Sean Penn, 65, is facing a potential fine after being caught smoking indoors at the Golden Globe Awards on Sunday night. The two-time Oscar winner was photographed lighting a cigarette inside the Beverly Hilton, a smoke-free venue, in violation of California's indoor smoking ban that has been in effect since 1995.
According to the Los Angeles Fire Department, fines for such infractions range from $81 to $324, with a $100 penalty for a first offence under state law. Penn was seen smoking next to Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Hudson, sparking criticism on social media, with some users branding him 'arrogant' for disregarding the rules.
Just days after the incident, Penn was seen holding hands with his girlfriend, Valeria Nicov, 30, in a rare public display of affection. The couple, first linked in September 2024, enjoyed a shopping trip, with Penn wearing a navy blazer and Nicov in an all-black ensemble.
This is not the first time Penn has faced backlash for smoking in inappropriate settings. In 2024, he was criticised for chain-smoking during a news conference at the Marrakech International Film Festival. The actor has a history of controversial behaviour, including physical altercations with journalists and an extra on a film set, which led to prison time in the 1980s.
In a joint interview with Julia Roberts last year, Penn defended the concept of shame, saying, 'I think shame is underrated these days. It's got a bad name this decade. Why shouldn't people be ashamed?'
