishnan Guru Murthy, yes, the same reporter who clashed with Robert Downey Jr. , Quentyn Tarantino reached his breaking point. Let me ask you about uh violence.
I mean, you said, you know, everyone knows you make violent movies. You like violent movies. >> Why do you like making violent movies?
>> The interview was supposed to be about Django Unchained, but the reporter kept pushing Quentyn to discuss violence. >> Because I refuse your question. I'm not your slave and you're not my master.
>> Quentyn had clearly been asked this question a thousand times and was tired of it. >> I'm shutting your butt down. >> I'm not.
He refused to engage, telling the reporter flat out that he wasn't going to give him what he wanted. The tension in the room was palpable. What makes this moment so iconic is Quentyn's unwavering confidence.
He didn't owe the reporter an answer, especially not to a question designed to create controversy. This next appearance turned into a chaotic showdown after the host completely disrespected their guest. Russell Brand appeared on MSNBC's Morning Joe in 2013 to promote his tour.
What started as a standard segment quickly went off the rails. >> All right, joining us now, he's a really big deal. [music] >> I know.
I'm told this. I'm not very pop culture. >> The dismissive intro wasn't bad enough.
Another host then made a sly comment about Bran's accent. >> You know, funny, the accent, you know, when I see him in person, it's totally fine. Forgetting Sarah Marshall or the TV show, it's fine.
But on satellite radio in the car, I can't understand a single joke you said. Instead of backing down, Brand completely took over the interview. >> It's just sort of taking it all in.
>> You are talking about me as if I'm not here and as if I'm an extraterrestri. >> He called out their unprofessionalism directly, treating them like the subject rather than letting them objectify him. >> Thank you for your casual objectification.
>> The hosts were left flustered, having completely lost control of their own show. Which moment was your favorite? Let me know in the comments below.
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