Hollywood Actress Susan Sarandon Dropped by Talent Agency After Remarks on Israel-Hamas Conflict

Actress Susan Sarandon looks on during Day 1 of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, July 25, 2016. ROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty Images

Hollywood actress Susan Sarandon has been dropped by her talent agency following comments she made regarding the Israel–Hamas conflict.

A spokesperson for United Talent Agency (UTA) confirmed to Deadline on Nov. 21 that it no longer represents the 77-year-old actress, who has reportedly been with the agency since 2014.

It comes after the Oscar-winning star attended multiple rallies in support of Palestine in recent weeks, including one in New York City on Nov. 17.

During that rally, Ms. Sarandon told a crowd in attendance: “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, so often subjected to violence.

“It’s important to listen it’s, important to have facts, and try to take a breath before you answer and, if it’s possible have a conversation,” the actress continued. “You don’t have to go through the entire history of that region, you can just show the babies that have been dying in incubators, the family and the love that people have for their loved ones when they’re blown to pieces, those images are enough to show you that something is drastically wrong.”

Ms. Sarandon also encouraged others to have the “courage to speak out” in support of Palestinians, according to separate video footage shared online.

“People are questioning, people are standing up, people are educating themselves, people are stepping away from the brainwashing that started when they were kids,” she said.

She later encouraged attendees to “be strong, be patient, be clear and stand with anybody who has the courage to speak out” and thanked “the Jewish community who’s come out to have our backs.”

‘Against Antisemitism, Against Islamophobia’

Separately, the actress said anti-Semitism should not be “confused with speaking up against Israel,” according to The New York Times. “I am against antisemitism. I am against Islamophobia,” she added.

The “Dead Man Walking” stars’ remarks were later criticized by Aviva Klompass, a former speechwriter for Israel’s delegation to the UN, who wrote on X, formerly Twitter, that her comments implied that “American Jews have it coming - that we don’t deserve to live free from harassment and assault.”

UTA could not be reached for further comment.

Separately on Tuesday, Spyglass Media Group, a film and television production and finance company, said it had dropped the actress Melissa Barrera from the cast of the “Scream” horror franchise following comments she made on Instagram about Israel’s attacks on Gaza, which the Israeli government says are targeting Hamas terrorists.

“Gaza is currently being treated like a concentration camp,” the actress wrote in one post shared to her Instagram stories, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

“Cornering everyone together, with no where to go, no electricity no water … People have learnt nothing from our histories. And just like our histories, people are still silently watching it all happen. THIS IS GENOCIDE & ETHNIC CLEANSING,” she continued.

In a statement to the publication Tuesday, a spokesperson for Spyglass Media Group, which is behind the Scream franchise, said: “We have zero tolerance for antisemitism or the incitement of hate in any form, including false references to genocide, ethnic cleansing, Holocaust distortion or anything that flagrantly crosses the line into hate speech.”

Members of the Jewish community and supporters of Israel attend a rally calling for the release of hostages held by Hamas, in Times Square, New York on Oct. 19, 2023. Ed Jones/AFP via Getty Images

Israel, Hamas Reach Deal on Pause in Fighting

Ms. Barrera, who has also appeared in a number of other films and TV shows including “Bed Rest” and “Keep Breathing,” later issued a statement on Instagram in which she said she condemns both anti-Semitism and Islamophobia.

“I condemn hate and prejudice of any kind against any group of people,” the actress wrote.

“As a Latina, a proud Mexicana, I feel the responsibility of having a platform that allows me the privilege of being heard, and therefore I have tried to use it to raise awareness about issues I care about and to lend my voice to those in need,” her statement continued. “Every person on this earth- regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation or socio-economic status- deserves equal human rights, dignity and, of course, freedom.”

“I believe a group of people are NOT their leadership, and that no governing body should be above criticism,” she concluded. “I pray day and night for no more deaths, for no more violence, and for peaceful co-existence. I will continue to speak out for those that need it most and continue to advocate for peace and safety, human rights, and freedom. Silence is not an option for me.”

Spyglass Media Group could not be reached for further comment.

More than 1,200 people were killed when Hamas terrorists launched a surprise attack on Oct. 7

Since then, more than 14,000 Gazans have been killed, according to medical officials in the Hamas-ruled territory.

On Wednesday, Israel and Hamas reached a deal for a four-day pause in fighting to allow aid into war-torn Gaza and the release of at least 50 women and children who are among the 240 hostages held in Gaza.

In exchange, at least 150 Palestinians jailed in Israel, who are also all women and children, will be released.

Israel has said the pause in fighting would also be extended an extra day for every additional 10 hostages freed by Hamas.