William Shatner

Over the decades, several former Star Trek co-stars, notably George Takei, Nichelle Nichols and James Doohan, described Shatner as egocentric or difficult on set. Takei again called him a "prima donna" in 2022.

State of the evidence

Documented

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Directly implicated

RT America broadcast I Don't Understand, a programme hosted by Shatner. His association with the Russian state-funded network prompted criticism given its role in the Kremlin's propaganda ecosystem.

State of the evidence

Reported by the press

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Directly implicated

At the age of 90, Shatner became the oldest person to travel into space on a Blue Origin suborbital flight. The event drew criticism from figures such as Joan Collins and Brian Cox, as well as broader debate over the environmental and social costs of space tourism.

State of the evidence

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Directly implicated

Shatner argued on Twitter that the phrase "straight white cis man" was being applied to him as a way of harassing or belittling him and described it as a "slur" in the context in which he said he encountered it.

State of the evidence

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Personally implicated

When radio stations removed Baby It's Cold Outside amid debate over consent, Shatner publicly called for the song to remain on air and denounced what he considered a modern and "myopic" interpretation of an old classic.

State of the evidence

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Personally implicated

Peter Michael Sloan brought a 170 M$ action claiming to be Shatner's biological son, requesting, among other things, a DNA test and alleging various forms of defamation and interference.

Attribution

Accused

After supporting Autism Speaks, Shatner was challenged by autistic people and critics of the organisation. During the exchange, he shared links from websites including TruthWiki and NaturalNews, known for spreading misinformation, triggering further controversy.

State of the evidence

Reported by the press

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Directly implicated

Shatner did not attend Leonard Nimoy's funeral, remaining in Florida to honour a previous commitment to a Red Cross fundraiser. His absence sparked intense media controversy, with the New York Daily News dubbing him "Captain Jerk".

State of the evidence

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Personally implicated

Oscar and Delmy Alfaro, longtime Shatner employees, sued William and Elizabeth Shatner. Oscar claimed he had been harassed and forced out of his job after refusing to sign a release following an injury at the Shatners' home.

State of the evidence

Allegations

Attribution

Accused

Vira Montes sued Shatner, claiming she had been his companion, confidante and homemaker and that he had promised her financial support. She sought financial benefits and property under a palimony claim.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Accused