On January 16, 2026, the memory of Scottish comedian Janey Godley surged back into the spotlight, thanks to a heartfelt and defiant social media post by her daughter, Ashley Storrie. Participating in the viral “2016 trend” – a phenomenon where users share photos or videos from a decade ago – Ashley chose to revisit one of her mother’s most iconic and controversial moments: a protest against then-US President Donald Trump at his Turnberry golf course in Scotland.
The image Ashley reposted shows Janey Godley standing beside a police officer, holding a bold placard emblazoned with the words “Trump is a c*t.” The photo, originally snapped in 2016, captured a moment that would not only go viral but also come to define Janey’s fearless comedic persona and her willingness to speak truth to power, regardless of the consequences. According to The Times, Janey’s protest at Turnberry made international headlines and became a pivotal moment in her career, cementing her reputation for sharp wit and outspoken activism.
In her recent Facebook post, Ashley reflected on the enduring impact of her mother’s actions. She wrote, “Everyone was going that 2016 trend – like a prophetic little time capsule, when I searched that year in my photo album this is what popped up. Ten years ago Ma, ten years ago you said fck it and did what you wanted. Like you always did. And I’m still proud of you.” The message resonated deeply with followers, many of whom took to the comments to share their own memories of Janey’s audacious protest and her legacy as a force of nature in Scottish comedy.
One admirer commented, “It was a defining moment for her as she went viral without even knowing the impact she would have.” Another recalled, “They broke the mould when they made her. An absolute force to be reckoned with. Saw her at the Beacon in Greenock a few years ago, I cried with laughter.” A third added, “I remember this day and how I thought, wow amazing woman. She had balls, more than Trump.” These tributes, reported by the Daily Record, underscore the affection and respect Janey commanded from fans and peers alike.
Janey Godley’s protest was not just a fleeting viral sensation. As Filmogaz and The Times noted, her actions had tangible consequences. In a 2021 interview, Janey revealed that she had been barred from visiting the United States ever since the incident at Turnberry. She recounted, “My first trip abroad was Florida in 1989, with my daughter Ashley and the husband whose name I never mention. We stayed outside Orlando and went to Disney World which was utterly magical. I’d love to go back now Joe Biden’s in charge. I’ve been barred from travelling to America since I welcomed Trump to Turnberry with that ‘Trump is a c’ placard. You couldn’t pay me to stay in that hotel – I wouldn’t put a penny in the a***e’s pocket.” Her words, both biting and wistful, captured the spirit of a woman who never shied away from controversy or from standing up for her beliefs.
The viral nature of Janey’s protest, and its subsequent revival by Ashley, speaks to the power of social media in shaping public memory and legacy. The “2016 trend” has encouraged countless individuals to revisit and share personal milestones, but Ashley’s post stands out for its raw honesty and emotional depth. It’s not just a throwback; it’s a celebration of a life lived unapologetically and a reminder of the lasting impact one person’s courage can have on a broader cultural conversation.
Janey Godley was known throughout her career for her sharp tongue and unfiltered humor. Her willingness to lampoon political leaders and take public stands on contentious issues endeared her to many in the UK, even as it sometimes drew ire from across the Atlantic. The Turnberry protest in 2016 was emblematic of her style – brash, witty, and impossible to ignore. As Filmogaz observed, the incident “became a pivotal moment in her career, elevating her profile internationally.”
But Janey’s story is also one of personal struggle and resilience. She passed away on November 2, 2024, after a courageous battle with ovarian cancer. In her final weeks, she was surrounded by loved ones in a hospice in Glasgow, as reported by multiple outlets. The outpouring of grief and remembrance that followed her death was a testament to the deep connections she forged with audiences and the indelible mark she left on the world of comedy and activism.
Ashley Storrie’s decision to revive her mother’s protest photo as part of the “2016 trend” is more than just a nod to nostalgia. It’s an act of remembrance and defiance, a way of keeping Janey’s spirit alive in the public imagination. As Ashley wrote in her original caption from a decade ago, “When I’m old and my ma is long dead, I’m going to look back on the day her rage was heard across the globe and be proud.” That day has come, and the pride is palpable – not just for Ashley, but for all those who admired Janey’s unyielding voice.
The legacy of Janey Godley is, in many ways, a reflection of the times in which she lived. Her protest against Donald Trump captured a moment of global political upheaval, and her subsequent ban from the United States highlighted the risks faced by those who dare to challenge authority. Yet, as her daughter’s tribute and the responses it elicited make clear, Janey’s impact extends far beyond any single incident. She remains a symbol of fearless self-expression, unafraid to speak truth to power and to find humor even in the most contentious of circumstances.
As social media continues to unearth and amplify moments from the past, Janey Godley’s protest stands as a reminder of the enduring power of comedy, activism, and the bonds between generations. Through Ashley’s eyes, the world is invited to remember not just a viral moment, but a woman whose life and legacy continue to inspire laughter, pride, and a bit of necessary rebellion.
Janey Godley’s story, revived and cherished by her daughter, lives on – a testament to the ways in which personal acts of courage can ripple outward, shaping culture and memory long after the placards have been put away.