cause celebre (noun)

1. In the novel, the scandalous affair became a cause célèbre, captivating readers with its shocking details.

2. The superhero's battle against the evil mastermind became a cause célèbre, drawing the attention of both crime-fighters and citizens alike.

3. The unexpected wedding proposal at the public park quickly became a cause célèbre, leaving an air of romance and excitement in the hearts of the witnesses.

4. The mischievous antics of the animated characters became a cause célèbre, leading to widespread discussions and fan theories among cartoon enthusiasts.