Bill Maher has stirred the pot at this year’s Golden Globe Awards, voicing his disapproval of the celebrities wearing pins to honor Renee Nicole Good, the mother-of-three tragically killed by an ICE agent.
While Maher didn’t shy away from condemning the shooting as a “terrible thing,” he expressed his belief that the pins worn by stars like Ariana Grande, Mark Ruffalo, and Wanda Sykes weren’t the most effective way to address such a serious issue.
When asked on the red carpet by USA Today whether the pins were a meaningful form of activism, Maher responded with a dose of sarcasm, saying, “Come on, we’re just here for showbusiness today.”
His remark was followed by a more serious comment on the shooting itself: “It was a terrible thing that happened, and it shouldn’t have happened… but I don’t need to wear a pin about it.”
Celebrities Show Solidarity with ICE Victim
Despite Maher’s dismissive tone, many high-profile stars took a different stance at the Golden Globes.
Celebrities including Wicked stars Ariana Grande, Mark Ruffalo, Natasha Lyonne, and Hacks actress Jean Smart proudly wore the pins in tribute to Renee Good.
Even host Wanda Sykes donned the badge on her glittery silver suit.
Sykes, in particular, made waves with her comments during the event, poking fun at Maher’s stance on the issue.
During her speech, she roasted Maher by telling him to “try less,” which left Maher visibly uncomfortable, his expression quickly shifting from confusion to a stony silence.
When asked about the pin, Sykes shared a more personal sentiment.
“I wore it for the mother who was murdered by an ICE agent,” she explained.
“I know people were marching today, and we need to speak up.
We need to be out there and shut this rogue government down.”
The Tragic Death of Renee Nicole Good
Renee Nicole Good’s death has left a profound mark on the nation, sparking outrage and questions about the use of force by law enforcement.
On January 7, 2026, Good, 37, was fatally shot by ICE agent Jonathan Ross in Minneapolis, Minnesota, an incident that was captured on video and quickly went viral.
The footage shows Good’s final moments before she was shot in the head by Ross after a tense encounter.
According to reports, Good’s vehicle was positioned across the road in what appeared to be an attempt to block the ICE agents.
A confrontation ensued when Ross approached the SUV, and Good was heard saying, “That’s fine, dude.
I’m not mad.” Tensions escalated when her wife, Rebecca Good, urged Ross to “show his face” and confronted him.
Good was eventually told to get out of the car but ignored the orders.
As the situation became more heated, she revved her engine and drove off.
It’s unclear whether Ross was struck by the vehicle or if he jumped to avoid it, but in the end, he fired three shots at Good, one of which pierced the windshield and struck her in the head.
ICE’s Defense and Local Reactions
The federal government has defended the shooting, labeling it as an act of self-defense.
However, the city’s mayor has sharply criticized the actions of the ICE agent, calling the shooting “reckless” and “unnecessary.”
While federal officials insist that the agent acted in self-defense, many in the community and across the country are questioning whether such a drastic response was warranted.
The tragic event has sparked an outcry, with many wondering how such a confrontation could end in the loss of life, particularly when the situation did not seem to justify the use of lethal force.
Hollywood’s Role in Political Activism
The Golden Globes pin controversy isn’t the first time Hollywood stars have used their platform to make political statements, but it is sparking a debate about the effectiveness of symbolic gestures.
Bill Maher’s criticism of the pins suggests a divide between those who believe in direct action and those who feel that red carpet tributes fall short of creating real change.
For Maher, the focus should be on addressing the broader issue of ICE’s behavior, rather than offering a symbolic tribute.
“Wearing a pin isn’t going to solve the problem,” Maher argued.
“It’s just for show.” In contrast, Sykes and others clearly feel that these small acts of solidarity matter, especially in raising awareness about injustices like the shooting of Renee Good.
The Bigger Picture: The Role of ICE in America
The killing of Renee Nicole Good by ICE raises critical questions about the role of Immigration and Customs Enforcement in American society.
While some view the agency’s actions as essential to enforcing immigration laws, others see it as a symbol of a rogue government that is operating without proper accountability.
The death of Good, and the subsequent viral videos of the incident, have reignited the debate over how ICE should operate, particularly in situations involving immigrants or protests.
With Good’s tragic death as the backdrop, many are calling for reforms to the way ICE handles its interactions with civilians.
Conclusion: The Growing Divisions Over Activism and Justice
As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: the tragic death of Renee Nicole Good has sparked a conversation about justice, accountability, and the role of activism in today’s world.
For some, symbolic acts like wearing pins are a necessary step in raising awareness.
For others, the focus must shift to meaningful actions that address systemic issues.
Whether or not wearing a pin to the Golden Globes makes a difference, the tragedy of Good’s death continues to resonate, sparking conversation in both Hollywood and across the nation.
As the story unfolds, it will undoubtedly remain a focal point in discussions about law enforcement practices and the future of activism in the public eye.
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