At the 83rd Golden Globe Awards on January 11, 2026, Hollywood star Mark Ruffalo used one of the world’s most visible entertainment stages to deliver a stark, politically charged critique of former US President Donald Trump, drawing both applause and fierce backlash across social and news media. While celebrating his nomination for his performance in Task, Ruffalo seized the red carpet spotlight to talk about justice, grief and what he sees as a deep moral crisis in American leadership and in the process, called Trump “the worst human being in the world”.
The ‘Be Good’ protest and why Mark Ruffalo spoke out at Golden Globe Awards 2026
Ruffalo’s comments were tied to the #BeGood protest movement, led by celebrities and grassroots organisers in honour of Renee Nicole Good, a Minneapolis woman fatally shot by a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent earlier that week. Ruffalo stepped out on the red carpet, donning a monochrome Be Good lapel pin alongside fellow entertainers like Wanda Sykes, Natasha Lyonne, Jean Smart and Ariana Grande. He told the reporters present at the event that the tribute was “for Renee Nicole Good, who was murdered”, before pivoting to a broad critique of Trump’s policies, his approach to international law and what the actor said was a dangerous moral void at the top of the US government.Ruffalo said on the red carpet, “We have a vice president who is lying about what’s happening. We’re in the middle of a war with Venezuela that we illegally invaded.” Talking about Trump, he said, “He’s telling the world that international law doesn’t matter to him. The only thing that matters to him is his own morality. But the guy is a convicted felon or convicted rapist. He’s a paedophile. He’s the worst human being in the world. So if we’re relying on this guy’s morality for the most powerful country in the world, then we’re all in a lot of trouble.”He stressed that while he came to celebrate his career achievement, he could not remain silent given what he called extraordinary national turmoil under Trump’s leadership. He referenced US military actions, immigration enforcement and what he described as Trump’s disregard for international norms.Going back to throw spotlight on his pin, Ruffalo added, “So this is for her. This is for the people in the United States who are terrorised and scared today. I know I’m one of them. I love this country and what I’m seeing here happening is not America.” The speech marked one of the most unambiguous and confrontational celebrity critiques of Trump at a major awards event in years and it came at a moment when Hollywood stars have increasingly used their red carpet platforms to spotlight social justice issues, from climate change to human rights. Ruffalo’s frustration reflected broader currents in progressive circles, where immigration policy, enforcement violence and foreign interventions have drawn sustained criticism.
Hollywood applause vs online outrage
Predictably, the remarks have sparked widespread debate. Supporters praised Ruffalo for leveraging his visibility to highlight grief, fear and political urgency felt by many who see recent ICE shootings and policy decisions as emblematic of broader systemic problems. Social media threads tied his comments to concerns about accountability, the role of power in shaping truth and the responsibilities of public figures in times of crisis.Meanwhile, detractors have dismissed his language as extreme and inappropriate for an awards show setting, arguing that such platforms should stick to entertainment rather than politics. Some critics seized on his choice of words and personal attacks, framing them as provocative rather than constructive.This Golden Globe moment also underscores how entertainment and politics are increasingly intertwined in contemporary America. Awards ceremonies are no longer insulated from global crises, public policy debates or the emotional realities of a divided populace. Blunt, raw and polarising, Ruffalo’s remarks reflect both the anxieties of a segment of the public and the enduring question of what role, if any, celebrities should play in shaping political discourse.Beyond the headlines, the episode highlights how personal tragedy such as the killing of Renee Good, can catalyse broader political expression, using platforms like the Golden Globes to amplify conversations about power, accountability and justice. For Ruffalo, the choice to speak up was not just a critique of an individual but a commentary on the state of American moral leadership and the pressures facing artists who feel compelled to use their stage not only for celebration but for conscience.What began as a red carpet appearance at a glamorous film awards night became a charged political statement, with Mark Ruffalo declaring Donald Trump “the worst human being in the world” as a part of a larger protest against violence and policy under the Trump administration, setting off a flurry of debate about celebrity activism, morality and the intersection of entertainment and politics in 2026.
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