Depositions Gone Wrong | Watch These Celebrity Deposition Horror Stories

Depositions can be stressful, but some famous ones have become iconic for all the wrong reasons. Whether it’s because of evasive answers, combative behavior, or outright bizarre responses, these depositions have gone down in legal history—and the public spotlight—for their missteps. Here’s a list of some of the most egregious examples of celebrity depositions gone wrong.

Take a look:

6 Celebrity Depositions Gone Wrong

1. Justin Bieber: The "Don't Ask Me About Selena" Debacle

Why It Went Wrong: Justin Bieber’s 2014 deposition in a lawsuit involving his bodyguard turned into a circus of sass, defiance, and impatience. Bieber visibly bristled at questions about his then-ex-girlfriend, Selena Gomez, even mocking the lawyer’s line of questioning.

Attorney: "Have you ever discussed your feelings about paparazzi with Selena Gomez?"
Bieber: “Don’t ask me about her again.”

The young pop star rolled his eyes, smirked, and even feigned falling asleep during the session. This behavior not only made him look immature but also undermined the credibility of his testimony.

2. Bill Gates: The Antitrust Stonewalling

‍Why It Went Wrong: During his 1998 deposition in the Microsoft antitrust case, Bill Gates’ evasive and overly technical answers frustrated both the opposing counsel and viewers. Gates frequently answered in ways that seemed calculated to avoid providing meaningful information, coming across as intentionally obstructive.

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‍Attorney: "What do you mean by 'concern'?"
Gates: "I’m not sure what you mean by 'what do you mean by 'concern.''"

Gates’ nitpicking over semantics and refusal to answer questions directly made the deposition infamous and contributed to the perception of Microsoft as a monopolistic bully.

3. Lil Wayne: "You Know He Can't Save You, Right?"

Why It Went Wrong: In a deposition for a lawsuit against Quincy Jones III, Lil Wayne was sarcastic, combative, and uncooperative, often responding with snark instead of substance.

‍Attorney: "Is that an interview with Katie Couric, that you gave?"
Lil Wayne: "No, that’s just a—you know who that is? Huh? That’s Katie Couric. You don’t know who that is?"

At one point, he even addressed the lawyer directly, saying, “You know he can’t save you, right?” while referring to the judge. His demeanor not only hurt his credibility but also made headlines for all the wrong reasons.

4. Donald Trump: "This Is a Very Expensive Joke"

Why It Went Wrong: Trump’s deposition in the 2007 Trump University case is infamous for his boastful statements and refusal to acknowledge any wrongdoing. When asked about his “handpicked instructors,” Trump struggled to explain the hiring process, often sidestepping questions.

Attorney: "How do you define 'handpicked'?"
Trump: "Well, I handpicked them in the sense that I vetted them. I’m very hands-on."

This deposition became a lightning rod for criticism during his 2016 presidential campaign, as it highlighted inconsistencies in his claims about Trump University.

5. Paula Deen: The "Crisis of Honesty"

Why It Went Wrong: During a 2013 deposition in a workplace discrimination lawsuit, celebrity chef Paula Deen admitted to using racial slurs in the past. Her honesty, while perhaps commendable in a vacuum, led to a PR disaster and the collapse of many of her business partnerships.

Attorney: "Have you ever used the N-word?"
Deen: "Yes, of course."

Deen’s candor, combined with a lack of context or acknowledgment of wrongdoing, turned a legal deposition into a career-defining scandal.

6. O.J. Simpson: The "If It Doesn’t Fit" Follow-Up

Why It Went Wrong: Years after his infamous criminal trial, O.J. Simpson’s deposition in a civil suit about wrongful death damages reignited public fascination. His smug and evasive responses showed little remorse, and his body language suggested defiance.

Attorney: "Did you physically strike Nicole Brown Simpson?"
Simpson: "I don’t think I’ve ever struck anyone I didn’t want to strike."

This deposition reinforced public perception of Simpson’s guilt, even as he continued to deny responsibility.

What Makes These Depositions So Bad?

The common thread in these bad depositions is behavior that undermines credibility or alienates the court and jury:

• Defensiveness and Combativeness: Aggressive responses, like those from Kanye West and Lil Wayne, often backfire.
• Evasiveness: Bill Gates and Donald Trump’s overly technical or vague answers gave the impression of withholding information.
• Arrogance: Justin Bieber and Kanye West’s dismissive attitudes made them look uncooperative and uninterested in the process.
• Overly Honest Admissions: Paula Deen’s deposition showed that while honesty is generally advisable, it must be coupled with awareness of the potential fallout.

These infamous depositions serve as a cautionary tale: when testifying, it’s crucial to remain calm, answer questions truthfully, and avoid letting emotions get the best of you. Depositions are serious legal proceedings, and how you handle them can have far-reaching consequences.