Simon Helberg, best known for his role as Howard Wolowitz on The Big Bang Theory, made a bold political statement on the red carpet at the 2017 Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards. Accompanied by his wife, Jocelyn Towne, the couple used the high-profile event to send a clear message opposing President Donald Trump’s controversial immigration ban.
As they posed for photos, Helberg held up a handmade sign reading “Refugees Welcome,” while Towne had “Let Them In” written across her chest. Their coordinated protest was a response to Trump’s executive order, which temporarily banned refugees and immigrants from several predominantly Muslim countries. The couple, married for a decade, chose the awards ceremony as a platform to voice their stance amid a wave of nationwide protests against the ban.
Helberg and Towne’s act of defiance echoed the sentiments of many Americans who had taken to the streets over the weekend to show their support for immigrants and refugees affected by the order. Their red carpet protest added them to a growing list of public figures who have spoken out against the president’s actions, calling them un-American and discriminatory.
Hillary Clinton also publicly criticized Trump’s immigration policy on social media, tweeting her support for the protests: “I stand with the people gathered across the country tonight defending our values & our Constitution. This is not who we are.” Clinton’s tweet highlighted the widespread backlash against the executive order and underscored the solidarity felt by those opposing the policy.
In using the SAG Awards as a platform for protest, Helberg and Towne made a strong statement about the importance of standing up for vulnerable communities. Their actions served as a reminder of the power of public figures to raise awareness and express dissent, even on glamorous occasions like Hollywood’s award shows.
