At the 83rd annual Golden Globe Awards in Los Angeles, actor Mark Ruffalo turned heads not just for his fashion or his nomination, but for the stark political message he delivered on the red carpet. Ruffalo, known for his work in film and activism, and several fellow stars including Wanda Sykes, Jean Smart, Ariana Grande, and Natasha Lyonne wore symbolic pins with slogans like “BE GOOD” and “ICE OUT.” These pins were worn to honor Renee Nicole Good, a woman who was killed by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent in Minneapolis earlier this month, a tragedy that has sparked national outrage and protest.
The pins have become a focal point of celebrity activism at the event. Ruffalo and others explained that the accessory was meant both to remember Good and to draw attention to broader concerns about immigration enforcement, government accountability and humane treatment of people within the United States. Advocacy groups such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Move On and the National Domestic Workers Alliance supported the campaign behind the pins.
Strong Words About the U.S. President
When a reporter asked Ruffalo about the pin on the Golden Globe red carpet, the actor responded with a forceful critique of former President Donald Trump and his climate of leadership. Ruffalo went beyond simply explaining the symbol — he harshly criticized Trump’s actions, saying the nation is in a troubling period that he could not ignore, even at a glamorous entertainment industry event.
In multiple interviews, Ruffalo described the situation in the country as “not normal anymore,” saying that remaining silent while citizens feel terrorized is not an option. He said the pin was also “for the people in the United States who are terrorized and scared today” — and that the moment called for speaking out. Ruffalo’s comments included accusations that Trump’s policies disregard international law and put global stability at risk. The actor also criticized Vice President J.D. Vance, saying he has spread misinformation. Ruffalo went further in his wording, calling Trump “the worst human being” and using highly charged terms to describe him, part of a broader condemnation of the former president’s moral character and political record.
A Polarizing Reaction
The outspoken statements have prompted a reaction from political circles. The White House responded sharply to Ruffalo’s comments, calling his remarks among the most severe critiques they have heard from a Hollywood figure. Administration officials pushed back against his framing of events, signaling that the actor’s language and accusations crossed into fiercely partisan territory. Meanwhile, celebrity observers and media outlets noted that Ruffalo’s stance reflects a growing trend of entertainers using high-profile awards ceremonies to draw attention to political issues. Others at the event also took subtle or overt jabs at the administration; for instance, George Clooney made what viewers interpreted as a thinly veiled critique during his speech.
Blending Entertainment With Advocacy
The Golden Globes, typically a celebration of film and television achievements, became a stage for activism this year. Ruffalo’s remarks — and the widespread wearing of protest pins — illustrate how cultural events can intersect with public discourse on policy and leadership. Whether one sees this blending of celebrity influence and political commentary as appropriate or controversial, it underscores a moment in which Hollywood performers are visibly engaging with urgent national debates.
