7 70s Celebrities Who Had Ridiculous Public Feuds

The 1970s had its share of iconic stars—and unforgettable conflicts. From singers to TV personalities, some celebrities couldn’t stay out of the headlines due to heated, sometimes absurd public feuds. These clashes often went beyond professional disagreements, turning into headline-worthy spectacles that captured fans’ attention. Here are ten ’70s stars who engaged in especially memorable feuds.

Elton John vs. David Bowie

Elton John and David Bowie were two of the biggest names in ’70s rock, but they didn’t get along. Elton once called Bowie a “snob,” while Bowie fired back by calling Elton the “token queen of rock.” Their feud sparked curiosity, as both artists held strong opinions and unique styles.

Though they eventually softened their stances, this clash revealed the intense rivalries in the rock scene. Their music still had them both topping charts, but fans enjoyed watching their occasional jabs as much as they loved the music itself.

Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Frazier

The Ali-Frazier rivalry dominated the world of boxing and was one of the sport’s most intense feuds. Ali often taunted Frazier with insults, calling him names like “Uncle Tom,” which Frazier felt crossed the line. Their animosity fueled legendary matches, culminating in the “Thrilla in Manila.”

While their fights were legendary, their conflict outside the ring added a personal layer that gripped fans. Ali’s sharp words and Frazier’s anger kept audiences captivated, creating a feud as memorable as their athletic performances.

Frank Sinatra vs. Woody Allen

Frank Sinatra and Woody Allen’s feud had a personal twist: it reportedly stemmed from Allen’s relationship with Sinatra’s ex-wife, Mia Farrow. Sinatra, known for his intense loyalty, was reportedly unimpressed with Allen and made it clear he didn’t approve, creating an ongoing animosity between the two.

Despite different careers, their feud added spice to Hollywood’s rumor mill. Fans were intrigued by how Sinatra’s tough-guy image clashed with Allen’s intellectual persona, making this an unusual but memorable feud.

Steve McQueen vs. Paul Newman

Both Steve McQueen and Paul Newman were seen as Hollywood’s leading men, but competition between the two led to a tense relationship. They reportedly argued over billing and screen time in movies like The Towering Inferno, showing how strong egos can clash even among friends.

While fans loved them on screen, their rivalry added a new level of interest. Known for their cool personas, seeing them at odds created a lasting impression, and the industry watched closely as each vied to be the top star.

John Lennon vs. Paul McCartney

The split of The Beatles was an emotional event for fans, and the feud between John Lennon and Paul McCartney only made it harder. Following the band’s breakup, Lennon and McCartney exchanged harsh words in interviews and even in their songs, making their disagreements very public.

This feud highlighted the tensions within one of the world’s most beloved bands. Their arguments became as famous as their music, leaving fans caught between the two as they debated the reason behind the legendary band’s end.

Cher vs. Sonny Bono

Cher and Sonny Bono’s marriage and musical partnership made them one of the ’70s most famous couples, but their split brought about a messy feud. Despite their friendly appearance on The Sonny & Cher Show, the two often argued over money, fame, and control, making their conflicts highly publicized.

Their on-air chemistry masked real tensions, and fans were fascinated by the contrast between their TV personas and behind-the-scenes drama. Their public disputes revealed the challenges of mixing work and romance, even for such an iconic duo.

Joan Collins vs. Linda Evans

Joan Collins and Linda Evans had an on-screen rivalry on Dynasty, but rumors suggested they didn’t get along off-screen either. Their characters’ frequent battles added fuel to the fire, and fans couldn’t help but wonder if their fictional rivalry mirrored real-life tensions.

Their show became known for its dramatic catfights, and the idea of an off-screen feud only added to the intrigue. The rumored tensions gave fans a reason to tune in, hoping to catch a glimpse of their supposed animosity in action.