This year saw the celebrity world rocked with scandals and surprises. From exposed love affairs to tragic deaths, here are some of the biggest shocks of 2012.
Whitney Houston dies
The music world was rocked by news of Whitney Houston’s death in February this year. The 48-year-old singer’s body was found submerged in a bathtub in her Beverly Hilton Hotel suite.
Kristen cheats
This was the affair that no-one saw coming. When photos emerged of Kristen Stewart canoodling with Snow White and the Huntsman director Rupert Sanders, Twilight fans were shocked – even more so when the star issued a public statement owning up to it.
Prince Harry’s nude pics
Prince Harry was in trouble again this year when a wild weekend in Vegas got a little out of hand. The flame-haired prince was photographed partying naked with bikini clad girls, while cupping his crotch.
Ashton and Mila in love
Former That 70s Show co-stars Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis had been friends for years, so it came as quite a surprise when friendship turned to full-blown romance. Ashton’s ex, Demi Moore was reportedly distraught.
The TomKat split
Tom Cruise was allegedly as shocked as the rest of us when wife Katie Holmes filed for divorce earlier this year. Scientology is believed to be behind the couple’s surprise separation.
Sage Stallone dies
The Stallone family was rocked with tragedy this summer, as Sage Stallone was found dead in his Los Angeles home. The Coroner’s report stated that Sage died of a heart attack though multiple sources suggested drugs were at play.
Macauley Culkin drug allegations
In August the National Enquirer ran a story alleging that former child actor Macaulay Culkin is a heroin addict. Although his reps denied the reports, the tabloid stood by its story.
Scarlet Johansson phone-hacked
Scarlett was yet another celebrity caught up in phone hacking, with photos being leaked of ScarJo in the buff. She reportedly contacted the FBI in relation to the incident.
Lindsay Lohan burglary
Another year, another Lindsay Lohan scandal. This time it was theft-related, when jewelry went missing from a Hollywood home where she was staying the night. Lohan was questioned by police but reportedly could not be prosecuted due to lack of evidence.
Kate’s topless holiday snaps
The 31-year-old Duchess of Cambridge was photographed topless by a swimming pool while vacationing in France at a private chateau. The pics were splashed over the front cover of French magazine, Closer.
John Travolta’s homosexual affair
Pulp Fiction star John Travolta was hit with multiple claims of homosexual affairs, one being an apparent six-year love affair with his pilot. Others included two masseuses who claimed that the actor made sexual advances on them.
Frank Ocean comes out
Frank Ocean, the R&B singer who has written songs for Justin Bieber, John Legend and Beyoncé, came out on his blog in July.
Tulisa’s sex tape
UK X-Factor judge, Tulisa Contostavlos, was the victim of a sex tape scandal in early 2012. The video shows her engaging in oral sex with an unidentified man backstage at a gig.
Miranda Kerr in nude shots
Nude shots of Miranda Kerr were posted on the website of fashion photographer Laurent Darmon this year – and very soon leaked across the internet. The images were promptly removed and an apology issued to the model.