Oscar-winning actress Susan Sarandon has been dropped by top Hollywood agency UTA following her controversial comments about the ongoing conflict in Israel. According to sources, several staff members at UTA were deeply hurt by Sarandon’s comments.
The 77-year-old actress has been in the spotlight for her outspoken views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which have garnered controversy and backlash from many. In the wake of the October 7 attack by Hamas, Sarandon made statements at a pro-Palestinian protest in NYC that sparked further outrage. “There are a lot of people afraid of being Jewish at this time, and are getting a taste of what it feels like to be a Muslim in this country,” she said.
These remarks angered not just Jews, but people of all backgrounds, including Muslim American activist Asra Nomani. Nomani responded to Sarandon’s comments on social media, stating that her and her family’s experiences as Muslims in America have been full of freedoms and opportunities that would not be possible in many Muslim countries.
Sarandon’s comments have also been called out for being ill-informed and offensive, with many accusing her of minimizing the struggle and discrimination faced by Jews. Twitter users have also criticized Sarandon for reposting tweets from far-right accounts and supporting Pink Floyd frontman Roger Waters, who has been accused of anti-Semitism.
This is not the first time Sarandon has been under fire for her controversial statements. Last year, she came under scrutiny for reposting a social media post comparing police officers to fascists.
Hollywood has seen an increase in instances of anti-Semitism in recent weeks, as actress Julianna Marguiles pointed out in an interview with Variety. Other high-profile names in the entertainment industry, such as Lena Dunham and John Cusack, have also faced backlash for their comments regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Sarandon has been a client of UTA since 2014 and has appeared in multiple films this year. However, the agency has made the decision to drop her from their roster due to the controversy surrounding her comments.
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has sparked heated debates and strong emotions around the world. While it is important to have open discussions and advocate for causes one believes in, it is also crucial to remember to be respectful and informed when sharing opinions and making public statements.
