The 14 Celebrities Prince Couldn’t Stand

Prince, the enigmatic musical icon, left a legacy that intrigues even five years after his untimely passing.

Here’s a glimpse into the 14 celebrities who didn’t quite see eye to eye with the Purple One:

1. Katy Perry and Ed Sheeran
In his autobiography, Prince criticized the music industry’s push for artists like Perry and Sheeran, expressing his disapproval of their music. His candid remarks shed light on his disdain for what he perceived as manufactured pop culture, contrasting sharply with his creative ethos.

2. Justin Timberlake
Prince’s family opposed Timberlake’s planned holographic duet, reflecting a strained relationship between the two musicians. This tension highlighted Prince’s resistance to modern technological gimmicks, maintaining his artistic integrity even posthumously.

3. Madonna
Despite collaborating on “Love Song,” rumors of tension between Prince and Madonna persisted. Their relationship epitomized the clash of two iconic personalities within the music industry, with occasional collaborations overshadowed by underlying discord.

4. Pink
Prince questioned Pink’s authenticity in their interaction, leaving a memorable impression on the pop star. The exchange showcased Prince’s penchant for blunt honesty, challenging established artists to prove their artistic legitimacy.

5. Boy George
A playful exchange turned sour when Boy George claimed to have had a romantic encounter with Prince. This anecdote reflects Prince’s guarded personal life and the rumors that often surround his relationships, adding layers to his mystique.

6. Adam Levine
Prince was critical of Maroon 5’s cover of his song “Kiss,” emphasizing the importance of originality in art. His remarks underscored his uncompromising stance on artistic integrity, inspiring artists to strive for innovation rather than imitation.

7. Michael Jackson
Prince and Jackson had a competitive relationship behind the scenes despite their shared musical greatness. Their rivalry symbolized the dynamic between two towering figures in pop culture, each vying for supremacy in the music industry.

8. Dick Clark
Prince’s aversion to interviews led to uncomfortable moments, particularly with Dick Clark. These instances revealed Prince’s reluctance to conform to traditional media norms, maintaining an aura of mystery around his persona.

9. Wayne Coyne of The Flaming Lips
Despite admiration from The Flaming Lips, Prince wasn’t interested in their music, returning their CDs. The rejection highlighted Prince’s discerning taste and selective engagement with contemporary artists, further enhancing his enigmatic image.

10. The Kardashians
Prince famously kicked Kim Kardashian off stage during a concert, showcasing his disdain for reality TV stars. His actions exemplified his uncompromising attitude towards maintaining the sanctity of his performances, regardless of celebrity status.

11. Rick James
James accused Prince of copying his style, adding to their strained relationship. This feud epitomized the tensions between established artists vying for recognition and influence within the competitive music industry of the 1980s.

12. Sinead O’Connor
O’Connor’s memoir portrayed Prince negatively, citing instances of aggression. Her account sheds light on the complexities of Prince’s personality, revealing a darker side beneath his public persona.

13. Keith Richards
Richards wasn’t always complimentary of Prince, despite his posthumous condolences. Their intermittent clashes highlighted the diverse perspectives within the music industry, showcasing Prince’s ability to evoke strong reactions from his peers.

14. Jean-Paul Gaultier
A humorous misunderstanding between Gaultier and Prince led to a diplomatic incident over costume designs. This anecdote provided insight into Prince’s meticulous attention to detail and the occasional misinterpretations that arose from his unique personality.