Academy Award-winning actress Susan Sarandon was dropped by United Talent Agency after comments she made at a recent pro-Palestine rally were criticized online
Actress Susan Sarandon’s departure from United Talent Agency (UTA) has sparked widespread attention following remarks made at a recent pro-Palestine rally in New York City. The Academy Award-winning actress faced criticism after her comments were perceived by some as contentious and anti-Semitic.
UTA spokesperson Richard Siklos confirmed Sarandon’s exit from the agency, refraining from divulging further details regarding the separation. This development, initially reported by The New York Post, sheds light on the aftermath of Sarandon’s statements made at the rally.
During the gathering, Sarandon expressed concerns about the fear felt by individuals identifying as Jewish or Muslim in the current climate. Her call for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip drew significant attention, with remarks touching upon sensitive geopolitical issues.
However, Sarandon’s comments faced backlash across social media platforms. A former speechwriter for Israel’s UN delegation, via a public statement on social media, criticized Sarandon’s remarks, interpreting them as implying that Jews “deserve to live free from oppression and attack.”
Sarandon defended her stance at the rally, distinguishing criticism of Israel from anti-Semitism. Emphasizing her opposition to anti-Semitism and Islamophobia, she stated that challenging Israel’s policies should not be equated with hatred towards Jewish communities.
The context surrounding Sarandon’s departure coincides with heightened tensions due to the Israel-Hamas conflict. Reports of increased anti-Semitic crimes in New York City following the recent attacks have added gravity to discussions on this contentious issue.
This incident also echoes similar controversies within the entertainment industry. Instances of public figures expressing opinions on the Israel-Hamas conflict have drawn both support and criticism, leading to resignations and tensions within prominent talent agencies.
Sarandon, known for her acclaimed performances in films such as “Dead Man Walking,” “Bull Durham,” and “Thelma & Louise,” has been an outspoken advocate for various political causes throughout her career.
The intersection of entertainment, politics, and international conflicts continues to create discussions and divisions within Hollywood, emphasizing the impact of public statements made by influential figures.
As debates persist and tensions escalate, the fallout from Sarandon’s remarks sheds light on the complexities surrounding free speech, activism, and the fine line between criticism and prejudice in a highly charged global context.
Agency spokesman Richard Siklos confirmed Tuesday that Sarandon is no longer represented by the agency, but declined to elaborate. Efforts to reach Sarandon for comment were not immediately successful. His separation from the agency was first reported by The New York Post.
Sarandon was fired after making the comments at a rally in New York City last week.
“There are a lot of people right now who are afraid of being Jewish, afraid of being a Muslim, and they have a feeling of being a Muslim in this country, which is often a victim of violence,” he said at the rally. According to a video published by The Post, where he called for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
Those comments were criticized on social media; A former speechwriter for Israel’s delegation to the United Nations said on the X platform, formerly Twitter, that she had Explanation Sarandon’s comment implies that Jews “have it coming – that we don’t deserve to live free from oppression and attack.” The Post characterized his remarks as “anti-Semitic remarks” in a headline.
Sarandon said at the rally that criticizing Israel should not be considered anti-Semitism. “This is a terrible thing that has happened where anti-Semitism has been confused with speaking out against Israel,” Sarandon said. “I am against anti-Semitism. I am against Islamophobia.”
Anti-Semitic crimes have increased sharply in New York City since the Hamas attacks on October 7, according to the police department. According to the Israeli government, on October 7, Hamas fighters crossed into Israel from the Gaza Strip, killing about 1,200 people and taking about 240 hostages. According to Gaza’s health ministry, more than 11,000 Palestinians, including more than 4,600 children, have been killed since Israeli retaliation began.
Five-time Academy Award nominee and once winner — for Best Actress, in 1995’s “Dead Man Walking” — Sarandon counts “Bull Durham” and “Thelma & Louise” among her credits. This year, he starred in the latest DC Comics film, “Blue Beetle”. She is also known for her long-standing political activism.
Hollywood has been hit by the Israel-Hamas war in recent weeks. Some Jewish writers were angry that their union did not immediately issue a statement condemning Hamas. Maha Dakhil, a prominent agent at the Creative Artists Agency, posted messages on social media accusing Israel of “genocide” and then deleted them. He apologized and resigned from internal leadership positions at the company. One of his major clients, screenwriter and playwright Aaron Sorkin, dropped him as his agent, and said in a statement, “Maha is not an anti-Semite, he is just misogynistic.”
