Actor Jared Leto is facing a wave of sexual misconduct allegations that threaten to derail his Hollywood career, even as he vehemently denies the claims.
Ten women have accused the Oscar winner of sexual misconduct, with four alleging criminal sexual conduct involving minors. The alleged incidents span from 2002 to 2016. Leto, 54, has not been charged and has called the claims "absolutely and categorically false."
Sources close to the actor told the Daily Mail that Leto is "devastated" by the accusations and is grappling with the potential impact on his career. "Jared's career in film, TV and on stage with his music is very much in trouble," one source stated. "He might be completely done, and he knows it. It is scary for him right now."
One woman, who was 16 at the time, described being groomed by Leto and accused him of making repeated sexually explicit phone calls. She alleges his team sent her a non-disclosure agreement, which she refused to sign. The BBC independently verified stories from four women who reported receiving "strange and often very sexual" calls from Leto when they were teenagers, corroborating their accounts with friends, family, and messages.
Two former crew members of Thirty Seconds to Mars also alleged that Leto routinely invited underage girls to his dressing room on tour or to his home. One woman recounted an alleged sexual assault in a motel bathroom when she was 17, and another claimed Leto had sex with her when she was 17, dismissing her concerns about her age.
Leto's recent film roles have underperformed at the box office, including "Tron: Ares," "Morbius," "Haunted Mansion," and "Masters of the Universe." The financial struggles of these projects, combined with the current allegations, could make it difficult for studios to cast him.
"With these allegations hanging over him, even though he has denied them, it could be years before another major opportunity presents itself," a source told the Daily Mail. "Many studios and brands are reluctant to take on the potential controversy that comes with casting or partnering with someone facing this level of public scrutiny."
Whispers of predatory behavior have circulated in industry circles for years. In 2005, the New York Post reported claims of Leto aggressively pursuing "underage objects of desire." Director James Gunn also alluded to similar behavior in a since-deleted tweet in 2018.
Despite the challenges, some insiders believe a comeback is possible with significant career success. However, with no current projects lined up, Leto may face immediate professional repercussions. His agency remains with him, but studios are increasingly cautious about associating with actors embroiled in controversy.
Leto's music career with his band 30 Seconds to Mars appears unaffected, with their tour still slated to begin in April 2027. Nevertheless, sources close to the actor suggest the impact of these allegations could be permanent, affecting how he is perceived and potentially blocking future professional opportunities.