US Actress’s Pro-Palestine Comments Spark Hollywood Fallout, Blacklisting

Sarandon, 78, well-known for her vocal support for Palestine, has attended multiple rallies advocating for a Gaza ceasefire since the Israeli genocide war against Gaza began.

Last year, Sarandon faced backlash and was dropped by her agency, United Talent Agency, led by CEO Jeremy Zimmer, after comments at a New York City rally where she suggested Jewish people were "getting a taste of what it feels like to be Muslim" amid the ongoing conflict.

Following the incident, Sarandon issued an apology, stating her remarks were unplanned and aimed to draw attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Reflecting on the experience in a recent interview with The Times, she discussed the personal and professional consequences, sharing, “I was dropped by my agency, my projects were pulled. I've been used as an example of what not to do if you want to continue to work."

The actress noted that many individuals, including custodians, teachers, and cafeteria workers, have similarly faced job losses since expressing political views or supporting a ceasefire online. When asked about future roles, she responded, "I don't know. Not anything in Hollywood."

In July, Sarandon reiterated her stance in Elle Spain, expressing regret for her "terrible mistake" in phrasing but reinforcing her commitment to social justice. She shared that her status as a prominent actress serves as a "loudspeaker" for drawing attention to societal issues.

Sarandon, who grew up during the Vietnam War, explained that her early exposure to political activism has influenced her views, adding, “Injustice has always hurt and angered me." She expressed frustration over the spread of misinformation in an era where information is readily accessible.

Her comments included a call for collective action to end Israeli violence, stating, “It is up to each of us to stop the genocide that is happening in Gaza, and that means that Israelis and Palestinians stop dying. No one deserves to die this way.” She also praised countries like Spain, Ireland, and Norway for openly opposing contributing to the conflict.

Recalling the impact of her profession, Sarandon said she realized in the 1970s that her career provided a platform for activism. During that era, she participated in a march for the Equal Rights Amendment, speaking out despite initial hesitation.

Sarandon’s activism spans decades, including protests for AIDS visibility, ending the Iraq war, and gun control. Her commitment has led to arrests, most recently at a 2022 protest advocating for minimum wage increases for tipped workers.