Why Was Paul Reubens In Jail? Paul Reubens Controversy Explained

Paul Reubens, who is widely known for his iconic character Pee Wee Herman passed away on July 30. He has made people laugh for years, and every generation has memories of his classics, “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure” and the TV series “Pee-wee’s Playhouse.” He was deemed a prolific stage actor in Hollywood and also commended for his improvisational comedy.

Pee Wee Herman became a pop culture icon throughout the 1980s, as a legion of fans followed his tours and shows.

But the first stain of controversy hit his career when Reubens was arrested for indecent exposure in 1991. Then a decade later, he was again registered as a sex offender with severe connotations.

Let us uncover the controversies hidden behind the actor’s legacy.

Why Was Paul Reubens in Jail?

Paul Reubens became a household name in the 80s. His family-friendly image was loved by children and adults. Hence, people were shocked as a huge scandal emerged in 1991. Paul was spotted in an adult movie theater called the South Trail Cinema in Sarasota. Police conducted a raid at the theater where Paul was arrested for indecent exposure along with his three acquaintances.

To avoid a permanent record of these charges, he pleaded no contest. Instead, he had to complete the mandatory 75 hours of community service. According to New York Daily News, he was then released from jail after posting a $219 bond.

What Was Paul Reubens Charged For?

Almost a decade after his first controversy, Reubens faced severe allegations when police searched for his house with a state-approved search warrant. The officers discovered pornographic videos involving minors. Paul admitted to containing these pictures showing explicit images of children forced to pose in sexual pursuits.

But Reubens’s representatives flipped the narrative, saying that these materials were a part of his ‘art collection.’ Well, somehow, this worked. The actor was only fined $100 and released on probation.

Moreover, the child p*rn*graphy charges were reduced to just an obscenity case. He was thereafter released on probation.

After facing backlash, he finally commented on the controversy to the People Magazine–

“I am glad the prosecutors finally dismissed the child pornography charge without me or the taxpayers having to pay for a costly circus-like trial. I am disappointed any part of my art collection was ever deemed inappropriate. Taking responsibility by calling a few images in this collection ‘obscene’ and paying a $100 fine seemed like the sanest way to make it end.”

What Happened to Paul Rubens? Why Was the Pee-Wee Herman Show Cancelled?

Paul Reubens had to seek exile after the serious allegations, and he was soon dropped from significant projects and brand endorsements.

After these allegations surfaced, the actor became a recluse. Until he made a rare appearance on the Jimmy Kimmel show for the 35th anniversary of Pee-wee’s Big Adventure.

But the Pee Wee Herman Show reruns were pulled out from the broadcasting channels, and the merchandise was removed from the retail shelves following the allegations.

Paul couldn’t get as many roles in Hollywood, but he still managed to appear in minor roles on Gotham, Accidental Love, and Smurfs. But he finally retained his Pee Wee character after almost two decades in 2016 with the Netflix movie Pee-wee’s Big Holiday, which was surprisingly quite well-received.

However, these controversies still haunt his legacy, but some fans did support him until the end.

What are your thoughts on Paul’s controversies? Do you think he deserved prison time for his actions? Would you look past his scandals and appreciate his legacy?

Let us know your opinions in the comments section below.

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