10 Times Celebs Made Powerful Social Statements on the Red Carpet

Celebrities Who Used the Red Carpet to Push for Social Change

The red carpet has long been a place where celebrities showcase their glamour and style. However, some stars remarkably used this platform to make genuine statements about social issues close to their hearts. Today, we delve into ten instances where celebrities took a stand on the red carpet, showing their commitment to important causes and demonstrating the power of their influence. These moments serve as poignant reminders that fame can be a powerful tool for positive change.

1. Laverne Cox – Support for trans rights

Laverne Cox, an advocate for trans rights and a trailblazing trans woman herself made an impactful statement at the 2019 Emmys. Nominated for her outstanding work, Cox walked the red carpet carrying a rainbow clutch bag emblazoned with a crucial message: "Oct 8. Title VII. Supreme Court." On the reverse side, it boldly stated "#TRANSISBEAUTIFUL." This gesture drew attention to a Supreme Court hearing concerning LGBTQI+ employment discrimination, a cause Cox passionately spoke about on the red carpet, underscoring the genuine nature of her advocacy.

2. Lizzo – Plea for voting rights

Lizzo took her passion for voting rights to the red carpet at the 2020 Billboard Music Awards. Dressed in a black mini dress adorned with the word "VOTE" repeated multiple times, she aimed to shed light on voter suppression during the contentious 2020 election. Upon winning the award for Top Song Sales Artist, Lizzo used her acceptance speech to honor the Black women who had tirelessly fought for voting equality. Her commitment to social justice resonated, making her stand out as more than just a fashion statement.

3. Auli'i Cravalho – Statement against indigenous women's mistreatment

In March 2023, Auli'i Cravalho made a bold statement at the premiere of "The Power." She wore a striking red handprint over her mouth, symbolizing solidarity with the fight against the missing and murdered indigenous women and girls, a pressing issue in Canada. Cravalho's choice to stand with the nonprofit No More Stolen Sisters illuminated the ongoing discrimination faced by this marginalized group. Her red carpet appearance was a stark reminder that silence can perpetuate injustice.

4. Travon Free – Tribute to victims of police brutality

Comedian and actor Travon Free used his fashion choice as a poignant tribute to victims of police brutality at the 2021 Academy Awards. His Dolce & Gabbana suit featured the names of individuals who had tragically lost their lives at the hands of U.S. police brutality, including Eric Garner, Daunte Wright, Alton Sterling, Philando Castile, and Tamir Rice. Given the heightened focus on the Black Lives Matter movement in 2021, Free's clothing choice carried immense significance, especially as he was nominated and won for his short film tackling police brutality, "Two Distant Strangers."

5. Jennifer Nettles – Demand for gender equality in country music

Jennifer Nettles used her attire to demand gender equality within the country music industry at the 2019 CMA Awards. Her white pantsuit concealed a powerful message: "Play our f***in' records. Please and thank you" on the inside and "Equal play" on the back. This public display addressed the underrepresentation of women on country radio, a longstanding issue that Nettles and many of her peers have criticized. Her red carpet moment called for necessary change and highlighted the resilience of women in the industry.

6. Mel B – Stand against domestic violence

Former Spice Girls member and "America's Got Talent" judge Mel B utilized her platform to deliver a defiant message following her tumultuous split from her abusive ex-husband, Stephen Belafonte. At the 2017 MTV Video Music Awards, she donned a sequined dress adorned with the words "You will never own me" in rainbow colors. Mel B's courageous stand shed light on the issue of domestic violence, a subject she had openly discussed in court documents. Her red carpet appearance was a testament to her strength and resilience.

7. Aunjanue Ellis – Protest against Mississippi's state flag

Aunjanue Ellis used her appearance at the 2016 NAACP Image Awards to protest Mississippi's controversial state flag which bore the Confederate flag, symbolizing racism and slavery. Dressed in an all-white gown with the words "Take it down Mississippi" and a red handprint, Ellis boldly spread her skirt to reveal her powerful message. Her red carpet moment reflected the growing momentum to change the flag, which was ultimately successful in 2020, marking a historic victory against racial injustice.

8. Simon Helberg and Jocelyn Towne – Plea for refugee rights

Simon Helberg, known for his role as  Howard Wolowitz in "The Big Bang Theory," and his wife, Jocelyn Towne made a powerful statement at the 2017 SAG Awards. Towne displayed the words "Let them in" prominently on her chest, above her strapless white gown while Helberg held up a sign reading "Refugees welcome." This protest came at a time when then-President Donald Trump's executive order had barred refugees from several Middle Eastern countries from entering the United States. Helberg and Towne's demonstration emphasized the importance of empathy and compassion for refugees.

9. Amber Rose and Blac Chyna – Fight against slut-shaming

Amber Rose and Blac Chyna made a bold and unapologetic statement against misogyny and slut-shaming at the 2015 MTV Video Music Awards. Both donned ensembles adorned with negative words like "Gold digger," "slut," and "b***h" repeated across their outfits. This audacious choice was a collective effort to challenge societal stereotypes and promote empowerment. Their red-carpet appearance sent a clear message: no one should be defined or judged by derogatory labels.

10. Taboo – Cultural tribute and activism

Taboo, a member of the Black Eyed Peas, used the red carpet at the 2017 MTV Video Music Awards to honor his Native American heritage and advocate for social justice. Wearing a traditional Shoshone Native American outfit and raising his fist in defiance, Taboo drew attention to his song "Stand Up/Stand N Rock #NoDAPL." The track highlighted the struggles of the Standing Rock Sioux reservation in the face of a controversial pipeline installation. Taboo's red carpet moment merged culture, activism, and music to create a powerful statement.