Celebrity Sex Tapes

Celebrity sex tapes are all the rage. For some reason, it seems that when a d-list actor, socialite or singer releases one, they gain the kind of notoriety that leads to fame and fortune. As a result, sex tapes featuring a not-so famous person are often a stepping-stone toward a successful career in Hollywood.

Below are five famous celebrities that boosted their star power by 'inadvertently' releasing a sex tape. If the world hadn't seen them doing the 'do', their star power wouldn't be as bright today. Naturally, most of them deny leaking a sex tape on purpose. Yet, none of them have refused any of the positive residual effects.

Paris

Hotel heiress Paris Hilton is the perfect example of how a celebrity sex tape can change a person's life. Prior to the release of her 2003 sex tape with then boyfriend Rick Salomon, Paris was just another pretty socialite trying hard to gain fame. Yet, after her steamy home movie hit the Internet, her star power went through the roof. In 2004, one year later, Paris was the star of a successful reality TV show called 'The Simple Life' and the co-author to a popular book titled 'Confessions of an Heiress'. She even had a million dollar modeling contract. Paris set the stage for other d-listers to release sex tapes and gain the kind of fame and money to last them a lifetime.

Ray J

For most of his life, Ray J was only known as the little brother of R&B sensation Brandy. In the 90s, he followed in his famous sister's footsteps and got into the music game. Consequently, his music didn't elicit the same kind of fan fare as sister Brandy. However, Ray J didn't give up hope. He kept plugging away and after years of dating girlfriend Kim Kardashian, he allegedly leaked a sex tape. As a consequence, Ray J's sexy appeal went through the roof. People everywhere, especially women, saw him as many candy. Twelve months later, his new single 'Sexy Can I' peaked at number 3 on music charts across the United States. He also got a reality TV show called 'For the Love of Ray J'. Since then, his name has become well known across America. Ray J is no longer Brandy's little brother. He's a bonafide celebrity that outshines everyone else in his family.

Vivica Fox

Vivica Fox is an actress who has been working since the late 80s. However, she's faced the same challenge many black women do in Hollywood - cross over appeal. Although her name has been well known in the black community for years, she wasn't as widely known outside to others. It wasn't until a rumored leak of an alleged sex tape that her career took a turn. In 2008, a rumor spread on the Internet of a celebrity sex tape involving Vivica. Supposedly, one of her love interests taped her with a cell phone pleasuring him. The news led Internet surfers to seek out her alleged tape and also inadvertently learn more about her life. After a while, it came to light that the tape was a hoax. Yet, the results were powerful. In 2008, she began to book roles on television shows that cater to a more diverse segment of society like 'Law and Order'. She also got her first reality TV show 'Glam God'. Therefore, the prank that some thought was leaked to hurt her image ended up opening a few more doors in Hollywood.

Kim Kardashian

In 2006, Kim Kardashian was a socialite mainly known for her online business and friendship with Paris Hilton. She had beauty, some money and sweet personality that kept her busy in Hollywood. Yet, she wasn't a household name. It wasn't until 2007 when a sex tape leaked of her and then boyfriend Ray J that the world took notice. The lengthy home movie of Kim on vacation with Ray J doing everything from eating out, going to the beach and, of course, have sex took the public by storm. Kim Kardashian became an instant sex symbol, which led to a reality TV show, 'Keeping up with the Kardashians', and multiple other opportunities. Unfortunately, right after the release of her infamous celebrity sex tape, Kim and Ray J broke up. Yet, her pain and anguish led to an upgrade. Kim Kardashian began dating professional athlete Reggie Bush soon after. He is one of the sexiest men on this earth and seems to fit Kim's style and taste better than her old flame. So, as the saying goes, all's well that ends well especially when it involves beef-cake.

Pamela Anderson

By the late 90s, actress Pamela Anderson was waning in star power. Her choice of movie roles were dwindling and the only thing keeping her name famous was the quirky detective show 'VIP'. In general, the public was growing weary of her dingy blonde image. However, in 2002, after 'VIP' ended, something else began - the leaking of a sex tape with her and ex-husband rocker Tommy Lee. This celebrity sex tape was a home movie of her and Tommy on their honeymoon. There was a lot of water, corny conversation and felatio. This sex tape caused such a stir on the Internet that the public took a second look at Pamela. The incident led to a lawsuit that ended up getting her half of a million dollar settlement. It also led to the revitalization of her career in Hollywood. From that point on, Pamela starred in at least one movie a year. Of course, till this day, Pamela says the release of her tape was an invasion of privacy. Yet, we all know, that the unveiling of her not-so secret life with Tommy gave way to a long lasting lucrative career in Hollywood.

These five celebrities are the ones who have benefited from the leaking of a celebrity sex tape. They have all used an embarrassing situation to their advantage and set a platform for other d-listers to make it in Hollywood.