During the 83rd Golden Globe Awards on Sunday, several prominent figures took the opportunity to voice their concerns regarding U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This came shortly after the tragic shooting death of Renee Nicole Good.
Notable stars such as Mark Ruffalo, Wanda Sykes, Jean Smart, Ariana Grande, and Natasha Lyonne sported pins emblazoned with messages like “BE GOOD” and “ICE OUT.” Sykes, addressing reporters on the red carpet before the show, remarked, “This is for the mothers lost to ICE agents, and it’s heartbreaking. I know protests are ongoing today, but it’s vital we speak up. We must shut down this rogue government; their actions are simply awful.”
Smart donned a pin while receiving her award for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Series, Musical or Comedy.
The “BE GOOD” pin aims to honor both Renee Macklin Good and Keith Porter, while also encouraging kindness and connection amid such tragedies. It implores individuals to be good neighbors, friends, and fellow citizens even in hard times.
Good’s death occurred after she reportedly swerved her car toward an ICE officer, leading to the fatal shooting. Protests erupted in Minneapolis following the incident, with criticism aimed at ICE’s actions from local leaders, including the city’s mayor, Jacob Frey.
In contrast, the Department of Homeland Security defended the officer, portraying Good’s actions prior to the shooting as “an act of domestic terrorism.”
As the political protests unfolded on the Golden Globe red carpet, social media users shared mixed reactions. Some commended the celebrities for their bravery, while others criticized them, labeling the demonstrations as hypocritical or out of place in an awards ceremony.
Interestingly, Billy Bob Thornton has previously expressed concerns about politics in Hollywood, suggesting that award recipients should focus on acknowledging those who honored them rather than advocating for causes. He argued that, while everyone has a voice, there’s an appropriate time for advocacy, which, in his view, might not be during award ceremonies.
Thornton raised a point about celebrity influence, noting that if individuals are truly committed to a cause, they should use their resources privately rather than public platforms. “If you have the means and truly care, put your money where your mouth is,” he stated.
