genius-gone-awry

An event where an otherwise highly intelligent and gifted person deviates from their often impressive and potentially lucrative talent (either from outside pressure or impulsive miscalculation) and compromises their talent and self in a spiraling path of self-destruction. Often occurs in the absence of not having fellow geniuses to maintain a healthy environment of intelligence. Often in, the absence of great similar minds or stimulation of intellect, a great mind will often turn against itself and implode. This is not to be confused with mad genius or evil genius as these concepts are completely opposed.

Michael Richards' racial tirade, and his fruitless efforts make it funnier while only making it worse is genius-gone-awry.

Kurt Cobain and his drug-induced suicide, is genius-gone-awry.

Bill Clinton and his decision to get with Monica Lewinsky, is genius-gone-awry.