Jared Leto Faces Renewed Scrutiny Amid Sexual Misconduct Allegations and Mixed Box Office Performance

Recent reports have brought renewed attention to actor and musician Jared Leto, following a series of sexual misconduct allegations and a continued pattern of varied critical and box office reception for his film projects. The discussion gained traction after a tweet from user Jenny Nicholson highlighted public perceptions of Leto, stating, "How come major film studios keep being like Jared Leto may have allegations, but at least he looks weird, stars in box office bombs, and is not a good actor."

A comprehensive report by Air Mail, subsequently covered by numerous reputable news outlets in June 2025, detailed sexual misconduct allegations from nine women against the 53-year-old star. These accusations, some dating back to the mid-2000s, include claims of inappropriate texting with teenagers, exposing himself, and using sexually aggressive language. Leto's representatives have "expressly denied" all allegations, and no criminal charges or civil suits have been publicly filed against him. The timing of these resurfaced allegations has prompted industry discussions, particularly as Leto has upcoming roles in major films like Tron: Ares and Masters of the Universe.

Leto's filmography presents a contrasting picture of critical success and commercial struggles. While he earned an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Dallas Buyers Club (2013) and received praise for performances in films like Requiem for a Dream, his more recent high-profile ventures have faced significant challenges. His portrayal of the Joker in Suicide Squad (2016) was widely panned by critics, and the 2022 Marvel-Sony collaboration Morbius, in which he starred, became a notable box office bomb and critical failure, achieving a mere 15% on Rotten Tomatoes.

Despite these cinematic setbacks, Leto maintains a significant public profile, often associated with his band Thirty Seconds to Mars and his distinctive public persona. His method acting approach has garnered both admiration and criticism, with some observers finding it to be a compelling dedication to his craft, while others view it as gimmicky or distracting. The ongoing public discourse reflects a complex perception of Leto, balancing his past accolades with recent controversies and a fluctuating professional trajectory.