A Brief History of the Celebrity Sex Tape

Of all the scandalous things that develop gossip in Hollywood there is nothing more compelling then the celebrity sex tape. Much of the allure comes from seeing the A-list actors, musicians and socialites in their birthday suits performing the most lewd of acts, usually while smiling for the camera. Many have come and gone, with Paris Hilton and Pamela Anderson's being the most notorious, but there have been plenty that have come before the two heavyweights. With little regard for reputation, here is a brief history of what is now defined as the celebrity sex tape. Make sure the children aren't reading any further.

The most famous sex tapes to be released are undoubtedly Paris Hilton and Pamela Anderson. Though, the odd thing about the two stars is that there wasn't much shock value when the news was made; Anderson is known as a sex symbol and Hilton is generally known for being an idiot and showing up at events well dressed. Also, both cases didn't hurt either stars career or lack thereof for Paris Hilton. Hilton now receives payment for the sex tape and Pamela Anderson has been seen taking jokes about it in stride, both on film and during a roast in her honor. The same, however, cannot be said for many other stars, especially those that try desperately to block their wide distribution.

Actor Dustin Diamond, better known as Saved by the Bell's Screech notable released a sex tape that was meant to help boost his career. Instead, it pushed him even further out of the public eye and garnered a vicious backlash from critics. He can now be seen on Vh1's Celebrity Fit Club, even though he doesn't appear to have any real semblance of a weight problem. Tonya Harding also released a sex tape of her own accord in an attempt to improve her celebrity status, which ultimately failed in the same regard as Dustin Diamond's. A pattern of those who release the tape of their own accord having a reverse effect has begun to show up.