At the 2026 Golden Globe Awards, actor Mark Ruffalo strongly criticised former President Donald Trump while discussing recent events involving immigration enforcement.
Ruffalo made the remarks as he wore a black-and-white “Be Good” pin in memory of Renee Nicole Good, a woman shot dead by an ICE agent in Minneapolis.
During a red carpet interview, Ruffalo described Trump with harsh language, calling him a “convicted rapist” and a “paedophile,” and said he was “the worst human being” in the world.
Ruffalo also linked his comments to broader concerns about violence and politics, saying it was difficult to ignore current events while attending a high-profile awards show.
Context of criticism
Ruffalo’s remarks came amid widespread discussion of the fatal shooting of Good by ICE agent Jonathan Ross on January 7.
The incident has prompted national debate over immigration enforcement and the use of force by federal agents.
Trump defended the officer’s actions shortly after the shooting, saying the agent acted in self-defence and describing Good as disorderly and resistant. These comments divided public opinion.
In his red carpet comments, Ruffalo said he could not remain silent on issues he sees as morally important. He used his appearance to protest what he views as injustices tied to current political leadership.
Response from the White House
The White House responded to Ruffalo’s remarks with criticism. Communications Director Steven Cheung called Ruffalo “one of the worst actors in the business” and accused him of spreading “outright lies.”
Officials noted that, while Trump was found liable in a civil case related to sexual abuse by a jury in 2023, he has not been convicted of criminal sexual offences nor charged with paedophilia.
Reactions at the event and beyond
Ruffalo was among several celebrities wearing the “Be Good” pin, a symbol adopted by attendees to honour Good and call for compassion and accountability in enforcement practices.
The star’s comments drew a range of reactions on social media and in press coverage, with supporters praising his outspokenness and critics challenging his characterisations of political figures.
Ruffalo’s statement highlighted the depth of division over recent events and the role of public figures in political discourse.