Sean Penn and his girlfriend, Valeria Nicov, were recently spotted holding hands, marking a rare moment of public affection just days after Penn stirred up controversy by smoking indoors at the Golden Globe Awards.
The 65-year-old actor made headlines for disregarding the no-smoking policy at the Beverly Hilton, a venue strictly enforcing smoke-free rules. Following the incident, Penn enjoyed a leisurely outing with his girlfriend, who is 30 years his junior.
Having been romantically linked since September 2024, the couple seemed cheerful as they engaged in a shopping spree.
For their casual day out, the two-time Oscar winner donned a navy blazer paired with a crisp white button-down shirt, while Nicov attracted attention in a classic all-black outfit.
On the previous Sunday evening, Penn drew the public’s eye when he was seen smoking during the Golden Globes ceremony.
His decision to smoke indoors could potentially lead to a fine, as California has enforced a ban on indoor smoking since 1995.
Sean Penn and his girlfriend, Valeria Nicov, were seen holding hands in a rare public display of affection, just days after he sparked controversy for smoking during the Golden Globe Awards
According to the Los Angeles Fire Department, fines range from $81 to $324 and $100 for first time infraction in state law.
Unable to get through the Golden Globes without his nicotine fix, Penn was photographed smoking next to Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Hudson.
Fans on X, who pointed out the supposed fine, have branded the long-time smoker ‘arrogant’ for ignoring protocols at the star-studded ceremony.
Previously, the actor was slammed for chain-smoking through a news conference at the 2024 Marrakech International Film Festival.
According to smoking guidelines in Los Angeles, smoking and vaping are now prohibited in all smoke-free places.
Penn – who had high-profile romances with Madonna, Robin Wright and Charlize Theron – has made headlines for his controversial behavior and fiery temper.
His first issue came in 1985 when the actor physically attacked two journalists trying to photograph him and Madonna in Nashville – an incident which began a dangerous pattern that led to Penn being sentenced to prison two years later.
Penn was already on probation when he was shooting Colors following a charge of misdemeanor battery for assaulting songwriter David Wolinski at Helena’s nightclub in Los Angeles.
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After making headlines for carelessly flouting the rules inside the Beverly Hilton, a smoke-free venue, the cinematic legend, 65, enjoyed some quality time with his much younger love, 30
The couple, who were first romantically linked since September 2024, appeared in high spirits as they indulged in some retail therapy
He was under strict conditions not to break his probation, but all hell broke loose while he was on set of the film, and his reputation was further tarnished.
In 1987, Penn had another brush with the law after punching an extra on the set of his film Colors.
After he attacked Jeffrey Klein, he was arrested and sentenced to 60 days in jail for assault. Penn served 33 days of the 60-day sentence.
In a joint interview with Julia Roberts last year, Penn critiqued cancel culture and the absence of shame as they discussed her ‘provocative’ Me-Too film After The Hunt.
A major point of discussion was Julia’s recent film After The Hunt – which follows a college professor [Roberts] whose star pupil makes a sexual assault accusation against one of her colleagues causing a dark secret from her own past to surface.
The film looks at the complexities of a person’s loyalties and bonds being put in direct competition with their ethical and moral compass.
On Sunday evening, Penn caught the attention of viewers at home after he was caught smoking inside the Golden Globes ceremony on Sunday night
Unable to get through the Golden Globes without his nicotine fix, Penn was photographed smoking next to Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Hudson
Penn shared how he thought it was refreshing to see the ‘provocative’ film challenge the idea that no one should be made to feel uncomfortable, adding: ‘I think shame is underrated these days. It’s got a bad name this decade. Why shouldn’t people be ashamed of things?’
The thrice-divorced Malibu native has won two Academy Awards for his leading performances in Clint Eastwood’s 2004 crime thriller Mystic River and Gus Van Sant’s 2009 Harvey Milk biopic Milk.
In November 2022, Penn gave away one of his Oscar statuettes to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy eight months after the Academy refused to allow the politician to speak during the same ceremony they allowed Will Smith to slap Chris Rock.
‘It’s just a symbolic silly thing, but if I know this is here with you, then I’ll feel better and strong enough for the fights,’ Penn said at the time.
‘When you win, bring it back to Malibu because I’ll feel much better knowing there’s a piece of me here.’
