Social media has given celebrities the ability to communicate in real time with their fans through direct channels unmediated by any external sources. The self-promotional benefits of social media platforms such Twitter are clear, but there are also some very real risks. Once something goes online, it's seen immediately and even if a post is deleted, the damage can be done so quickly there's no turning back.
With a few taps on a smartphone, a careless and poorly thought out tweet or an embarrassing Instagram post can result in utter career self-destruction. The media loves jumping on an ill-advised celeb post, and it seems that just about every day now a celebrity is in the news apologizing for posting something stupid. The following 12 celebrities goofed hard with some cringe-worthy social media posts.
1. Beyonce Photoshops Herself
Beyonce has established herself as an icon of female strength. Typically known for embracing her full-figured beauty, Beyonce has more than once drawn the ire of feminists after posting photos of herself that clearly appear to be Photoshopped. In this photo, you can the stair between her legs looks to have been inadvertently manipulated with Photoshop in an effort to enhance her "thigh gap." What happened, Beyonce? You used to be bootylicious!
1. Beyonce Photoshops Herself
via Entertainment Tonight
2. Kim K Cuts North West
In a display of spectacular narcissism, Kim Kardashian posted a selfie on Instagram in which she had cut her daughter out of the shot. This mother of the year candidate proved she hates sharing the spotlight even if it's with her own daughter. At least she left a large chunk of black wall on the right side of the picture, because that was totally more beautiful than her daughter's face.
2. Kim K Cuts North West
via Instagram / @kimkardashian
3. Oprah Promo Tweet Backfires
In 2012, Oprah plugged the Microsoft Surface on her widely followed Twitter page. Ironically, the tweet was sent via an iPad and someone forgot to turn off the setting that points that out. The easily avoidable gaffe made Oprah (and whoever manages her social media accounts) look quite foolish. Apple surely must've been laughing all the way to the bank. You get a new iPad! You get a new iPad!
3. Oprah Promo Tweet Backfires
via Twitter / @Oprah
4. Chris Brown Compares Himself to Jesus
Chris Brown posted this painting to his Instagram with the caption, “Painting the way I feel today. Focus on what matters!” Chris Brown, a convicted woman abuser, enjoyer of excess, and all around spaz, didn't seem to see the irony in comparing himself to Jesus, but the backlash forced Brown to reluctantly shut down his Instagram for a while. In his defense, his song "Forever" has been featured in a lot of irritating weddings.