Forbes's renowned '30 Under 30 List' stands as a peak of recognition, showcasing some of the globe's most promising individuals.
Spanning over the past 13 years, the honorees have risen to tech prominence, amassed fortunes, and emerged as cultural influencers.
However, a handful of those lauded found themselves entangled in controversy.
This year, Forbes unveiled its inaugural 'Hall of Shame' catalogue, spotlighting ten individuals who faced troubles years after gracing the '30 Under 30 List'. Here's a glimpse into those who made the cut:
Charlie Javice
In 2019, Charlie Javice got noticed for getting $16 million for Frank, a company that helps students find financial help.
However, in 2021, she sold the startup to JPMorgan Chase for $175 million, based on the claim of having 4.25 million users, a figure later revealed to be significantly lower.
Javice is set to face trial in October on charges of fraud and conspiracy.
Lucas Duplan
In 2014, Lucas Duplan secured a substantial $30 million for his mobile payments startup, Clinkle.
However, a series of missteps, including mass layoffs and extravagant property rentals in San Francisco, led to the demise of Clinkle by the end of 2015, rendering it a failed venture.
Nate Paul
Nate Paul, who was once in charge of a real estate empire valued at approximately $1 billion, is currently facing allegations of eight counts of deceiving lenders and subsequent indictments on four counts of fraud and conspiracy. His trial is scheduled for July.
Martin Shkreli
Martin Shkreli, co-founder of multiple pharmaceutical-focused hedge funds, faced conviction for unjustly inflating the prices of crucial medications used in treating parasitic infections, hiking the cost from $17.50 to $750 per tablet.
Banned for life from the pharmaceutical industry, Shkreli served four years in prison.
Sam Bankman-Fried and Caroline Ellison
Sam Bankman-Fried, the mastermind behind the cryptocurrency exchange FTX, and his partner Caroline Ellison, Co-CEO of Alameda Research, a cryptocurrency trading entity, have earned a place on the list due to intertwined allegations of financial misconduct.
Despite raising millions for their ventures in 2021 and 2022, both now confront legal predicaments that could result in a maximum 110-year prison term if convicted.
James O'Keefe
Media mogul James O'Keefe, leading Project Veritas for thirteen years, faced expulsion amid allegations of donor fund misuse.
Despite launching O'Keefe Media Group this year, similar accusations swiftly followed, prompting an ongoing investigation by the Westchester County District Attorney's Office.
Phadria Prendergast
The former editor-in-chief of Women of the City Magazine, Phadria Prendergast, stands accused of accepting "cash for coverage."
Allegedly absconding with approximately $195,000 from eleven former clients, she faces scrutiny over financial improprieties.
Steph Korey
Steph Korey, erstwhile co-founder and CEO of luggage brand Away, encountered disgrace as former colleagues accused her of fostering a bullying and toxic work environment.
Cody Wilson
Cody Wilson became famous for starting Defence Distributed, a non-profit that gives out free gun designs for 3D printing.
In 2019, he pleaded guilty to "Injury to a Child" after being apprehended for paying for sex with a 16-year-old.
Wilson, now a registered sex offender, received a seven-year probation sentence.
