By Neia Balao
9:00am PST, Dec 26, 2023
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Join us as we take a look back some of the biggest pop culture anniversaries that took place in 2023…
On Jan. 17, 1998 — 25 years ago — the Drudge Report broke the news of a major scandal involving then-President Bill Clinton. That day, the website ran an item alleging that Newsweek magazine had been sitting on a story that exposed an 18-month affair between the married, powerful president and White House intern Monica Lewinsky. Bill's infamous statement that he "did not have sexual relations with that woman" compounded the drama later in January 1998.
An investigation led to perjury charges and the president's eventual impeachment on Dec. 19, 1998; he was acquitted in a Senate trial. Now, all these years later — especially in the wake of #MeToo — there's been a shift in public perception concerning just how terribly Monica, who was 22 to Bill's 49 at the time the sexual relationship began, was treated as the story unfolded.
Keep reading for more pop culture anniversaries of 2023…
MORE: See the best photos of Monica Lewinsky as she turns 50 in 2023
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2023 marks 20 years since Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck canceled what should have been their (first) lavish wedding ceremony.
On Sept. 10, 2003 — four days before the "Gigli" co-stars were set to tie the knot in Montecito, California, on Sept. 14, 2003 — they issued a shocking joint statement announcing that they weren't getting married.
"Due to the excessive media attention surrounding our wedding, we have decided to postpone the date. When we found ourselves seriously contemplating hiring three separate 'decoy brides' at three different locations, we realized that something was awry," read their statement. "We began to feel that the spirit of what should have been the happiest day of our lives could be compromised. We felt what should have been a joyful and sacred day could be spoiled for us, our families and our friends."
They split four months later in January 2004… then rekindled their romance almost two decades later in 2021 before marrying — with two wedding ceremonies — in 2022.
MORE: Follow Wonderwall on MSN for more fun celebrity & entertainment photo galleries and content
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Chicken by the Sea? We'll never forget. "Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica," which saw pop stars Nick Lachey and Jessica Simpson navigate life as a recently married couple, captured the hearts of audiences when it debuted on MTV on Aug. 19, 2003. Now, 20 years later, it remains a favorite reality television show for many, even though Nick and Jessica split not long after it ended.
MORE: The wildest performance outfits of past MTV VMAs
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The indomitable Audrey Hepburn passed away 30 years ago on Jan. 20, 1993. The British actress, who's best remembered for her iconic portrayals in films like "Sabrina," "Funny Face," "Breakfast at Tiffany's" and "My Fair Lady," died from abdominal cancer at her home in Switzerland. She was 63.
MORE: Beautiful photos of Anna Nicole Smith in her prime
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Has it really been 15 years? On Jan. 20, 2008, audiences were first introduced to Vince Gilligan's Albuquerque, New Mexico-set crime drama that went on to alter the television landscape as we knew it. "Breaking Bad," which starred Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul as an unlikely duo that comes together to produce and distribute methamphetamine, aired for five seasons. The show, which spawned a sequel film, "El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie," and a prequel series, "Better Call Saul," is one of the most critically acclaimed TV series of all time.
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We couldn't be prouder of Lindsay Lohan's career (and fashion) renaissance — and how she turned her life around and became a mother for the first time in 2023 — but how glorious were her younger Disney days? Lilo starred as identical twins Hallie Parker and Annie James who, after being separated at birth, reconnect at summer camp in "The Parent Trap," which celebrates its 25th anniversary on July 29, 2023. The actress was just 12 when the movie came out.
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Twenty years ago, audiences around the world watched music icons partake in one of the most talked-about moments in pop culture history. During the MTV Video Music Awards on Aug. 28, 2003, Madonna notoriously locked lips with Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera during her performance of "Hollywood." Britney and Xtina donned lace looks á la Madge's iconic "Like a Virgin" performance ensemble at the 1984 VMAs.
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This year marks the 15th anniversary of Heath Ledger's tragic death. The "10 Things I Hate About You," "Brokeback Mountain" and "The Dark Knight" actor passed away on Jan. 22, 2008, in his New York City apartment from an accidental overdose of prescription medications. He was 28. Heath — who won a posthumous Oscar for his performance as the Joker in "The Dark Knight" — left behind toddler daughter Matilda, his only child with actress Michelle Williams, from whom he'd split months earlier. "I always say to Matilda… Your dad loved me before anybody thought I was talented, or pretty, or had nice clothes," Michelle later told Vanity Fair.
MORE: Most nostalgic photos of Heath Ledger
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Of all the major celebrity news stories to make headlines in the last few years, few are as heartbreaking as Britney Spears' telling of her mistreatment during her long-running conservatorship — which was first put in place 15 years ago. On Feb. 1, 2008, the "I'm a Slave 4 U" songstress was placed under a conservatorship with her father, Jamie Spears, and attorney Andrew M. Wallet as conservators. Earlier that year, Britney was put under an involuntary psychiatric hold amid a mental health crisis and also put under an initially temporary conservatorship that was meant to last just a few days. It was extended to months and eventually made permanent until its termination on Nov. 12, 2021.
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It's been 25 years since the sitcom "Family Matters" came to an end on July 17, 1998, after nine seasons. The "Perfect Strangers" spinoff made an annoying yet beloved contribution to pop culture: suspender-wearing nerdy neighbor Steve Urkel, played by actor Jaleel White.
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"Jurassic Park," the first installment of what's become one of Hollywood's most lucrative film franchises, celebrates its 30th anniversary on June 11, 2023. The 1993 Steven Spielberg-directed flick starring Sam Neill, Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum and Richard Attenborough became the highest grossing film ever at the time. It made a whopping $1.046 billion worldwide on a $63 million budget.
MORE: "Jurassic Park" cast: Where are they now?
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The love story that started it all! Many are skeptical when they think about the "The Bachelor" franchise — and we don't blame them. We will say, however, there once was a time when finding love on a reality television show seemed incredibly pure and real, and that time was during the inaugural season of "The Bachelorette," which debuted on Jan. 8, 2003 — 20 years ago! Trista Rehn's journey was documented by cameras and broadcast for all of America to witness — and it luckily paid off! The physical therapist and dancer found her forever love in firefighter Ryan Sutter, whom she married on Dec. 6, 2003. The newlyweds were paid $1 million in exchange for giving ABC the rights to televise their nuptials, which were broadcast as the three-episode special "Trista & Ryan's Wedding." It drew more than 26 million viewers. The best part? They're still together today!
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Hold on tight, Spider Monkey. Fifteen years ago on Nov. 21, 2008, Stephenie Meyer fans were given the ultimate treat when the romantic-fantasy flick "Twilight" — based on the 2005 novel of the same name — hit theaters. The film — the first in what was dubbed "The Twilight Saga" — introduced mainstream America to then up-and-coming stars Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson, who fell in love in real life just like their movie characters, Bella Swan and Edward Cullen. "Twilight" earned $407.1 million at the worldwide box office on a $37 million budget.
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The blueprint for teen dramas! On Jan. 20, 2022, "Dawson's Creek" celebrated 25 years since its historic debut on The WB. Following a group of friends in the fictional seaside town of Capeside, Massachusetts as they endured the trials and tribulations of coming of age, the show launched its stars, James Van Der Beek, Katie Holmes, Michelle Williams and Joshua Jackson, into the limelight. "Dawson's Creek" was credited with kicking off the ever-growing trend of teen-centered television shows in the late '90s and '00s.
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Remember when these two were an item? The early aughts gave us some noteworthy celebrity romances, but few garnered as much attention as Justin Timberlake and Cameron Diaz's relationship. The "Charlie's Angels" actress and the former *NSYNC heartthrob, who's nine years her junior, were first seen together 20 years ago in April 2003. They went on to date until December 2006.
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Be still our hearts! "High School Musical 3: Senior Year" celebrates its 15th anniversary on Oct. 24, 2023 — and we couldn't feel older. The film, which was the only installment in the Disney franchise to enjoy a theatrical release, was a heartfelt conclusion to the beloved trilogy starring Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale, Lucas Grabeel, Corbin Bleu and Monique Coleman. "Senior Year" made quite a splash at the box office — it raked in $252.9 million on an $11 million budget.
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2003 was a pretty big year for Beyonce, namely because the Destiny's Child singer released her debut solo album. "Dangerously in Love" came out on June 24, 2003, complete with the hit singles "Crazy in Love," which featured Bey's future husband, JAY-Z, "Baby Boy," "Me, Myself and I" and "Naughty Girl." Beyonce is seen here with her award for best female video for "Crazy in Love" at the MTV Video Music Awards 20 years ago.
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Dec. 18, 2023, marks 25 years since Nora Ephron's beloved romantic comedy "You've Got Mail" slid into theaters (and our hearts)! The 1998 flick saw "Sleepless in Seattle" co-stars Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan portray two New Yorkers who engage in an online romance without realizing they're actually business rivals. "You've Got Mail" earned $250.8 million worldwide on a $65 million budget.
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They really don't make 'em like this anymore. "The Simple Life," which starred former besties Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie, saw two Los Angeles-bred socialites swap their lavish lifestyles for low-paying jobs and manual labor in some of America's most rural towns. It gave viewers several memorable moments — like when Paris thought Walmart literally sold walls. The reality show debuted on FOX 20 years ago on Dec. 2, 2003.
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Despite being one of the bestselling female artists in history, R&B singer Toni Braxton was previously on the brink of financial ruin… twice. The first time came 25 years ago during the height of her career — Toni reportedly kept just $1,972 of the $170 million she generated in album sales. "What happens is they will give you an advance million on the next record and the next record so you kind of stay in debt in a sense," Toni said of her record label during an interview with ABC's "20/20." That, coupled with her indulgent spending on home decor, Toni was in rough financial shape in the '90s. To the shock of many, the "Un-Break My Heart" singer filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, which sees the liquidation of the debtor's assets, in 1998.
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If this track wasn't in your music rotation, were you really a '90s kid? Brandy and Monica's hit duet "The Boy Is Mine" celebrated its 25th anniversary on May 5, 2023. The R&B song, which debuted in 1998, was certified double platinum by the RIAA, is one of the longest running No. 1 songs in U.S. chart history and was nominated for three Grammy Awards.
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Ten years after the Los Angeles Police Department began investigating Michael Jackson based on claims he'd molested children, an arrest was made. Nearly 20 years ago on Nov. 20, 2003 — two days after police raided his Neverland ranch in Santa Barbara County, California — Michael was taken into custody. The King of Pop was eventually indicted on 10 criminal counts including child molestation, abduction, extortion and false imprisonment. After going to trial in February 2005, Michael — who always maintained his innocence — was acquitted of all charges that June.
