17 Scandals That Rocked the ’80s
From political corruption to Hollywood shockers, the 1980s were full of jaw-dropping scandals.
- Chris Graciano
- 4 min read
The ’80s weren’t just about big hair and neon colors, they were also packed with controversy. From political betrayals to celebrity downfalls, the decade saw plenty of shocking moments that captured headlines. Here are 17 of the biggest scandals that left the world stunned.
1. The Iran-Contra Affair (1986)
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A secret arms deal exposed the U.S. government selling weapons to Iran and using the money to fund Nicaraguan rebels. This illegal operation went against American law and international policies.
2. The Keating Five Scandal (1989)
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Five U.S. senators were accused of helping savings and loan executive Charles Keating avoid banking regulations. Their intervention cost taxpayers billions when Keating’s empire collapsed.
3. The Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker Televangelist Scandal (1987)
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Religious power couple Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker built a Christian empire—until it crumbled under fraud allegations. Jim was caught embezzling millions and paying hush money to cover up a sexual assault accusation.
4. The Exxon Valdez Oil Spill (1989)
Roach R Will, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on Wikimedia Commons
A tanker carrying millions of gallons of oil ran aground in Alaska, spilling crude into the ocean. It became one of the worst environmental disasters in U.S. history.
5. The 1980 Olympics Boycott
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In response to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, the U.S. led a boycott of the 1980 Moscow Olympics. More than 60 countries refused to participate, angering athletes who lost their shot at glory.
6. The PTL Club Scandal (1987)
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Jim Bakker’s Christian TV network wasn’t just a fraud—it was also hiding sexual misconduct. Reports emerged that Bakker had paid off a church secretary to keep quiet about his assault.
7. The 1987 Stock Market Crash
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On “Black Monday,” the Dow Jones plummeted by over 22% in a single day. It was the biggest market crash since the Great Depression. Many feared another economic collapse, but recovery was surprisingly quick.
8. The Ivan Boesky Insider Trading Scandal (1986)
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Wall Street investor Ivan Boesky became the face of corporate greed when he was caught using illegal stock tips. His insider trading scheme earned him hundreds of millions before authorities cracked down.
9. The Jeffrey Archer Perjury Case (1987)
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British politician and novelist Jeffrey Archer sued a newspaper for libel and won—until the truth surfaced. He had lied in court to cover up an affair, leading to perjury charges.
10. The Nancy Reagan Astrology Revelation (1988)
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It was revealed that First Lady Nancy Reagan consulted an astrologer to help schedule the president’s events. Some laughed it off, but others saw it as alarming.
11. The Max Headroom Signal Hijacking (1987)
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A mysterious hacker took over two Chicago TV broadcasts, interrupting them with bizarre footage of a man in a Max Headroom mask. The unsettling video left viewers confused and authorities scrambling for answers.
12. The Chappaquiddick Fallout (1980)
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Though the infamous car accident that killed Mary Jo Kopechne happened in 1969, its consequences haunted Senator Ted Kennedy into the ’80s. His failed 1980 presidential run was largely due to lingering doubts about his role in the tragedy.
13. The Robert Chambers “Preppy Killer” Case (1986)
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Robert Chambers became infamous for the brutal killing of Jennifer Levin in New York’s Central Park. Dubbed the “Preppy Killer,” his good looks and privileged background fueled media frenzy.
14. The Three Mile Island Nuclear Accident (1979-1980s Fallout)
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The 1979 meltdown at a Pennsylvania nuclear plant caused widespread panic, but its long-term effects stretched into the ’80s. Investigations revealed major safety lapses and government mismanagement.
15. The Spiro Agnew Bribery Case (1980)
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Though former Vice President Spiro Agnew resigned in 1973 over bribery charges, new evidence emerged in the ’80s that he had continued shady dealings. He allegedly received kickbacks even after leaving office.
16. The Gary Hart Affair (1987)
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Presidential hopeful Gary Hart was a front-runner for the Democratic nomination—until rumors of an affair surfaced. When he dared the press to follow him, they caught him with model Donna Rice.
17. The “Satanic Panic” (1980s)
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A wave of paranoia swept America as people feared secret satanic cults were abusing children. Baseless allegations led to wrongful convictions, ruined lives, and widespread hysteria.