At 65, Sean Penn was seen with his 30-year-old love interest, raising eyebrows for ignoring Golden Globes protocol

Actor Sean Penn has faced renewed criticism after being photographed holding hands with his 30-year-old girlfriend, Valeria Nicov. The images appeared shortly after he drew backlash for smoking indoors at the Golden Globes.

The 65-year-old Oscar winner was criticized both for the public smoking incident and for the 35-year age difference in his relationship. The couple’s appearance together quickly reignited debate online.

Penn first drew attention at the Golden Globes on January 11, where he was seen smoking a cigarette indoors while seated near Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Hudson. Critics pointed to California laws banning indoor smoking and accused him of ignoring basic rules.

Others downplayed the incident, noting that Penn has long been known as a habitual smoker, including at major film events such as the 2024 Marrakech International Film Festival.

Focus soon shifted to his relationship with Nicov. Social media users questioned the optics of their age gap, with some making unkind remarks about her appearance and comparing her to a bodyguard or relative.

Penn has a long history of controversial relationships and behavior. His past romances with Madonna, Robin Wright, and Charlize Theron, along with past legal troubles and on-set altercations, have often overshadowed his career.

Nicov, a Romanian-born actress and model, had little public exposure before dating Penn in 2024. While her acting credits are limited, public discussion has centered more on her age and looks than on her professional work.