12 Celebrity-Endorsed Products That Were Totally Unhinged
Celebrity endorsements usually aim to boost sales, but sometimes they take a wild turn into the truly bizarre. Over the years, stars have lent their names and faces to products that left fans confused or laughing. Some were quirky, some were tasteless, and a few were downright head-scratching.
- Tricia Quitales
- 5 min read
Celebrities have been tied to some strange product launches, many of which didn’t age well. From odd food items to personal hygiene lines, these 12 products stand out for all the wrong reasons. While some created short-lived trends, others vanished as fast as they appeared. These celebrity tie-ins show how unpredictable marketing can be when mixed with fame. Whether cringe-worthy or just plain weird, they remain unforgettable parts of pop culture.
1. Shaq Fu Video Game
Airman 1st Class Alex Gouchnour, U.S. Air Force on Wikimedia
Basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal once starred in a martial arts video game called Shaq Fu. The game had him fighting monsters and ninjas for no clear reason. Critics panned it for its odd plot, poor gameplay, and confusing graphics. It became a cult classic not for quality but for how ridiculous it was. No one expected a basketball star to save the world with kung fu kicks.
2. KISS Casket
Casablanca Records on Wikimedia
Rock band KISS took their branding to the grave by selling official KISS-themed coffins. Fans could be buried in a shiny black box with the band’s logo and images. It was marketed as a final tribute for super fans. Even Dimebag Darrell from Pantera was reportedly buried in one. It proved there’s no limit to merchandising if you’re loud enough.
3. Donald Trump Steaks
Shealeah Craighead on Wikimedia
Sold through a home shopping network and later through Sharper Image, Trump Steaks were branded as “the world’s greatest.” They came in luxury-style packages with high prices and no clear reason for existing. Critics mocked the quality, and customers questioned why a real estate mogul was selling meat. The product quickly disappeared from shelves. It’s remembered more for the confusion than the flavor.
4. Beyoncé’s Heat Fragrance Commercials
Jen Keys on Wikimedia
While the perfume itself wasn’t that strange, the over-the-top commercials were something else. Beyoncé appeared in glowing red lighting, whispering and moving dramatically through steamy scenes. The ads were so intense that some were banned during daytime television. Parents complained that the content was too suggestive for young viewers. The scent sold well, but the commercials left viewers puzzled.
5. Steven Seagal’s Lightning Bolt Energy Drink
Khom-manag, cropped by Dr. Blofeld on Wikimedia
Actor and martial artist Steven Seagal once launched his own energy drink called Lightning Bolt. It came in flavors like “Asian Experience” and promised focus, power, and performance. Critics slammed the odd packaging and over-the-top marketing. It quickly vanished from stores and became a running joke online. Few people actually saw it, but many remember the wild idea.
6. Jessica Simpson’s Edible Beauty Products
Mike Kaplan on Wikimedia
Jessica Simpson launched a beauty line called Dessert that featured edible lip gloss, lotions, and body sprays. While the idea sounded fun at first, things got weird fast. Many critics said it crossed the line between skincare and a candy store. Some products melted easily or had odd textures. The brand faded out after legal issues and growing concerns about kids eating lotion.
7. Hulk Hogan’s Pastamania
Petty Officer 1st Class Kristin Fitzsimmons, USN on Wikimedia
In the ’90s, wrestling icon Hulk Hogan opened a pasta-themed restaurant called Pastamania inside a mall. The menu featured items like “Hulk-U’s” and “Hulkaroni.” It was promoted heavily during wrestling shows but didn’t last long. Customers weren’t impressed by the food, and the theme felt forced. The business closed quickly, but the name lives on in infamy.
8. Britney Spears’ Doll Collection
Arthur604 on Wikimedia
During the peak of her fame, Britney Spears had a line of dolls that tried to capture her stage outfits and poses. Some were poorly made and had strange facial expressions. Parents complained about the skimpy clothing on dolls meant for young girls. Still, they sold in large numbers for a while. The idea was big, but the execution missed the mark.
9. Sylvester Stallone’s High-Protein Pudding
Sgt. 1st Class Gregory Williams on Wikimedia
Action star Sylvester Stallone created a line of fitness products, including a pudding that promised muscle-building power. It came in cans and was targeted at bodybuilders and health fans. While not harmful, it confused many of Stallone’s fans who expected movie roles, not dessert. The branding felt overly serious for such a simple snack. Eventually, the product was pulled from the market.
10. Paris Hilton’s Canned Prosecco
Office of Congressman Greg Steube on Wikimedia
Paris Hilton launched a line of sparkling wine in a can, complete with pink labels and her photo. It aimed to be a fun, glamorous drink for young adults. However, critics said it tasted cheap and felt more like a novelty than a real product. Sales didn’t last, and the product quietly disappeared. The packaging got more attention than the drink itself.
11. The Monkees Cereal
Neko Cholis on Wikimedia
At the height of their TV fame, The Monkees released a breakfast cereal shaped like guitar picks. It had colorful packaging and prizes inside but not much flavor. Fans bought it for the box more than for the taste. Like many band-themed cereals, it didn’t stay on shelves for long. Still, it’s a strange moment in music and marketing history.
12. Kim Kardashian’s “Glam Screen”
The Heart Truth on Wikimedia
Kim Kardashian released a phone screen protector that doubles as a mirror, allowing users to check their makeup. It sounded helpful but got mocked for being overly vain. Some said it didn’t protect phones well and made screens hard to see. Others joked it was made just for selfies, not safety. The product faded from stores without much notice.