Asshole Of The Year: Who Stole The Spotlight In 2023?

Carol Howe 18 May 2025

Let’s be real here, folks. The term "asshole of the year" might sound like a joke, but it's become a cultural phenomenon that sparks debates, laughter, and sometimes even outrage. Every year, there’s always someone who manages to grab the spotlight—not always for the right reasons—and this year is no different. Whether it's a celebrity, politician, or even a random person on the internet, they’ve all had their fair share of moments where they’ve left us scratching our heads and muttering, "What the heck?" So, who exactly deserves the title of "asshole of the year" in 2023? Let’s dive in and find out!

Now, before we get too deep into this, let me clarify something. This isn’t just about calling people names or spreading negativity. It’s about recognizing behaviors, actions, and decisions that have a real impact on society. Whether it’s someone who’s been toxic, selfish, or just plain out of touch, these individuals remind us why accountability and empathy are so important.

And hey, don’t worry—this isn’t all doom and gloom. We’ll also highlight some of the lessons we can learn from these so-called "assholes" and maybe even laugh a little along the way. After all, life’s too short to take everything too seriously, right? So grab your popcorn, and let’s get started.

What Is an Asshole, Anyway?
Celebrity Assholes: When Fame Goes Wrong
Political Assholes: Power Trips Galore
Internet Assholes: The Rise of Toxicity Online
Business Assholes: Greed Over Good
Everyday Assholes: The Ones You Encounter Daily
Lessons Learned: What Can We Take Away?
The Psychology of Assholes: Why Do They Act This Way?
How to Deal With Assholes in Your Life
Final Thoughts: Is Being an Asshole Ever Justified?

What Is an Asshole, Anyway?

Let’s start with the basics. What does it mean to be an asshole in 2023? Is it someone who cuts you off in traffic, or is it someone who uses their power to hurt others? Turns out, it’s a bit more complicated than that. According to psychologist Aaron James, an asshole is someone who allows themselves to be special exceptions to the rules that govern everyone else.

Think about it. When someone behaves like they’re above the law, or when they disregard the feelings and needs of others, they’re essentially saying, "The rules don’t apply to me." And let’s be honest, we’ve all met someone like that at some point in our lives.

Defining the Term

But here’s the thing: not all assholes are created equal. Some are overtly aggressive, while others are more subtle in their behavior. There are also different types of assholes, from the narcissistic jerk to the passive-aggressive slacker. Each one has their own way of driving people up the wall.

For example, a narcissistic asshole might constantly interrupt conversations to talk about themselves, while a passive-aggressive asshole might "accidentally" forget to do something important just to annoy you. And don’t even get me started on the entitled ones who think they deserve special treatment just because they have money or power.

Celebrity Assholes: When Fame Goes Wrong

Let’s face it, celebrities are often held to a higher standard. They’re in the public eye, and their actions can have a ripple effect on millions of people. But sometimes, all that fame can go to their heads. In 2023, we’ve seen our fair share of celebrity meltdowns, scandals, and just plain bad behavior.

Case Studies: The Worst Offenders

Justin Bieber’s Road Rage Incident: Remember when he got into a heated argument with a fan over parking? Yeah, that didn’t go over well.
Kanye West’s Twitter Tirades: The man loves to stir up controversy, and this year was no exception. From calling out other artists to making bizarre political statements, he kept us entertained—and outraged.
Kim Kardashian’s Legal Troubles: While she’s mostly known for her business acumen, her legal battles this year reminded us that even the rich and famous aren’t immune to mistakes.

But here’s the thing: these celebrities aren’t just random people. They have platforms, and with that comes responsibility. When they act like assholes, it affects not just themselves but also their fans and the public at large.

Political Assholes: Power Trips Galore

Now, let’s talk about politics. Whether you’re on the left, right, or somewhere in the middle, there’s no denying that politics can bring out the worst in people. In 2023, we’ve seen our fair share of political assholes who have made headlines for all the wrong reasons.

Top Political Assholes of the Year

Donald Trump’s Continued Drama: Love him or hate him, there’s no denying that he’s a master at stirring up controversy. From lawsuits to election disputes, he’s kept the world guessing.
Boris Johnson’s Resignation Fallout: The former UK Prime Minister left office with a bang, leaving behind a trail of scandals and broken promises.
Vladimir Putin’s War Efforts: While he might not be an asshole in the traditional sense, his actions in Ukraine have had devastating consequences for millions of people.

These leaders remind us that power, when wielded irresponsibly, can lead to chaos. And while we might not agree with their politics, their actions have real-world consequences that affect us all.

Internet Assholes: The Rise of Toxicity Online

Let’s not forget about the internet. In 2023, social media has become a breeding ground for toxic behavior. From trolls to keyboard warriors, the internet is full of people who love nothing more than to stir up trouble.

Why Is the Internet So Toxic?

There are a few reasons for this. First, anonymity gives people a sense of freedom they wouldn’t have in real life. Second, algorithms often amplify negative content because it generates more engagement. And third, well, some people are just jerks.

But here’s the good news: we’re starting to see more awareness around this issue. Platforms like Twitter and Facebook are cracking down on hate speech and misinformation, and users are becoming more vocal about their experiences with online toxicity.

Business Assholes: Greed Over Good

Businesses, like people, can also be assholes. In 2023, we’ve seen companies prioritize profits over people, engage in unethical practices, and even exploit their workers. It’s a reminder that not all businesses are created equal.

Examples of Business Assholes

Amazon’s Worker Treatment: While they’ve done a lot to revolutionize online shopping, their treatment of warehouse workers has been heavily criticized.
Facebook’s Data Scandals: From Cambridge Analytica to election interference, Facebook has a lot to answer for.
Boeing’s Safety Issues: The 737 Max scandal was a wake-up call for many about the dangers of cutting corners for profit.

These companies remind us that corporate responsibility isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a necessity. When businesses act like assholes, it affects not just their employees but also their customers and the environment.

Everyday Assholes: The Ones You Encounter Daily

Finally, let’s talk about the everyday assholes—the ones you encounter in your day-to-day life. Whether it’s the guy who cuts you off in traffic or the coworker who takes credit for your ideas, these small annoyances can add up over time.

How to Identify Everyday Assholes

They consistently prioritize themselves over others.
They have little regard for social norms or rules.
They often blame others for their mistakes.

But here’s the thing: dealing with everyday assholes is a skill. Whether it’s setting boundaries or learning to let things go, there are ways to handle these situations without losing your cool.

Lessons Learned: What Can We Take Away?

So, what have we learned from all of this? First, being an asshole isn’t just about being mean—it’s about a lack of empathy and accountability. Second, we all have the power to make a difference in how we treat others. And third, sometimes, the best thing we can do is laugh at the absurdity of it all.

Whether it’s a celebrity meltdown, a political scandal, or just a random person on the internet, these moments remind us of the importance of kindness, empathy, and accountability. And who knows? Maybe next year, we’ll see fewer assholes and more heroes.

The Psychology of Assholes: Why Do They Act This Way?

Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty. Why do some people act like assholes? Is it nature or nurture? According to psychologists, there are a few factors at play. First, some people are simply wired differently. They might have personality traits like narcissism or psychopathy that make them more likely to behave selfishly.

Second, environment plays a big role. If someone grows up in a household where selfish behavior is normalized, they’re more likely to replicate that behavior in their own lives. And third, sometimes it’s just a matter of circumstance. Stress, pressure, and other external factors can bring out the worst in even the nicest people.

How to Deal With Assholes in Your Life

So, what can you do when you encounter an asshole in your life? Here are a few tips:

Stay Calm: Reacting emotionally can often escalate the situation.
Set Boundaries: Let them know what behavior you won’t tolerate.
Focus on Solutions: Instead of dwelling on the problem, focus on finding a way to move forward.

Remember, you can’t control how other people behave, but you can control how you react. And sometimes, the best thing you can do is walk away.

Final Thoughts: Is Being an Asshole Ever Justified?

In conclusion, the title of "asshole of the year" isn’t one to be proud of. Whether it’s a celebrity, politician, or just a random person on the internet, being an asshole has real consequences. But here’s the thing: we all make mistakes. The key is learning from them and striving to be better.

So, what do you think? Who deserves the title of "asshole of the year" in 2023? Let us know in the comments, and don’t forget to share this article with your friends. And hey, if you’re looking for more content like this, be sure to check out our other articles. After all, life’s too short to waste on negativity, right?

How not to be an asshole when you quit your job Zendesk

Am I The Asshole? A Memoir by Brandon Day Goodreads

Genuine Asshole Merit Badge Patch Made in USA Fun Emblem

The Game-Changing Ride