Working for celebrities is undoubtedly different from typical jobs. Celebrities often have jam-packed schedules, sometimes needing to be in two places at once, making them some of the busiest people around. However, behind every well-prepared, polished celebrity is a personal assistant juggling countless responsibilities, often running on little sleep. While being the assistant to a top-tier celebrity might seem exciting and glamorous, it comes with significant personal sacrifices. Now, after years of working for various celebrities, some personal assistants are sharing their own harrowing experiences with Hollywood’s most beloved stars.
She Made Her Assistants Do What? Celebrities’ Most Absurd Requests
Naomi Campbell
For a long time, it seemed that people simply accepted the fact that celebrities often mistreated their staff. Whether they were divas, overly stressed, or just indifferent, these behaviors were often excused because of their fame, as if being a celebrity granted them the right to treat others poorly. But how times have changed… Supermodel Naomi Campbell has long faced accusations of mistreating her employees, including allegations of physical assault. In 1998, she famously threw a phone at her assistant, a behavior she reportedly repeated with another individual later on. While it’s no secret that she struggles with anger management issues, her employees should not have to endure mistreatment because of it.
Naomi Campbell
The Kardashians
When working for a famous family, the notion of working for a single person quickly fades away. Suddenly, managing the lives of multiple individuals becomes the top priority. While their jobs may be significant, this often shifts the burden of responsibility away from the family itself. Take the Kardashians, for example — they’re known for loving their dogs, but in reality, they rarely care for them. With such hectic schedules, they don’t even have time for morning cuddles or walks. From cleaning up after the dogs to tending to their needs, it’s their assistants who are the true caretakers of the Kardashian pets.
The Kardashians
Lena Dunham
An actor’s lifestyle is incredibly demanding. With countless commitments to manage each day, there often aren’t enough hours to get everything done. To stay on top of their packed schedules, many rely on assistants and staff to help them manage various tasks. Reportedly, actress and director Lena Dunham is so pressed for time that she has her assistants physically feed her. While it’s unclear how having someone feed you really saves time in the long run, celebrities often have their peculiar habits, and their employees are expected to adapt accordingly.
Lena Dunham
Justin Bieber
The life of a 20-something male pop star is certainly far from ordinary. With press conferences, studio sessions, and performances around the globe, it’s no surprise that some celebrities require a team of assistants and staff by their side at all times. However, having employees doesn’t mean stars can pin all of their wrongdoings on them. In 2014, when Justin Bieber was caught with an illegal substance while entering Australia during his world tour, he faced no charges. Instead, his personal assistant took the fall, allowing Bieber to walk away without consequence.
Justin Bieber
Kylie Jenner
Most people would agree that it’s better to repeatedly ask questions and get clarity than to avoid asking and potentially make a major mistake. This is especially true when working for a high-profile celebrity, where precision is crucial. For some reason, Kylie Jenner appeared bewildered when her assistant asked her each morning about her preferred smoothie flavor. Just imagine the fallout if Jenner received the wrong smoothie flavor! While it might seem tedious to ask for confirmation daily, it’s far preferable to the alternative of getting it wrong.
Kylie Jenner
Not For Me…
One of the greatest perks of having a personal assistant is delegating all the tasks you’d rather avoid, from waiting in line at the DMV to scheduling medical appointments. This means you can sidestep those mundane chores. For example, when working for a well-known country singer, an assistant once had to completely clear out a drug store of all its enema kits. Yes, you read that right — they walked out with 25 coffee enema kits, assisted by two store employees who helped carry them to the car.
Not For Me…
Ricki Lake
When working for celebrities, it’s crucial to be prepared for their high demands. Not only do they have hectic schedules, but their expectations can also be higher than those of an average person. Even if you’d rather avoid certain tasks, you’ll often find yourself having to tackle them. For instance, cleaning up a bathtub after your boss has given birth in it is probably not in the job description. While it seems that there may be some light-heartedness about the situation between them, it’s likely that the assistant wasn’t thrilled about the task.
Ricki Lake
Lindsay Lohan
Some celebrities in Hollywood are known for their high-maintenance behavior, and it’s no surprise when certain individuals land on this list given their past antics. While Lindsay Lohan has made a bit of a comeback recently, her reputation as a wild child from years past is well-documented. According to reports, her assistants frequently ended up taking the fall for her missteps. It’s almost unfathomable that someone would try to shift the blame for crashing their own car onto their assistant, but that’s exactly what happened in her case.
Lindsay Lohan
Not Shiny Enough
There’s no denying that many celebrities can be incredibly demanding. While we understand that their high-paced and intense lifestyles can be mentally and physically draining, that doesn’t excuse taking out their stress on others without cause. It would be fascinating to know who this particular story is about. The idea that someone in Hollywood had a meltdown simply because their car wasn’t shiny enough is almost comical. Although this behavior seems childish, it’s likely that similar incidents occur frequently. As we get older, it becomes clearer that everyone, including celebrities, can sometimes act like giant babies.
Not Shiny Enough
David Beckham
In 2003, David Beckham was at the height of his football career, having just made a major transfer from Manchester United to Real Madrid. However, his seemingly perfect life took a dramatic turn when he was seen with a woman, later revealed to be his former employee, Rebecca Loos, at a Madrid nightclub in September of that year. This sighting sparked a flurry of rumors and speculation, with many questioning the stability of the Beckham marriage. Although David Beckham firmly denied these allegations, an anonymous source claimed that he and Loos had engaged in several intimate encounters. Victoria Beckham reportedly reached out to Loos, urging her to stay away from her husband.
David Beckham
Kourtney Kardashian
The concept of fame has evolved significantly over the years. Today, people don’t necessarily need to be renowned for a single achievement; fame can come from various sources and require a diverse set of responsibilities. With so many tasks to juggle, celebrities often rely on a team of staff to assist them. Kourtney Kardashian, for instance, undoubtedly needs support to manage her children, but it seems she isn’t particularly adept at keeping her staff content. According to her sisters, Khloe and Kim, Kourtney’s approach to managing a nanny differs from theirs. While Khloe and Kim treat their nannies like family, Kourtney has yet to adopt a similar approach.
Kourtney Kardashian
Ariana Grande
You might be surprised to see Ariana Grande’s name on this list, but here’s an unexpected tidbit about the talented singer. Ariana has her own set of unusual requests: when she’s feeling fatigued, she actually asks her staff to carry her. That’s right — she prefers to be lifted like a baby rather than walking on her own. It seems she considers her feet too precious to touch the ground. It’s a reminder that even the most unexpected celebrities have their own quirky demands behind the scenes.
Ariana Grande
Selena Gomez
Selena Gomez might not be the epitome of organization, despite her impressive $85 million net worth. It turns out that even with substantial wealth, some people still struggle with keeping things tidy. Money can’t buy everything, and organizational skills are no exception. While it might seem surprising that someone so affluent would have trouble staying organized, it’s a reminder that the rich and famous are still human and have their own shortcomings. Selena Gomez is far from the only celebrity with a messy side; take Keith Moon from The Who, who notoriously blew up a hotel toilet on his 21st birthday. In the grand scheme of things, Selena’s disorganization is relatively minor, and it’s refreshing to see that even the wealthy and famous aren’t perfect.
Selena Gomez
Elon Musk
Companies often expect their employees to demonstrate loyalty, especially during critical times. While this expectation may be reasonable, loyalty should be mutual. If a company or individual isn’t willing to reciprocate, the value of that loyalty becomes questionable. It’s no surprise that new Twitter CEO, and founder of Tesla and SpaceX, Elon Musk, isn’t necessarily known for being the most supportive boss. Mary Beth Brown, who was loyal to Musk for many years, had a relationship with him that some compared to Tony Stark and Pepper Potts from Marvel. However, when she requested a raise, Musk dismissed her contribution, claiming that he could perform her job himself.
Elon Musk
Jennifer Aniston
In life, we all have things we dislike, but most of us don’t have a team of people dedicated to ensuring our comfort at all times. For celebrities, however, it’s a different story. No matter the request, they often receive what they ask for. Take Jennifer Aniston, for example. While sweating on hot days is something we all endure, Aniston has a unique solution to this discomfort. She hires people specifically to fan her on sweltering days and hold ice cubes to her face whenever she needs a quick refresh. It’s a prime example of how demanding celebrity life can be.
Jennifer Aniston
Madonna
Let’s face it: reaching the pinnacle of fame often requires pushing boundaries and putting in hard work. While it might not always be pleasant, achieving success sometimes means doing things one might not be entirely proud of. Once you’re in the spotlight, there’s immense pressure to maintain a certain image and behavior. Madonna, with her long-standing presence in the spotlight, is no exception. To ensure everything runs smoothly, she even employs a food-intake assistant who meticulously tracks everything she eats and drinks throughout the day, keeping her accountable for her dietary choices.
Madonna
Sarah Jessica Parker
When you’re a world-famous celebrity, handling everything on your own becomes nearly impossible. With such demanding schedules and intense routines, seeking help is a necessity rather than a luxury. However, it’s often the nature of the requests made of staff that determines whether a celebrity is viewed as demanding or considerate. Actress Sarah Jessica Parker is known for treating her staff with respect and offering them generous salaries, which is quite rare among celebrity assistants. Despite this, she has her own quirks. For instance, it’s puzzling why she needs multiple versions of the same item in her home, especially considering that her residence is likely spacious enough to accommodate them.
Sarah Jessica Parker
Lady Gaga
It’s not realistic to think that you can be a “never hurt a fly” kind of person and simultaneously be an extreme diva, creative genius, and global celebrity. Sure, some people can live that kind of life, but it’s not for everyone. In an unsurprising turn of events, Lady Gaga used to be extremely controlling towards her assistants. Sometimes, you have to be brutal to get what you want in this world. Not only is one of them paying her overtime totaling $400,000, but she also allegedly forced her staff to take showers and sleep with her. They genuinely never spent any time alone together.
Lady Gaga
Kylie Jenner
Love them or loathe them, the Kardashian-Jenner family has undeniably carved out a significant place in the entertainment industry. However, their popularity appears to be on the decline. According to Cheat Sheet, there is a growing sense of indifference or outright dislike towards the family. Incidents like the ones we’ve discussed only add to the negative perception. The Kardashian-Jenner clan has always been a polarizing topic—while some admire their business acumen, others struggle to grasp what they are truly famous for. Regardless, their fame and fortune have come with a steep price, as every aspect of their lives is subjected to intense scrutiny by both the media and the public.
Kylie Jenner
Ben Stiller
Being a celebrity often comes with the ability to make demands that would be unimaginable for the average person. While some requests can be understood within the context of their high-profile lives, certain celebrities seem to push the boundaries of what is considered reasonable. For example, it might be surprising to learn that actor Ben Stiller is quite particular about his comforts. Although it’s understandable that repeatedly touching the condensation on a chilled drink in summer can be bothersome, having an assistant regularly wipe off the condensation to avoid this minor inconvenience seems like an excessive use of celebrity privilege.
Ben Stiller
Everything and Anything
Being a celebrity often comes with the expectation of having almost any desire fulfilled, regardless of the potential consequences. This sense of entitlement can lead to situations where the whims of the famous override the efforts of those around them. Imagine dedicating countless hours to organizing a $15,000 birthday party for an 8-year-old, only to have it canceled a week before the event. This type of behavior is something celebrities frequently get away with, simply because they can. The hard work and dedication of the staff involved can feel utterly wasted, with their efforts going unrecognized as the plans fall apart.
Everything and Anything
The Royal Family
If you’re contemplating a job with a celebrity or a high-profile individual, be prepared for a role that might significantly encroach on your personal life. The demands can be intense and sometimes seem unreasonable, but many choose to take on these responsibilities willingly. Working for members of the British Royal Family, for instance, is one of the most prestigious positions imaginable. In such roles, your own schedule, needs, and personal life often take a backseat to the royal duties and routines. It’s a demanding job where your priorities become secondary to theirs, but for many, the opportunity is worth the trade-off.
The Royal Family
Down-Right Bully
If you’ve ever experienced bullying, you understand how deeply hurtful it can be. Typically, bullying stems from a place of insecurity and a need for dominance, with individuals trying to assert themselves to feel better about their own shortcomings. It’s particularly shocking when celebrities, who already possess significant power and influence, engage in such behavior. The idea that a famous person would go out of their way to make their assistant feel inadequate, especially when they are publicly championing body positivity, is deeply troubling. It’s disheartening to think that someone in a position of power would degrade a young person about their body, especially when the celebrity’s public stance contradicts their actions.
Down-Right Bully
Jennifer Lopez
Being a celebrity often involves a demanding schedule and high-maintenance lifestyle, requiring a dedicated team to handle various aspects of their day-to-day activities. Given the effort they put into maintaining their careers and public image, it makes sense that their staff plays a crucial role in their success. The recent job advertisement for a new assistant on behalf of Jennifer Lopez (J.Lo) reflects this demanding nature. While it’s essential to outline all job responsibilities clearly, the intensity and high expectations mentioned might make potential applicants think twice. Working with J.Lo offers a unique opportunity, but it also comes with a significant commitment, potentially leaving little room for a personal life.
Jennifer Lopez
Katherine Heigl
It’s often observed that celebrities can sometimes exhibit a sense of entitlement, believing that the world should cater to their every whim. While their experiences and needs are significant, they are still just people like everyone else. For instance, Katherine Heigl, known for her roles in *Grey’s Anatomy* and *27 Dresses*, reportedly makes her assistants go to great lengths in search of Diet Coke. While everyone has their own preferences and boundaries, they shouldn’t come at the expense of others’ well-being. Perhaps it’s time for Heigl to reconsider her approach, as such behavior can contribute to a negative reputation in Hollywood.
Katherine Heigl
Martha Stewart
Some celebrities seem to operate under the belief that their needs and desires are of paramount importance, demanding immediate attention and service. Martha Stewart, a prominent television show host and lifestyle guru, is a prime example of this behavior. With a well-established track record in the spotlight, she has honed the art of getting exactly what she wants. Remarkably, Stewart reportedly employs nine different assistants and has even dispatched them to India solely to retrieve fabric. This level of demand and the sheer number of assistants she employs might make even royalty seem modest by comparison.
Martha Stewart
Taryn Manning
Hollywood fame often comes with intense pressures and demands, but that never justifies treating others poorly. Stressful situations test our ability to adapt and manage our emotions. Unfortunately, Taryn Manning, known for her role in *Orange is the New Black*, fell short of this standard in 2012. She had a severe altercation with her former personal assistant, which escalated into a physical confrontation involving choking. The altercation left her ex-assistant in a distressed physical state, leading them to obtain a restraining order against Manning. This incident highlights how even in the glamorous world of Hollywood, personal boundaries and respect should never be compromised.
Taryn Manning
Paula Deen
Hollywood is home to a diverse array of celebrities, from TV and film stars to singers and hosts. While many put on a charming front in the spotlight, their off-camera behavior can be quite different. Paula Deen, the renowned cooking show host, faced significant scrutiny in recent years over allegations of racism and sexual misconduct towards a former employee. These claims cast a shadow over her public persona. Although the lawsuit was eventually dismissed, the allegations have contributed to a more complex and controversial image of Deen, reminding us that even well-loved figures can have troubling aspects to their personal conduct.
Paula Deen
Mariah Carey
In the world of high-profile celebrities, the demands placed on staff can be extraordinarily intense. Mariah Carey, one of Hollywood’s most iconic divas, is no exception to this trend. According to reports, Carey has been known for her exacting standards and relentless demands. One of her former employees has alleged that they were subjected to grueling 24-hour workdays with no rest or meals, leading to a lawsuit against the singer. While these claims were reportedly settled out of court, they paint a picture of a work environment that is as demanding as it is glamorous. Such stories are a stark reminder of the pressures and challenges faced by those who work behind the scenes for some of the world’s biggest stars.
Mariah Carey
Anna Wintour
Even though some celebrities may not be in the constant spotlight, their impact and influence can be just as profound. A prime example of this is Anna Wintour, the renowned editor of Vogue magazine, who, while not always making headlines, holds considerable sway in the fashion world. The behind-the-scenes drama at Vogue was famously depicted in the book “The Devil Wears Prada”, penned by a former assistant. This book offered a glimpse into the demanding and high-pressure environment of working for Wintour. Though the story is fictionalized, it reflects the intensity and high expectations often associated with working for such a powerful figure. The book’s portrayal underscores the challenging dynamics and relentless pace that come with being in the orbit of a major celebrity or industry leader.
Anna Wintour
Keri Hilson
Given the demanding nature of being a personal assistant to a celebrity, it’s surprising that people still choose this career path. While it might offer valuable opportunities and career advancement, the stress, pressure, and constant feeling of inadequacy can be overwhelming. For instance, singer and songwriter Keri Hilson has been known to lose her temper with her personal assistants on occasion. One notable incident involved her lashing out over a minor mistake—a forgotten tag on stage attire. While such errors can be frustrating, the way they’re handled is crucial, and treating people with disrespect is never acceptable.
Keri Hilson
Beyonce
Let’s face it: reaching the top of the music industry and becoming one of the most renowned female singers in the world often involves exerting a fair amount of authority. While being demanding isn’t the most pleasant trait, it can be a necessary part of climbing to the top. Beyoncé, who has revolutionized the music industry and continues to push boundaries, commands considerable influence. When her expectations aren’t met or if someone falls short, she’ll make her feelings known. Ensuring that Beyoncé is kept happy and in top form is crucial to maintaining her exceptional standards and success.
Beyonce
Scott Rudin
When we think of celebrities, our minds often focus on the stars we see on screen or in music videos, rather than those working behind the scenes who shape their careers. Although these behind-the-scenes figures might not always be in the spotlight, they are celebrities in their own right. Take Scott Rudin, the renowned movie producer known for his impressive roster of films. However, his reputation is marred by his abusive behavior, having cycled through 250 employees between 2000 and 2005. Despite his successful filmography, recent reports of him smashing a computer over his assistant’s head have led many to question whether his achievements are worth the acclaim.
Scott Rudin
TMI
Becoming an assistant to a celebrity is a unique experience, as it rapidly transforms your role from an outsider observing them in tabloids and on screen to managing their schedule and handling personal appointments. This abrupt shift can be quite jarring for many. Imagine facing intense and sometimes bizarre requests from an employer—such as those that might seem overwhelming or intrusive. As a personal assistant, you are expected to cater to every whim and need of your celebrity boss, leading to a level of intimacy and involvement in their lives that makes almost anything seem permissible.
TMI
Christian Bale
When embarking on a career as a personal assistant to a celebrity, one quickly learns that the job demands exceptional dedication and hard work. While some may not immediately recognize this as grueling, it’s well-known in the industry that the role is among the most challenging. Christian Bale, known for his role as Batman, is notorious for pushing his personal assistants to their limits. Whether it’s fetching new socks or caring for his five pets, his assistants are expected to handle a wide array of tasks. Even Batman, it seems, requires a bit of extra help.
Christian Bale
Pick-Up Service
We’ve heard numerous tales suggesting that some celebrities believe they’re above the law in certain situations. Although they aren’t truly above the law, their ability to navigate tricky scenarios often involves others handling their less savory tasks. One personal assistant recounted their role in picking up illegal substances for their employer once a week. It was clear that the celebrity would never undertake this task themselves. However, it remained uncertain what fate would have befallen the assistant if they had been caught.
Pick-Up Service
Lance Armstrong
Being a celebrity isn’t limited to actors, singers, or socialites; it can extend to individuals in any profession who gain widespread recognition and admiration. Even those who don’t grace the big screen can still enjoy significant praise from their fans. For instance, disgraced Tour de France cyclist Lance Armstrong’s former assistant has shared insights into their experience working for the athlete. Given Armstrong’s use of performance-enhancing drugs, it’s perhaps unsurprising that he was more irritable than most. Ultimately, he discovered that actions have consequences, no matter how celebrated one may be.
Lance Armstrong
Fishing For Compliments
Everyone believes that celebrities are completely self-assured and don’t have any insecurities at all. People must not have anything to worry about since they are always thinking about how beautiful they are. However, you still feel as though something is missing even when you have everything. The friend of this person was only able to work as an A-list celebrity’s personal assistant for six months before she lost it due to the excessive self-praise and needless praise she received. It turns out that these individuals are among the most self-conscious even with a beauty team.
Fishing For Compliments
All Because of Pickles…
It’s well-known that celebrities can sometimes create significant problems for their staff and assistants, often magnifying minor issues into major incidents. Picture this: you follow every instruction meticulously, only to be met with a furious reaction because the meal you prepared is missing pickles and relish. It’s bewildering why some people think it’s acceptable to treat others so poorly over such trivial matters. We can easily imagine that the staff member, after making a new meal with the requested pickles and relish, might have been met with the original order thrown back in their face.
All Because of Pickles…