Golden Globes 2015: Acceptance Speeches Get Political Thanks To Je Suis Charlie, Ferguson And Downton Abbey's Rape Scene

It has already been a turbulent start to 2015 around the world and at last night’s Golden Globes many stars wanted to pay tribute to those around the world who have felt the sting of injustice.

From the terror attacks that devastated Paris to the civil unrest in middle America, actors and musicians alike used their acceptance speeches to highlight the myriad social issues that have dominated the news in recent weeks.

On the red carpet, the accessory du jour wasn’t a Harry Winston diamond or a pair of Louboutins but a ‘Je Suis Charlie’ motif.

Amal Clooney wore a somber black and white badge carrying the slogan as a sign of solidarity with the murdered Charlie Hebdo journalists and cartoonists who were slain in Paris last week in the worst terror attack France has seen in over 20 years.

American Horror Story actress Kathy Bates displayed a phone case emblazoned with the words as she took her turn on the red carpet, while stars including Diane Kruger and Helen Mirren held up signs of support.

George Clooney mentioned the massacre and subsequent marches in his acceptance speech for the Cecil B. DeMille award.

“Today was an extraordinary day. There were millions of people who marched, not just in Paris but around the world. They were Christians and Jews and Muslims,” he told the audience in Los Angeles.

“They were leaders of the world and they didn’t march in protest. They marched in support of the idea that we will not walk in fear. We won’t do it.

“So, Je Suis Charlie.”

Common also highlighted the racial tensions and violence across the US in his acceptance speech for Best Original Song.

The rapper co-wrote ‘Glory’ with John Legend for ‘Selma’, the civil rights drama about the 1960s voting rights marches in Alabama, and took the opportunity to draw similarities between past violence and the Ferguson riots.

“I am the hopeful black woman who was denied the right to vote,” he said.

“I am the caring white supporter, killed on the front lines of freedom.

“I am the unarmed black kid who maybe needed a hand but instead was given a bullet.

“I am the two fallen police officers, murdered in the line of duty.

“We look to the future and we want to create a better world. Now is our time to change the world. Selma is now.”

British actress Joanne Froggatt also used her time in the spotlight to mention an issue close to her heart.

The 34-year-old beat out stiff competition to take home an award for her portrayal of Anna Bates in ITV’s Downton Abbey, where she had to tackle a controversial rape storyline.

Joanne’s acceptance speech paid homage to the rape survivors whose stories are never told and who suffer alone in silence.

“I received a small number of letters from survivors of rape,” Joanne began.

“One woman summed up the thoughts of many by saying she wasn't sure why she'd written but she just felt in some way she wanted to be heard.

“I'd like to say, I heard you and I hope saying this so publicly in some way means you feel the world hears you.”

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