The 2026 Golden Globes red carpet became a platform for political protest as several high-profile celebrities used a simple accessory to make a powerful statement about a recent tragedy and the state of the U.S. government.
A Pin with a Powerful Message
During Sunday night's ceremony, comedian Wanda Sykes and actors Mark Ruffalo and Natasha Lyonne were seen wearing small, black-and-white pins bearing the phrase "Be Good." The accessory was a direct tribute to 37-year-old Minneapolis mother Renee Nicole Good, who was fatally shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent just days earlier, on Wednesday, January 7, 2026.
When asked by Variety about her pin, Sykes was unequivocal. "This is for the mother who was murdered by an ICE agent," she stated. Sykes expressed her sorrow over the event and connected it to a broader political critique. "It's really sad. And you know, I know people are out marching and all today, and we need to speak up. We need to be out there and shut this rogue government down, because it's just awful what they're doing to people."
Contradictory Narratives Spark National Outrage
The incident that claimed Good's life has been mired in conflicting accounts. Following the shooting, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) characterized Good as one of several "violent rioters" who blocked ICE officers during a targeted operation. The DHS further claimed she had "weaponized her vehicle" in an attempt to run over an officer.
However, circulating video evidence of the incident appears to tell a different story. The footage suggests Good was attempting to reverse her car and flee the scene when the officer opened fire, shooting at her multiple times. The stark discrepancy between the Trump administration's narrative and the visual evidence fueled immediate public anger.
In the days following the shooting, protests erupted in cities across the United States, with demonstrators demanding justice for Renee Good and accountability for the involved agency.
Celebrities Amplify the Call for Justice
The decision by Sykes, Ruffalo, and Lyonne to wear the "Be Good" pins on one of Hollywood's most visible stages signifies a deliberate move to amplify this call for justice to a global audience. By bringing the protest to the Golden Globes, these celebrities ensured the story remained in the spotlight, leveraging their platform to criticize government actions and express solidarity with the protest movement.
Natasha Lyonne wore her pin prominently on her handbag, while Mark Ruffalo displayed his on his suit lapel, ensuring the message was seen by photographers and broadcast to millions of viewers worldwide. This act of subtle but unmistakable solidarity demonstrates how cultural events are increasingly intersecting with urgent political and social issues.
