Lights, Camera, Bankruptcy: Celebrities Who Should’ve Stuck to Showbiz Instead of Business!

When the glittering world of Hollywood collided with the enticing realm of business, the result was far from glamorous as some celebrities embarked on comedic misadventures that left them bankrupt and us in fits of laughter.

Natalie Portman: Vegan Footwear Line

In 2008, actress Natalie Portman launched a vegan footwear line called the Natalie Portman Collection. The line was met with positive reviews, but it was eventually discontinued after just a year.

Flava Flav: Flav’s Fried Chicken

Blake Lively: Preserve

In 2015, actress Blake Lively launched an online lifestyle magazine called Preserve. The magazine was supposed to be a source of inspiration for women, but it was met with mixed reviews and was eventually shut down after just two years.

Naomi Campbell, Elle Macpherson, and Claudia Schiffer: Fashion Cafe

In 1995, three of the world’s most famous supermodels opened a chain of restaurants called Fashion Cafe. The restaurants were supposed to be a high-end dining experience with a celebrity twist, but they quickly went out of business.

Jay-Z: J Hotels

In 2005, rapper Jay-Z announced plans to open a chain of luxury hotels called J Hotels. However, the project never came to fruition and the company was eventually dissolved.

Oprah Winfrey: Oxygen Media

In 2000, talk show host Oprah Winfrey launched a cable television network called Oxygen Media. The network was supposed to be a destination for women, but it was met with poor ratings and was eventually sold to NBCUniversal in 2011.

Demi Lovato: Safehouse Records

In 2017, singer Demi Lovato launched a record label called Safehouse Records. The label was supposed to be a platform for new artists, but it has only released a handful of albums and has not been a commercial success.

Kanye West: Yeezy Apparel

In 2015, rapper Kanye West launched a clothing line called Yeezy Apparel. The line was met with positive reviews and has been a commercial success, but it has also been criticized for its high prices and its use of sweatshop labor.

Michael Jordan: 23XI Racing

In 2020, basketball legend Michael Jordan launched a NASCAR team called 23XI Racing. The team was supposed to be a success, but it has struggled to win races and has been criticized for its lack of diversity.

Britney Spears: Curious Fragrance

In 2004, celebrated singer Britney Spears made her entry into the fragrance market with the launch of Curious, a fragrance that achieved significant commercial success. However, it received criticism for its relatively high price.

Justin Bieber: Drew House

In 2020, singer Justin Bieber launched a clothing line called Drew House. The line has been a commercial success, but it has also been criticized for its unoriginal designs and its high prices.

Nick Lachey: Newlyweds Wine

In 2007, singer Nick Lachey launched a wine called Newlyweds Wine. The wine was met with mixed reviews and was eventually discontinued in 2010.

Jessica Simpson: Dessert Beauty

In 2004, actress and singer Jessica Simpson launched a line of edible cosmetics called Dessert Beauty. The line was met with mixed reviews and was eventually discontinued after just a few years.

Nick Carter: Nick Carter Fragrance

In 2002, Backstreet Boys member Nick Carter launched a fragrance called Nick Carter. The fragrance was a commercial success, but it was also criticized for its unoriginality and its high price tag.

The Kardashians: MasterCard

The Kardashian Kard, a prepaid MasterCard, faced failure due to excessive fees. The partnership was terminated within a month, resulting in a loss of $40-60 million.

Kim Basinger

The actress invested $20 million in Baselton, Georgia in 1989, with the intention of transforming it into a tourist destination similar to the Sundance Film Festival. However, she struggled to execute her plans and eventually sold the property for just $1 million after five years. This financial setback also led to her declaring bankruptcy.

Ashton Kutcher: Katalyst Films

In 2001, actor Ashton Kutcher launched a production company called Katalyst Films. The company was supposed to produce films and television shows, but it only produced a handful of projects before it was shut down in 2007.

Kendra Wilkinson: Kendra On Top Wine

Reality TV star Kendra Wilkinson made her foray into the wine industry in 2013 by introducing her own wine brand, Kendra On Top Wine. However, the wine received a mixed response from consumers and critics alike, leading to its discontinuation in 2015.

Ciara: Ciara’s Crème Body Wash

In 2014, acclaimed singer Ciara ventured into the personal care industry by launching her own body wash line named Ciara’s Crème Body Wash. However, the product received a varied reception with both positive and negative reviews, leading to its discontinuation in 2016.

Paris Hilton: Heiress Perfume

Socialite Paris Hilton made a notable entry into the fragrance industry back in 2005 with the launch of her fragrance named Heiress. While the scent achieved significant commercial success, it also faced criticism for being unoriginal in its composition and carrying a hefty price tag.

Kevin Jonas: Jonas Brothers Winery

In 2013, Jonas Brothers member Kevin Jonas launched a winery called Jonas Brothers Winery. The winery was met with mixed reviews and was eventually sold in 2019.

Eva Longoria: Eva Longoria Signature Scent

In 2006, actress Eva Longoria entered the fragrance market with the release of her signature scent, aptly named Eva Longoria Signature Scent. However, the fragrance received a diverse range of reviews, resulting in a mixed reception from consumers and critics. Eventually, in 2010, the fragrance was discontinued.

Jennifer Lopez: Restaurants and Fashion

Jennifer Lopez faced discontinuation of two of her collections: JLo, a junior miss casual collection launched in 2001 and closed in 2007, and JustSweet, a replacement for JLo, which also closed in 2009. In addition, her high-end women’s collection, Sweetface, ceased production during the same year. Similarly, her Latin restaurant, Madres, opened in 2002 but closed in Pasadena, California due to negative reviews and high costs.