Throughout history, the label ‘rat’ has been given to individuals who informed on others, often to law enforcement or political authorities. In the world of crime, politics, entertainment, and even sports, the act of turning on one’s associates can bring safety, reduced sentences, or public exposure along with infamy. Whether seen as traitors or whistleblowers, these famous people who ratted changed the course of events, sometimes shifting the balance of power entirely. Understanding the motives and consequences behind their actions reveals the complicated dynamics of loyalty, justice, and survival.
Mob Informants Who Turned the Tables
Sammy The Bull Gravano
One of the most well-known figures who ratted on organized crime associates is Sammy Gravano. As the underboss of the Gambino crime family, Gravano was deeply involved in numerous murders and mob operations. However, in 1991, facing life in prison, he chose to testify against his boss, John Gotti. His testimony was instrumental in bringing down Gotti and several other high-ranking members of the Mafia.
Gravano’s decision shook the world of organized crime. He was seen by some as a coward, while others viewed him as someone who chose survival over loyalty. In exchange for his cooperation, he served only a few years in prison before entering witness protection though he later left the program and resurfaced publicly.
Henry Hill
Henry Hill’s life story became widely known through the film Goodfellas. As a former associate of the Lucchese crime family, Hill was involved in various illegal activities, including the infamous Lufthansa heist. When he faced drug charges in the early 1980s, he turned informant and helped convict more than 50 people.
Hill’s decision to cooperate with authorities meant living under constant threat. Like Gravano, he entered witness protection but eventually left the program and lived openly, even making media appearances. His case highlights how one insider can dismantle an entire criminal network by choosing to speak out.
Celebrity Whistleblowers and Public Figures
Jose Canseco
In the world of sports, few revelations were as explosive as Jose Canseco’s 2005 book, Juiced. The former Major League Baseball star exposed rampant steroid use in professional baseball, naming several high-profile players. Canseco admitted to his own use and accused others of doing the same.
While some applauded Canseco for shedding light on performance-enhancing drugs in sports, others saw him as a snitch trying to cash in on controversy. His admissions led to congressional hearings and tarnished the reputations of many baseball icons. He remains a controversial figure in sports history.
Edward Snowden
Edward Snowden’s name became synonymous with whistleblowing when he leaked classified documents in 2013. A former NSA contractor, Snowden revealed details about global surveillance programs run by the U.S. government. While some hailed him as a hero defending privacy and civil liberties, others labeled him a traitor for compromising national security.
Snowden fled the country and eventually received asylum in Russia. His disclosures sparked widespread debate about surveillance, transparency, and the role of government. Although he did not inform for personal gain, his case is often included in discussions about famous individuals who exposed sensitive information.
Political Turncoats and Informers
Richard Nixon’s White House Informants
During the Watergate scandal, multiple insiders came forward to reveal the extent of corruption within the Nixon administration. The most famous of these was ‘Deep Throat,’ later revealed to be FBI Associate Director Mark Felt. Felt provided critical information to reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, which helped uncover the truth behind the break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters.
Though Felt’s identity remained secret for decades, his decision to leak information was central to the resignation of President Richard Nixon. His case raises important ethical questions about loyalty to institutions versus loyalty to the public interest.
Michael Cohen
Michael Cohen, former personal attorney to Donald Trump, turned on his former boss during investigations into campaign finance violations and other misconduct. In 2018, Cohen testified before Congress and provided documents and testimony that contradicted statements made by Trump and his allies.
While Cohen admitted to lying to Congress earlier in his career, his later cooperation led to significant legal and political consequences. Like other famous informants, his motivations were complex, involving both remorse and legal pressure. His transformation from trusted insider to outspoken critic was one of the most dramatic of recent years.
Pop Culture Figures Who Turned Informants
Tekashi 6ix9ine
Rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine (Daniel Hernandez) made headlines when he cooperated with federal prosecutors against members of the Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods. Facing decades in prison for racketeering, weapons, and drug charges, he opted to testify against his former gang affiliates in 2019.
His decision quickly became one of the most high-profile modern examples of someone ratting for a lighter sentence. Although he received protection and served less time, Tekashi was widely mocked and criticized in the music community. Despite the backlash, he returned to public life and continued his music career, though under intense scrutiny.
Whitey Bulger’s Informant Role
James Whitey Bulger was a notorious Boston crime boss who secretly worked as an informant for the FBI while continuing to commit violent crimes. He provided information on rival gangs in exchange for protection, manipulating the system to eliminate competition.
His dual role as both mobster and informant eventually came to light, leading to one of the biggest scandals in FBI history. Bulger’s story illustrates how informants can use law enforcement for personal gain while remaining deeply involved in criminal enterprises.
Why People Turn Informant
Common Motivations
- Reduced Sentences: Facing long prison terms, many individuals flip to receive lighter punishment.
- Revenge or Betrayal: Some inform due to personal vendettas or feelings of betrayal.
- Moral Awakening: Others claim to have a change of heart and want to do the right thing.
- Pressure from Authorities: Legal and psychological pressure can compel people to cooperate.
Understanding the reasons behind these decisions is essential in judging their actions. Not all informants act for noble reasons, and not all are villains. Context matters.
The list of famous people who ratted is long and varied, spanning different industries and eras. From mobsters like Sammy Gravano to whistleblowers like Edward Snowden, the act of informing often comes with heavy consequences. Some are seen as brave truth-tellers; others are labeled traitors who turned on their friends or allies. Regardless of public perception, these individuals shaped major events by choosing to speak up, whether for justice, survival, or personal gain. Their stories reveal the complex interplay between loyalty, ethics, and self-preservation, making them enduring subjects of public fascination and debate.