The actor was arrested in Sarasota, Florida for pleasuring himself during a movie at an adult movie theater, while visiting with relatives in July 1991. Now, as we all know, nothing can destroy a celebrity’s career faster and easier than the words sex scandal.
Especially in the case of actor Paul Reubens, the accusation of exposing himself in an adult theater was a real problem, given that he was the host of a children’s show.
Although many celebrities jumped to his defense, as well as ordinary people, claiming that what he did was far too harshly criticized and punished by the media, the Pee-wee product was being banished.
CBS pulled the five remaining reruns of Pee-wee’s Playhouse. Disney-MGM Studios withdrew a tape from their studio tour with Reubens’ voice. Also, Toys-R-Us removed Pee-wee toys from its stores.
