Sean Penn called ‘arrogant’ for smoking at Golden Globes

At the 2026 Golden Globes, Sean Penn allegedly defied repeated warnings from staff by smoking throughout the ceremony, carelessly tossing cigarettes into water glasses while seated among other stars.

The actor’s actions sparked severe backlash, with insiders calling him an “arrogant” man who never listens to instructions.

Known for smoking openly at events, Sean Penn’s antics haven’t overshadowed the success of “One Battle After Another,” which won four awards at the Golden Globes.

Penn appeared unfazed by the venue rules at the 2026 Golden Globe Awards, smoking repeatedly throughout the ceremony despite being told to stop multiple times.

According to inside sources, the 65-year-old actor was approached three times by event staff and asked to put out his cigarette, requests he allegedly ignored without hesitation.

“Arrogant. Don’t listen to anyone. You and I would have been kicked out,” a source told journalist Rob Shuter’s #Shuterscoop. “But different rules for celebrities.”

Penn, who was nominated for best supporting actor for “One Battle After Another,” reportedly continued to glow as the night wore on, casually tossing cigarettes into nearby water glasses as he sat among other celebrities, including Leonardo DiCaprio.

Witnesses said smoke billowed from the front rows of the Beverly Hilton ballroom as staff debated how to handle the situation.

“He was indifferent to the warnings. He continued chain-smoking as if nothing had happened,” another source said. “Staff weren’t sure whether to enforce the rules or just let them slide.”

Those familiar with Penn’s public behavior were not surprised. The actor is said to have a reputation for smoking openly at industry events, from press conferences to festival appearances.

He was seen doing the same during an outdoor interview in 2025 and again in 2024 at the Marrakech Film Festival, where he criticized the Oscars while smoking a cigarette.

Despite the tension behind the scenes, the evening proved a success for “One Battle After Another,” which won four awards, including best musical or comedy film.

“He’s notorious and unapologetic. The rules clearly don’t apply to high-profile rebels like Sean Penn,” a source remarked.

Smoking wasn’t the only thing that brought attention to the famous actor at the 2026 Golden Globe Awards.

During host Nikki Glaser’s opening monologue, the comedian mocked Penn’s unconventional approach to Hollywood beauty standards.

She joked that unlike most stars who look for ways to maintain their youth and beauty, Penn is doing the opposite by apparently striving to look like a “leather purse.”

“Everyone in this town is obsessed with looking younger, but Sean Penn said to me, ‘What if I slowly transformed into a sexy leather purse?'” Glaser joked. “It’s hot. It’s good.”

In a recent interview with In the magazinePenn discussed his role as a military officer in “One Battle After Another.”

When asked about preparation, he explained that his previous experiences had already immersed him in this world.

“As with any preparation, this one was like, ‘Shut up, Sean. Stay away,’” he said.

He also reflected on his evolving relationship with acting.

“Eighteen years ago, when I did ‘Milk,’ that was the last time I enjoyed that work,” he said. “But you want to participate in something that interests you at the moment and with surprising people. Thanks to Paul’s film, I’m at a stage where I love theater. But I still have the carpentry to fall back on. And surfing.”

In 2018, in an interview with CBS Sunday morningPenn admitted that he had become disillusioned with Hollywood.