Did SVU Go Too Far? 7 Controversial Guest Stars that Divided Fans
These actors have caused quite a stir.
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit has been on the air for — just think about it — 24 years, and in that time the Unit created by Dick Wolf has relentlessly plunged into the darkest depths of the New York underworld, investigating the coldest cases of domestic violence, child abuse and grooming, and sexual harassment.
As we wait for news on the upcoming Season 25 due to the ongoing WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, now is the best time to recap the show's best and worst moments. After all, in addition to its controversial criminals, the show has had its fair share of equally controversial guest stars.
7. Joe Biden
The 46th President of the United States, Joe Biden, stunned everyone with his appearance in the Season 18. Biden was the Vice President at the time, but even then he was surrounded by controversy, including his support for the Iraq War and allegations of sexual assault.
6. Jeremy Irons
Jeremy Irons appeared in two episodes of season 12 in 2011, playing Cap Jackson, a psychiatrist suffering from alcohol and sex addiction. While the real-life actor has championed a number of important initiatives, he has also faced no small amount of criticism, including for his support of Roman Polanski and for comparing gay marriage to incest.
5. Gilbert Gottfried
The late stand-up comedian and actor Gilbert Gottfried was known for his controversial humor, including jokes about 9/11 and the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami in Japan. He appeared on SVU in season 13, playing technician Leo Gerber.
4. Fred Savage
Fred Savage, star of the classic sitcom The Wonder Years, has been repeatedly accused of misbehaving on set and sexually harassing crew members. It is quite ironic that he played a serial rapist in SVU Season 4.
3. John Stamos
Full House star Stamos has been repeatedly criticized for his alcohol and drug addiction, his wild lifestyle that affected his co-workers, his sexual misconduct and liaisons with minors. Notably, he also played a manipulative abuser in Season 12.
2. Whoopi Goldberg
Whoopi Goldberg is undoubtedly a childhood legend to many, but unfortunately her real life persona has proven to be far more unpleasant. Goldberg has been criticized for supporting celebrity rapists and racists, using slurs, and making inappropriate jokes. In season 17, she played a child-abusing businesswoman.
1. Mike Tyson
It was Mike Tyson's appearance that caused the most outrage at the time. The former boxer has been convicted several times for violent acts against various women, and in 2013, SVU fans even started a petition against his participation in the show, and according to the athlete himself, Mariska Hargitay was incredibly cold to him during the filming.