why was james franco canceled

James Franco was "canceled" primarily due to multiple allegations of sexual misconduct and inappropriate behavior involving women who were students at his acting school. The controversy peaked around 2018 when several women accused him of exploiting his position of power as their teacher or mentor, pressuring them into uncomfortable and sexually exploitative situations, including requiring nudity and simulated sex acts beyond industry norms. These allegations led to a significant backlash in his career, with projects being canceled and his presence in Hollywood sharply reduced. A lawsuit filed by former students accused Franco and his partners of creating a culture of sexual exploitation under the guise of education, which was settled in 2021 with Franco agreeing to pay over $2 million in damages. Despite denying the allegations, Franco expressed gratitude over the forced career pause, saying it allowed him to reflect and change. Additionally, the fallout affected his personal relationships in the industry, notably the end of his friendship with Seth Rogen. Franco largely disappeared from the public eye after 2019 but has since been making a comeback with indie films while openly discussing the impact of these events on his life and career.