Sean Penn ignited controversy at the Golden Globes on January 11, 2026, after he was seen smoking a cigarette in the auditorium next to Leonardo DiCaprio, grabbing the attention of attendees and sparking heated debate on social media. The moment, which quickly fueled widespread Leonardo DiCaprio Golden Globes news discussions, left many questioning Penn’s actions and the event‘s response to his visible disregard of non-smoking policies.
Penn’s Smoking Incident Draws Attention at the Awards
During the high-profile event, Penn, known for his role in “Bad Boys,” was seated in the front row beside his “One Battle After Another” co-star, Leonardo DiCaprio, while DiCaprio was engaged in conversation with Kate Hudson. The presence of cigarette smoke became noticeable not just to those close by, but also to viewers at home, when smoke appeared on screen during the acceptance speech for the kpop demon hunters group.
The incident didn’t go unnoticed by attendees and fans alike, with many taking to social media to voice their reactions. Prominent social media users and journalists were quick to highlight their concerns about Penn’s behavior inside the auditorium. The moment has quickly become one of the most talked-about Leonardo DiCaprio Golden Globes news stories of the year.
Mixed Reactions Flood Social Media
Critics and supporters alike commented on Penn’s behavior, with some stating that he had disregarded public rules and official event policy. One user expressed frustration and concern, stating, “This can’t be legal.”—Ben Fritz, Journalist. Another comment reflected surprise at witnessing the smoke on television, writing,
“Wait the waft of smoke I saw appear on screen when kpop demon hunters accepted their award was from SEAN PENN SMOKING FRONT ROW?!”
—robin ?| bucky simp, Social Media User.
However, not all responses were negative, as certain users romanticized the act, linking it to a bygone Hollywood era. One person remarked,
“sean penn smoking a cig at the globes is that tiny piece of old hollywood you like to see.”
—screen., Social Media User. These diverse viewpoints highlight the divisive nature of the incident both online and within the industry itself.
Penn’s History with Smoking and In-Person Accounts
The controversy led some to reflect on Penn’s longstanding habit. In a recent interview with W Magazine, Sean Penn discussed how his relationship with smoking began decades ago while working on the World War II-era film “Racing with the Moon.” He recounted the influence of seeing himself as “an un-addictable person,” referencing a line from W. Somerset Maugham and describing how a particular brand of cigarettes caught his attention after filming.
Penn explained,
“I must have been 22. I saw myself as an un-addictable person. W. Somerset Maugham has a quote: ‘Men are vain, particularly young men.’ I was making a World War II–era movie called Racing with the Moon, and we were smoking unfiltered Ovals the whole time. After the shoot finished, this dark green carton of Turkish Ovals in the tobacconist’s store started calling me, saying, ‘You’re forgetting something.’”
—Sean Penn, Actor. He went on to state in the interview,
“I don’t try to quit anymore. I love it. I don’t recommend it for anybody, but I love it,”
—Sean Penn, Actor. These remarks underline Penn’s unapologetic stance regarding his smoking habit, which has now drawn new attention after this high-profile incident.
Event Rules, Industry Responses, and Ongoing Debate
With the Golden Globes being a smoke-free event and public smoking bans enforced in Los Angeles, such an act stands out as a challenge to established event guidelines and state law. Despite the outcry, there has yet to be an official statement from Golden Globes organizers regarding disciplinary action or policy enforcement, leaving many wondering about potential repercussions for celebrities who disregard public rules.
As the story continues to circulate across platforms and within entertainment media, it remains a focal point of debate—both as an example of celebrity privilege and as an emblem of changing attitudes toward smoking in public spaces. For Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Hudson, and the many viewers invested in Leonardo DiCaprio Golden Globes news, the incident represents a flashpoint for ongoing conversations about decorum, celebrity culture, and the future of high-profile industry events.
Lol, Sean Penn can’t even step outside to smoke. pic.twitter.com/cL9kGYLqud
— RG3 (@rascalgas) January 13, 2026
Wait the waft of smoke I saw appear on screen when kpop demon hunters accepted their award was from SEAN PENN SMOKING FRONT ROW?! https://t.co/G6PdCQDAxg
— robin 🌻| bucky simp (@HowlingAlpine) January 12, 2026
This can’t be legal. pic.twitter.com/hBp0D7O6jt
— Ben Fritz (@benfritz) January 12, 2026
sean penn smoking a cig at the globes is that tiny piece of old hollywood you like to see.
— screen. (@ScreenKennedy) January 12, 2026
